UK trade body for ICT welcomes Michael Gove’s announcement on future of ICT teaching in schools

London. January 11, 2012: Intellect the trade body for the UK’s ICT industry has today welcomed Michael Gove’s announcement that ICT lessons are to be scrapped and replaced with computer science and programming.

Intellect had recommended this course of action last year when it responded to the Department for Education review of the national curriculum.

Richard Hadfield, chair of Intellect’s education group said: “We are pleased that Michael Gove has agreed with our recommendation to scrap the current dull and uninspiring ICT lessons and replace them with lessons which will engage, excite and inspire pupils. Equipping pupils with real programming and computer science skills, along with business skills, is vital to ensuring the future of the UK ICT sector and our whole economy.”

John Hoggard, Intellect’s head of government & education added: “Intellect will respond to the consultation announced today by Mr. Gove and our member companies are committed to helping schools teach this new generation of lessons.   The announcement today is a vital first step to ensure continued growth and competitiveness of the UK.   We will continue to push for schools to build students' skills through embedding tech into teaching of all other subjects.”

An e-skills report last year highlighted that the IT and telecoms industry will create 550,000 new jobs over the next five years, many of them requiring the sort of skills taught in computer science and programming courses.

Read the Department for Education announcement.

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