e-Learning Foundation's response to Michael Gove

Response to Michael Gove

ICT Reform must not hide access to technology challenge
Responding to Michael Gove’s speech on the ICT curriculum, Valerie Thompson, Chief Executive of the e-Learning Foundation, said:

“The ICT curriculum is inappropriate for today’s needs and it is good to see that this has been recognised by the Government. Computer science certainly has its place in the curriculum and is important in preparing pupils for a wide range of careers and university courses.

“Today’s announcement must not serve as a smokescreen to hide the fact that cuts to capital budgets have had a serious impact on the money available to schools to spend on technology. This comes at a time when the national curriculum review highlights the need for ICT to underpin and support learning in all subjects.

“With many schools now struggling to keep their ICT suites open, there is a need to tackle the issue of access to technology. We need to ensure all children, no matter their background, have access to technology both at home and at school. Over three-quarters of a million children are still unable to go online at home and are therefore seriously disadvantaged when it comes to their education.”