A call for more current Computer Science teaching in schools has been backed by the Government after leading video games developers’ recommendations. An independent review of skills carried out by Alex Hope of Double Negative and Ian Livingstone of Eidos Life, revealed 20 recommendations for industry, educators and Government reform in order to make the UK the world’s leading visual effects and video games talent providers.
One of the key recommendations was introducing a more current computer science role in the national curriculum. That means teaching it as an essential discipline. The Government has agreed to back this recommendation saying ‘Teaching of ICT and computer science in schools needs reform to better reflect the changing role of technology and the need to engage the computer scientists of the future.’
They acknowledge the fact that the current ICT education is in need of reform, describing it as ‘insufficiently rigorous’ and are committed to introducing a more focused, rigorous curriculum. Ed Vaizey, Creative industries also highlighted the economic and cultural value of video games and visual effects saying that the long-term potential their markets offer ‘a great opportunity for UK-based businesses.’ He went on to list the some of the potential as including high-quality jobs helping us recover from recession and producing this kind of talent ensures UK remain one of the leaders in the industry.
According to CVG, Livingstone said that despite not getting an actual commitment to including ICT in the national curriculum from the government he was still happy with the response they got from the Next Gen report. It has led to a nationwide campaign that has at least urged a more intricate approach to computer science and technology in classrooms. Companies like Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft and Google are also backing this approach.
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