FDM Group Supports A Government Revamp Of The IT Curriculum In Schools

Online, January 19, 2012 (Newswire.com) - International IT graduate recruiter FDM Group has spoken out in support of the government's overhaul of ICT teaching in schools.

The recently announced revamp of ICT teaching in schools involves a move away from traditional methods of teaching to a more technical stance that aims to include the teaching of computer coding and programming languages, as well as creating a more flexible curriculum.

FDM Chief Operating Officer, Sheila Flavell, said, "With the increasing IT skills gap, we support initiatives to increase both the IT skills of young people and their interest in the field."

In announcing the changes, Education Secretary, Michael Gove, identified that students and teachers alike consider the current curriculum to be tedious and unappealing.

Gove said, "The best degrees in computer science are among the most rigorous and respected qualifications in the world. They're based on one of the most formidable intellectual fields - logic and set theory - and prepare students for immensely rewarding careers and world-changing innovations. But you'd never know that from the current ICT curriculum."

The 'Best Technical Graduate Recruiter of 2010' helps bridge the IT skills gap through its award winning graduate programme, which provides university leavers with a unique combination of industry centred training and real commercial experience.

However, the success of such programmes relies upon fresh intakes of IT graduates each year and the school curriculum plays a vital role in captivating the next generation of talent.

Gove's announcement highlights a further obstacle toward providing students with interesting and motivating ICT courses, which is the current skill level of teachers.

According to a recent survey conducted by British Education Suppliers Association (BESA), a staggering 70 per cent of schools indicate that over half of teachers in the UK require training.

Sheila Flavell addressed this saying, "This announcement comes at a time where school and government budgets are limited, however it is crucial that we focus on up skilling our students as well as our teachers to ensure that the future of IT in the UK remains bright."

For more information about the FDM Academy graduate programme please visit: www.fdmacademy.com