I know that ICT is not considered worthy by MN but...
The DfE published a document last week regarding the development of Short Course GCSE PE, A Level Geology and A Level Politics. On page 11 of this document there was a short paragraph
"The reformed computer science GCSE and A levels provide a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and for employment. Students will develop the computational thinking skills needed for today’s economy – including coding and important information technology topics such as cyber security, networking and data storage. In the last year alone, the numbers studying computer science GCSE have more than doubled.
It is right that schools continue to focus on the digital knowledge that will best prepare young people for further study and employment. Ministers have therefore taken the decision not to approve two GCSEs and A levels in a similar qualification space. The IT GCSE and IT A level will not be redeveloped"
whilst this year the Joint Council for Qualifications - 'Results 2015' - 20/08/2015 reported the following entries
GCSE ICT entries 2015: Male 64,777. Female 47,157. Total 111,934.
GCSE Computer Science entries 2015: Male 29,736. Female 5,678. Total 35,414.
ICT and Computer Science are two very different subjects; CS is not suitable for the vast majority of student's and not to everyone's taste. ICT is more than PowerPoint and the skills that year 7 have from primary is reducing significantly every year. To not develop the subject is a step in the wrong direction for students and employers.
Therefore I am asking if you would please sign this petition in order to provide choice for students
petition here