A New ICT Curriculum for a New Future: Delivering Innovative Provision in Our Schools & Colleges (London)

Please note we are also running this event in Manchester on 14th June, for details please click here.

The Context:

The Government has announced that it is scrapping the existing ICT Curriculum. It will be replaced by new courses of study in a move which will give schools the freedom to create their own ICT and Computer Science curricula. This move is being made in response to criticism that the existing National Curriculum Programme of Study is “dull and unsatisfactory” and does not equip pupils with the skills employers want. The current ICT curriculum will be withdrawn from September and technology in schools will no longer be micro-managed from Whitehall giving teachers freedom over what and how to teach.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Department for Education Representative
• Professor Steve Furber, Fellow of the Royal Society and Chair of Computing Report for Royal Society
• Simon Milner, Director of Public Policy for UK and Ireland, Facebook
• Bernadette Brooks, General Manager, Naace
• Karen Price, CEO, e-Skills
• Mark Dorling, Teacher, Langley Grammar School

The Issues:

This Westminster Briefing will allow participants to hear from the Department for Education, and other key experts – giving delegates the chance to examine the changes to the ICT Curriculum and to understand the implications for them and their setting. Key issues to be discussed include:

• What will the new curriculum look like: a flexible approach for schools
• Disapplying the ICT Programme of Study: freedom for teachers to decide what & how to teach
• Delivering the new curriculum - funding and staff implications
• Using new classroom methods to help pupils acquire skills
• Devising new courses and exams: the role of universities and businesses
• Developing high quality Computer Science qualifications
• Partnerships with industry to improve teaching & give careers advice
• Developing shared resources between schools
• Developing curriculum resources for all schools to use
• Improving Initial Teacher Training & CPD for teachers in educational technology

Objectives and Outcomes:

The morning ‘Current and Future Policy’ session will provide delegates with a clear understanding of the current situation and the implications of the proposed changes. The afternoon ‘Policy into Practice’ session will allow participants to examine case studies of current best practice in the teaching of ICT and computer science.

Who Should Attend:

Delegates will be drawn from a wide range of stakeholders. These will include: head teachers, teachers, governors, education staff in local authorities, curriculum developers, school inspectors, professional associations, teacher trainers, higher education staff, leading software providers, companies providing services to schools, central government departments & bodies, unions, academia and the private, voluntary & community sectors.

Morning refreshments will be served upon arrival with a networking lunch to follow. Any special needs or dietary requirements should be notified to us upon booking.