Curriculum review? Try curriculum overhaul

Nimmi Patel, Head of Skills for Talent & Diversity at techUK, shares her thoughts on the curriculum and urges for an education system that fully prepares pupils for a tech-focused job market

The phrase ‘curriculum review’ suggests that only a few tweaks are needed. But it’s clear what we need is not a review, but a fundamental overhaul of how and what we teach young people.
 
The current curriculum has struggled to keep pace with technological advancement, leading to a concerning decline in participation in technical subjects. There are substantial disparities in access to computing education that particularly impact disadvantaged communities and underrepresented groups. These challenges are deepened by a shortage of qualified computing teachers and inadequate integration of digital skills across the broader curriculum.
 
techUK surveyed parents and guardians working in tech to find out what they think the future of work holds for their children and how well our education system is preparing them for the jobs and labour market of tomorrow. Results showed that most children aren’t taking computing qualifications, despite their relevance to future careers. A weak student appetite for computing education can be explained in part by a curriculum that is failing to inspire students on the diverse opportunities presented by tech.
 
The government’s Curriculum & Assessment Review interim response recognises this need for change. But recognition alone is not enough. Real transformation will require bold collaboration between government, schools, and, crucially, the tech sector.

Government has established a new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts. The group will advise on what changes can be made to improve the AI and digital skills talent pipeline, prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future, and drive better teaching and learning through the use of AI and technology.
 
This is a welcome step, but it must be backed by action. Let’s stop reviewing and start rebuilding.