Julia Adamson MBE
Managing Director (Education and Public Benefit) at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
We must empower young people with essential digital skills for success. Inclusive, real-world tech education and curriculum reforms can boost confidence and career opportunities.
Young people need a high level of digital literacy to equip them to thrive in today’s society. Tech skills and confidence are crucial for both personal success and the UK’s global standing.
Gender gap in tech and computing literacy
However, too many students are leaving formal education without the digital skills for life and work. The overall figures for those taking GCSE computer science are low, and it remains a highly theoretical qualification.
At present, 94% of girls and 79% of boys drop computing at age 14. The reality is that we are losing young women from the tech industry before they even have a chance to begin their careers. Over half a million women are ‘missing’ from the IT sector. They would be there if representation in tech was equal to the workforce as a whole.
Enhancing digital literacy education
The situation is deeply concerning. More needs to be done to make this exciting, creative and transformational subject relevant to all students. There is strong evidence supporting the need to develop new digital literacy qualifications that are relevant, inclusive and connected to real-world applications for everyone.
Introducing topics such as cybersecurity, creative tech and artificial intelligence could help students see the exciting opportunities available beyond traditional programming roles. Thankfully, the Department for Education (DfE) has launched the independent Curriculum and Assessment review, led by Prof Becky Francis CBE, an education policy expert.
Reforming the computer science curriculum
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT and our Computing at School (CAS) community will respond to the call for evidence by advocating for a new approach to embed digital literacy throughout the curriculum, extending beyond the existing computer science GCSE.
Reforming the curriculum is perhaps the most critical policy decision we can make for the future of our children and the economy. It’s time to put digital literacy at the heart of education, ensuring that what we teach prepares children properly for life and work.
