The Coding Class

So we’re well and truly into the ‘Year of Coding’ that’s set to create the next Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg in British schools, colleges and universities. Coding, of course, used to be known as programming, before the government decided it preferred a word with 45% fewer letters.

Today, Education Minister Nicky Morgan is set to announce a major boost to the classroom coding boom. Due to speak at the annual BETT technology show, which focuses on tech education, she will announce plans to get the experts to really connect with the classes. After all, Mrs. Morgan will argue, ‘A significant number of jobs will be in the tech industry.’ So it makes sense to get the industry involved.

In order to successfully create a new generation of tech-heads, the Department of Education currently offers £3.6 million in matched funding. And who have they got lined up to assist? Why, none other than seriously big-hitters, Google and O2.

The Internet giant and the telecommunications company are just two of the businesses who will offer support and advice to both teachers and students looking to learn the art of tech creation. It’s thought that Google will lend a hand to several universities in creating training documents that can be used by teachers.

O2 is expected to get involved with a scheme to offer peer-to-peer training for teachers who teach the new computing curriculum. And they’re not the only ones. For primary school teachers, Oxford Brookes Uni will produce an online course; the Raspberry Pi Foundation will work closely with high schools to support lessons in computing.

In her BETT speech, the MP for Loughborough will also say: ‘We are committed to supporting tech companies to connect with our schools, preparing young people to succeed in the global race. Increasing focus on subjects like computing is a key part  of our plan for education, which is why we’re investing in the latest training and support, so our teachers are fully prepared to plan, teach, and assess the new computing curriculum.’

Here at Tristar IT, we know just how crucial it is to encourage the next round of tech-heads in schools. After all, technology is a real passion of ours. That’s why we offer dedicated IT services in London. For more information about what we do, please contact us on 01707 378 453 or email sales@tristarsupport.co.uk and our team of experts and professionals will be more than happy to assist with your enquiries.