FDM Group supports a Government revamp of the IT curriculum in schools

Jan. 17, 2012 - PRLog -- International IT graduate recruiter FDM Group has spoken out in support of the government’s overhaul of ICT teaching in schools.

The recently announced revamp of ICT teaching in schools involves a move away from traditional methods of teaching to a more technical stance that aims to include the teaching of computer coding and programming languages, as well as creating a more flexible curriculum.

FDM Chief Operating Officer, Sheila Flavell, said, “With the increasing IT skills gap, we support initiatives to increase both the IT skills of young people and their interest in the field.”

In announcing the changes, Education Secretary, Michael Gove, identified that students and teachers alike consider the current curriculum to be tedious and unappealing.

Gove said, “The best degrees in computer science are among the most rigorous and respected qualifications in the world. They’re based on one of the most formidable intellectual fields – logic and set theory – and prepare students for immensely rewarding careers and world-changing innovations.  But you’d never know that from the current ICT curriculum.”

The ‘Best Technical Graduate Recruiter of 2010’ helps bridge the IT skills gap through its award winning graduate programme, which provides university leavers with a unique combination of industry centred training and real commercial experience.

However, the success of such programmes relies upon fresh intakes of IT graduates each year and the school curriculum plays a vital role in captivating the next generation of talent.

Gove’s announcement highlights a further obstacle toward providing students with interesting and motivating ICT courses, which is the current skill level of teachers.

According to a recent survey conducted by British Education Suppliers Association (BESA), a staggering 70 per cent of schools indicate that over half of teachers in the UK require training.  

Sheila Flavell addressed this saying, “This announcement comes at a time where school and government budgets are limited, however it is crucial that we focus on up skilling our students as well as our teachers to ensure that the future of IT in the UK remains bright.”

For more information about the FDM Academy graduate programme please visit: http://www.fdmacademy.com


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NOTES TO EDITORS:
For more information and high res images please contact Nabila Salem at nabila.salem@fdmgroup.com

FDM Group is an international IT Services Provider specialising in six core service areas: Project Management Office, Application Support, Development, Testing, Infrastructure and Training. Renowned for service excellence, FDM supplies effective and innovative IT solutions to over 200 blue-chip clients worldwide. With offices in the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA, FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years and has firmly established itself as an award-winning IT Services Provider.

FDM Academy is a division of FDM Group, responsible for launching the IT careers of 3,000 graduates worldwide, for over 21 years. The Academy’s award-winning graduate Programme consists of approximately 12-16 weeks of skills development followed by two years employment and is designed to provide both the practical skills and business awareness required in today’s demanding workplace.