'Passing on core knowledge' should not be central aim of ICT curriculum reforms, says former Naace chair

Curiosity and creativity also hugely important to ICT teaching, says Berry

Today's Department for Education (DfE) National Curriculum review paper includes "a few improvements" but still maintains a focus on "passing on core knowledge" rather than true ICT-based preparation for "opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life".

So says Miles Berry, former chair of ICT education advisory association Naace, and subject leader for computing education at the University of Roehampton.

Berry told Computing that today's release includes "some corrections and a few improvements" on the DfE and secretary of state's last published draft back in February 2013.

"I'm glad he's taken the opportunity to make these changes," said Berry, "although I wish he'd gone somewhat further."

Berry said equipping school children with "an understanding of computer science and practical experience in coding" is "to be welcomed", and that training in safe and responsible care of data is a particularly pleasing inclusion.

"Although more could have been said about developing a critical appreciation of the impact of technology on individuals and society," said Berry.

"I'm also pleased to see reference to pupils creating digital content at Key Stage 1, as well as secondary, but am surprised that Mr Gove didn't take this opportunity to add an entitlement to learn about creating digital media into the Key Stage 2 specifications," added Berry.

"Key Stage 4 still seems to consist of little more than 'keep calm and carry on coding', although teachers will recognise that GCSE specifications have more impact than the National Curriculum on what's studied at this level."

Berry also registered concern about other key omissions from the paper.

"Elsewhere in the curriculum, there's little attention paid to the way digital technology can enhance learning, and still some preference for analogue forms (pencils, not keyboards; sketchbooks not tablets)," he said.

"The aim remains that of passing on core knowledge, which may no longer be the best possible preparation for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life."

Berry remarked that "it's better to treat what we have here as the minimum entitlement, going far beyond this to develop character, curiosity and creativity as well as 'core knowledge'.

"There's no talk here of inculcating a love of learning. I guess that will be down to schools and teachers," added Berry.

The curriculum reforms are expected to be brought into effect from September 2014, across all age groups from primary to secondary.