15 October 2013
Teachers, students, parents and business people have been challenged to ‘Think Differently’ in a new strategy from Education, Sport and Culture that sets out how Jersey students can excel in IT and computing in future.
The Think Differently IT skills strategy has been developed to ensure the Island’s next generation have the ability to keep pace with the rapid, constant developments in technology and are well equipped to succeed in their careers.
The strategy proposes:
- a new approach to teaching the subject
- a new IT curriculum
- closer links with businesses
- an upgrade for the IT infrastructure used in States schools - one of the Channel Islands' largest computer networks
Think Differently key prioirities
The strategy focuses on three key priorities and details projects for each one. They are:
- teaching and learning
- infrastructure and technology
- business and education
Director of Education Mario Lundy said “The potential of IT to enhance learning within and beyond the classroom is at the heart of this strategy. New technologies offer greater opportunities for pupils to engage in active, independent learning and collaboration. This gives them the freedom to discover and develop solutions for themselves and enables teachers to rethink the way teaching is organised.”
ESC Assistant Minister Deputy Rod Bryans said “We need to make sure our young people have a dynamic education, one that inspires them to think creatively, communicate well, identify and solve the problems waiting in their futures. Our schools and teachers are already doing a lot to achieve that, but this vision will help add an extra dimension to learning. Ultimately it will provide the best IT education possible, a workforce fluent in technology and a prosperous successful Island.”
Teaching and learning projects
A number of projects are planned In teaching and learning, including:
- a new engaging computing curriculum with greater emphasis on skills that will be in demand in workplaces in future
- high quality teaching supported by continual professional development for teachers
- teaching primary children coding and computer theories
Infrastructure and technology projects
The objectives for infrastructure and technology projects are:
- to provide effective, accessible IT infrastructure, including high-speed, e-safe networks
- innovative use of digital technology in schools; explore new ideas and innovations to equip students for school and their future careers
- pupils learn about risks of technology and how to be responsible online
Business and education projects
The business and education projects focus on:
- working closely with businesses to ensure a smooth transition from education to the workplace
- getting businesses involved in school activities to help students understand computing theory and apply it to real life business opportunities, particularly in subjects such as coding (programming)
- establishing links with industry to support and advise education, provide relevant experience for pupils and encourage those who wish to pursue a career in IT
Work on IT initiatives is already underway. For example, in September, IT teachers from Hautlieu began sharing their expertise with staff and students in primary schools. This means children as young as four and five have started learning ‘code crunching’ and other computing skills as part of the new project.
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