Computer Programming: Primary Schools

Oral Answers to Questions — Education – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:15 pm on 24 March 2015.

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Photo of David McNarry David McNarry UKIP 3:15, 24 March 2015

T5. Mr McNarry asked the Minister of Education approximately how many primary-age children are studying computer programming. (AQT 2315/11-15)

Photo of John O'Dowd John O'Dowd Sinn Féin

My Department does not keep information of that level. Computer programming is not a compulsory element of the primary-school curriculum, although I am aware that many schools are involved in computer coding clubs and that a number of schools are involved with IT companies in their vicinity which, commendably, provide training to primary-school children.

Photo of David McNarry David McNarry UKIP

I thank the Minister for his answer. I am sure that he takes the point in my question. In response to a recent Assembly question, the Minister said that 14,480 year-12 pupils sat GCSE in design and technology, which is a pointer. Is the Minister prepared to introduce an early introduction to programming? I take it from his previous answer that he is unable to give me an example of that and of how such a programme could be expanded, but I do see the need.

Photo of John O'Dowd John O'Dowd Sinn Féin

There are numerous examples. I have given you a number of examples of how schools are working with local industry and involving themselves in local computer coding clubs. As I said in response to Mr Hilditch, I do not believe that you can pick one element out of the economy or education and say, "That's going to be the next compulsory element of the curriculum." To do that, you would require an overall review of the curriculum and decide on the weaknesses and strengths of making a subject compulsory at any level.

I am aware that they have made coding compulsory in schools in England, for instance, but they have not provided any funding to back it up. I could say that coding is compulsory in all schools, but I have no funding to back it up. The ways in which a number of schools are approaching this matter are innovative and inventive, and we should continue to encourage them down that road for the time being unless and until a review of the curriculum takes place.