Boy playing Minecraft on Surface Go in classroom

Welcome to a world-class computing education

By Chris Rothwell, Director of Education at Microsoft UK

As technology evolves and continues to transform our lives in ever-increasing ways, it’s important that every child should have access to a world-class computing education so they can become the creators of tomorrow.

At school, children study science, history, geography, art and music to help them understand the world around them, and computing and computer science is no different. It helps them prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. As part of a well-rounded curriculum, these subjects can inspire students to be creative problem solvers and critical thinkers. It will also help the UK foster the digital skills and talent we need in the years ahead.

I was delighted to see the Department for Education launch the National Centre for Computing Education (NCEE) recently.

Microsoft has been a long-standing advocate for and supporter of computing education, working with the Royal Society, BCS, Computing at School, BBC and others from business and voluntary sectors.

The consortium behind the NCEE – BCS, the Raspberry Pi Foundation and STEM Learning –  brings together tremendous skills, commitment, passion and experience, with a powerful focus on empowering teachers.

As the Royal Society reported last year, computing education faces challenges.  The introduction of the computing programmes of study in England in 2014 presented a difficult transition for many teachers and schools, due to the stronger focus on computer science. This NCEE and related investment from Government is a welcome and vital injection of support.

As Microsoft continues its commitment to digital skills and education, we’re looking forward to working with the NCEE to ensure every child has the chance to fulfil their potential in a future where they can be creators, inventors and makers.