ICT in the Primary School
'Pupils should be given opportunities to apply and develop their ICT capability through the use of ICT tools to support their learning in all subjects. At Key Stage 1, it is statutory to teach the use of ICT in English, mathematics and science. At other key stages, there are statutory requirements to use ICT in all statutory subjects, except PE' (DFE 2012).
The teaching of ICT is very important to the National Curriculum as we live in a world where technology is continually advancing. Therefore, to enable children to participate in modern life they, need to be taught about technology and become equipped with the skills to use it.
In reference to the review of the National Curriculum, Michael Gove (DFE 2012) states 'by withdrawing the programme of study, we're giving teachers freedom over what and how to teach, revolutionising ICT as we know it.' The government envisages the teaching of ICT not only involving programmes such as Word and Excel but also applications such as animation.
I agree that the teaching of other applications will benefit children as this is technology that they are exposed to everyday, thus they will show more interest towards it. This website demonstrates examples of other applications which could be used in the classroom.
To find out more about the government's proposals for ICT click on the link below
http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00201864/harmful-ict-curriculum-set-to-be-dropped-this-september-to-make-way-for-rigorous-computer-science
References
DFE (2012a) 'Harmful' ICT curriculum set to be dropped this September to make way for rigorous computer science (DFE).
DFE (2012B) ICT Curriculum (DFE).