Computer Science
in the School Curriculum
As computing is incorporated into most jobs, it is now crucial for everybody to understand its principles. Today’s students will need to draw upon computing skills throughout their lives, making it essential for them to study Computer Science (CS) at school.
CS in the Curriculum drives economic growth
Currently, education cannot meet the growing demand for people with CS and technology skills, hindering economic growth. By 2025, 149 million more digital jobs will be created in fields such as privacy, data analysis and AI – all requiring CS skills.
CS in the Curriculum fosters inclusion
Technological skills reduce inequalities between students and access to CS education helps achieve this. E.g.: CS increases college enrolment rates – CS skills such as problem-solving are transferable, driving student success in other subjects.
CS in the Curriculum empowers people
Computing delivers significant benefits, but it also has negative consequences: polarisation, widespread distrust, erosion of democracy. People need to understand not just how computing works for them but how it can work against them too.
Microsoft’s Computer Science Curriculum Toolkit
Microsoft’s long experience as a leader in the computing industry, combined with unrivalled global partnerships, gives it the capacity to help with both the design and implementation of a modern, engaging Computer Science curriculum.
Preparing for the jobs of today and tomorrow
Microsoft’s approach to CS is predicated on the principle of ‘Computer Science for All’ delivered through a range of offerings and partnerships that cover learning content, teacher training, design and practical implementation, and certification.
The benefits of using Microsoft’s CS Toolkit
• Making Computer Science more appealing to students
• Lowering the barriers for teachers
• Helping to drive inclusion
• Making Computer Science relevant to students’ lives
• Supporting the sustainability agenda
Toolkit contents: the guide
The guide consists of a full primary and secondary school curriculum framework mapped to learning outcomes, standards, and certification, an implementation plan, lesson and project suggestions, and practical guidance for coding activities.
Toolkit contents: the map
The map helps you to quickly see progression, learning pathways, and module level mapping to content, assets and links. You will also have access to a white paper that provides a rationale for implementing CS.
