Students to learn computer skills from Kindergarten to Year 12

Students will study computing as early as Kindergarten by 2022 all the way through to Year 12 as part of a review of subjects. Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the new subjects would help students prepare for a rapidly changing workforce.

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Students will be able to study computing from Kindergarten right through to Year 12 by 2022, including two new hi-tech HSC subjects on the cutting edge of augmented reality technology and mechatronics.

A new elective course for Years 9 and 10 called Integrated Computing will develop students’ understanding of data analytics, user experience, programming and creating intelligent systems. It is on track to be part of the curriculum by 2021.

Elementary school pupils using computers in classroom

It will bridge the gap between the mandatory technology course that was introduced to Years 7 and 8 this year, and HSC courses in Software Design And Development and Information Processes And Technology.

By 2022, the Software Design And Development course is likely to have been replaced by a new subject, Software Engineering, dropping the current focus on software for PCs and laptops in favour of developing apps for mobile devices and robotics.

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Software Engineering students could be expected to build a robotic prosthetic hand or program a self-driving car, according to course ­designer Anthony Rotondo.

“As we know, computing has evolved to be more mobile and agile,” Mr Rotondo said.

The Information Processes And Technology course could ­be replaced by Enterprise Computing, teaching students to use business programs such as Excel and MYOB. Enterprise Computing will include skills crucial to securing jobs in the future.

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said students will learn skills they will need in the future. Picture: AAP/Paul Braven

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the new subjects, all in review by teachers, were crucial to guaranteeing students left school prepared for a rapidly changing workforce.

“Expanding these subjects to all high school students means we are giving more children the opportunity to develop the technological skills required to succeed,” Ms Mitchell said.

“By teaching students how to learn coding, programming and computing, we are giving them the chance to be better equipped when it comes to complex problem solving.”

Originally published as Students to learn computer skills from Kindergarten to Year 12