[Yr7-10it] Captain, there be IT ahead

[Roland Gesthuizen]

One thing is certain for 2009, and it is very likely to be change.

There has been some disquiet brewing how many secondary schools have
quietly dismantled technology and IT areas of the curriculum,
sometimes under the broad aim to create 'integrated' subjects. In
reality, the result has sometimes been a poor caricature and does not
provide any real scaffolding to encourage students to take up IT or
trade subjects. The reasons are of course quite complex but this and
other directions taken by schools have not helped the skill shortages
that are looming in both areas.

I note that QLD has just put IT and technology back onto the radar.
There will be 12 domains offered over 3 years (Years 10-12). These are
English, Maths, The Sciences, The Arts, HPE and Personal Development,
History, Geographical Studies, Human and Social Sciences, Design and
Technology, Business Studies, LOTE, and Information Technology. Each
domain will have a core and electives (specialist, extension and
transdisciplinary). With the senior phase now being Years 10-12,
'core' is really Year 10. .. yes, you read this right .. IT will have
it's own domain - Information Technology.

Considering that some of the VELS was inspired by the New Basics
program from QLD, it is interesting to watch this development, those
surrounding the national curriculum and the future of the VELS in
Victoria.
     http://education.qld.gov.au/corporate/newbasics/

I am curious what others think of this or the grouping of core
subjects and domains that we have offer in Victoria?

Regards Roland
--
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead