Coding to be taught in Australian schools from primary age

[sylarspock]

Something of interest as Linus was discussing about teaching kids coding and starting them off at an early age  in the WAN Show.
 

Coding has replaced history and geography in Australia's new digital technologies curriculum which was endorsed by education ministers on Friday.

 

As The Australian reports, it ensures that 21st century computer coding will be taught in primary schools from Year 5, and programming will be taught from Year 7.

 

It's as part of a slimmed-down national curriculum that was given the tick of approval by Education Minister Christopher Pyne in one of his last acts before being sworn in as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science later this morning.

 

There's been a big push for a greater focus on coding and science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects in schools from a primary level, and it seems a good fit with new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's heavy focus on innovation and preparing for the jobs and economies of the future.

 

The government will be pumping A$12 million into four separate STEM initiatives: the development of innovative maths curriculum, the introduction of computer coding, a P-TECH-style school pilot site and the funding of summer schools for STEM students from underrepresented groups.
 

"High quality school STEM education is critically important for Australia's productivity and economy wellbeing, both now and into the future," Pyne said in a statement. "We are restoring the focus on STEM subjects in schools and making sure our teachers get more instruction on STEM during initial teacher training."

 

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten signalled his support for coding in schools earlier this year but then prime minister Tony Abbott was not impressed.

"He said that he wants primary school kids to be taught coding so they can get the jobs of the future," Abbott said at the time. "Does he want to send them all out to work at the age of 11?"

 

Source:
http://mashable.com/2015/09/21/coding-schools-australia/?id=mash-com-fb-aus-link#uH8OJW4.5Gkl

 

[OfficialJsP]

I guess that's cool I wish my primary school would have done when I was younger.

[You_are_a_cunt]

While I agree that coding needs to be taught in school, primary school kids don't have their logical thinking all that developed yet.

Middleschool maybe, but not primary school.

[Dabombinable]

While I agree that coding needs to be taught in school, primary school kids don't have their logical thinking all that developed yet.

Middleschool maybe, but not primary school.

Watercooled FX 4300? Blasphemy. They should only go under LN2 and up to 6GHz+.

[You_are_a_cunt]

Watercooled FX 4300? Blasphemy. They should only go under LN2 and up to 6GHz+.

World record is 8GHz. Just gimme a tank of LN2 and some disposable components and I'll beat that ezmode

[AresKrieger]

While I agree that coding needs to be taught in school, primary school kids don't have their logical thinking all that developed yet.

Middleschool maybe, but not primary school.

I agree with this sentiment, and some people never become logical thinkers

[PlayStation 2]

you mean kangaroo land is trying to do something right?

blasphemy

[Trik'Stari]

And the US slips further back in the education department.

 

Good for you Australia.

[OfficialJsP]

While I agree that coding needs to be taught in school, primary school kids don't have their logical thinking all that developed yet.

Middleschool maybe, but not primary school.

 

middleschool??? what's middleschool??

[Kirky2k15]

Can't agree with that BBC article that says kids aren't benefiting from IT in the classroom. As Linus said its how they are used and in what subjects etc... Now buying kids iPads for the classroom is another kettle of fish...

[Centurius]

Good that they're adding it in, not a fan of it being at the cost of history AND geography.

[PlayStation 2]

And the US slips further back in the education department.

 

Good for you Australia.

You're telling me.

As a 10th grader in Alabama, I can safely say that education has gone down the toilet.

[Dredgy]

While I agree that coding needs to be taught in school, primary school kids don't have their logical thinking all that developed yet.

Middleschool maybe, but not primary school.

 

Australia does not have middle school. We have primary/elementary and high school. This coding curriculum will start for students in Year 5 (aged 10).

[WolfDeville]

For fucks sake... If only we had this in my time

[Albatross]

....yea, because who needs history lessons, right?

 

 

I seriously hope I am misunderstanding this article...

[terrytek]

You're telling me.

As a 10th grader in Alabama, I can safely say that education has gone down the toilet.

common core is total shit. i see no fucking point in it.

[You_are_a_cunt]

Australia does not have middle school. We have primary/elementary and high school. This coding curriculum will start for students in Year 5 (aged 10).

Ah, that's better. When I read primary I was imagining a herd of snotty 6-7 year olds and a frustrated teacher trying to teach them about integers and bits. 

 

Primary school here is years 1-4. Middle school 5-8, High school 9-12

[PlayStation 2]

common core is total shit. i see no fucking point in it.

My sentiments exactly.

The best way I like to describe it is as it's a tree; very few people can climb it unscathed.

[You_are_a_cunt]

....yea, because who needs history lessons, right?

 

 

I seriously hope I am misunderstanding this article...

I think they had additional geography/history classes that were somehow tied into technology shenanigans

[terrytek]

My sentiments exactly.

The best way I like to describe it is as it's a tree; very few people can climb it unscathed.

honestly i feel bad for anybody born after 2001, being guinea pigs for this stupid standard. i was the last generation, for example, who took the old route of math in high school (geometry, algebra 2, pre calc, etc.)

[Centurius]

....yea, because who needs history lessons, right?

 

 

I seriously hope I am misunderstanding this article...

No I'm pretty sure you read it just right, at least I read it the same way as well.

[Albatross]

I think they had additional geography/history classes that were somehow tied into technology shenanigans

 

Oh, well, if that's the case okay...if it isn't, how utterly ridiculous.

[PlayStation 2]

honestly i feel bad for anybody born after 2001, being guinea pigs for this stupid standard. i was the last generation, for example, who took the old route of math in high school (geometry, algebra 2, pre calc, etc.)

My little brother got taught multiplication back in TEXAS in the third or whatever grade and now they're relearning it in EIGHTH grade.

[Salty]

i'm probably going to miss out on this lmao

[You_are_a_cunt]

Oh, well, if that's the case okay...if it isn't, how utterly ridiculous.

My thoughts exactly. I had no idea how the education system in 'Straya works