Report: Teach kids about the web

A major review into primary school education says that children should be taught to use podcasts and become internet literate from a young age.

The review, by Sir Jim Rose, says that under-11s should be taught to podcast, produce computer presentations, upload artwork onto computers and use spreadsheets in maths and science.

The report commissioned by schools secretary Ed Balls calls for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which is usually taught in secondary schools, to be taught to primary school students.

However, the interim report stresses that teaching ICT should be given as much importance and prominence in the primary curriculum as literacy and numeracy.

Sir Jim said: "Good primary teaching deepens children's understanding by firing their imagination and interest in learning. The primary curriculum needs to be forward-looking."

"Advances in technology and the internet revolution are driving a pace of unimaginable change," he added.

Sir Jim also recommended that the number of subjects taught in primary schools be cut to "six broader areas of learning".

The six would include understanding English, communication and languages; mathematical understanding; scientific and technological understanding; human, social and environmental understanding; understanding physical health and well-being; and understanding the arts and design.

www.dcsf.gov.uk/primarycurriculumreview

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