Discussion of ICT in the new primary curriculum

The request was partially successful.

Dear Department for Education,

How many times has ICT been discussed in relation to the development of the new primary curriculum?

What are the main discussion points so far about ICT in the new primary curriculum?

Yours faithfully,

James Bird

Department for Education

Dear Mr Bird

Thank you for your recent email. A reply will be sent to you as soon as
possible. For information, the departmental standard for correspondence
received is that responses should be sent within 20 working days as you
are requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Your correspondence has been allocated the reference number 2011/0077805

Thank you.

Central Allocation Team

Public Communications Team

Tel: 0370 0002288
www.education.gov.uk

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Department for Education

 
Dear Mr Bird

 

DISCUSSION OF ICT IN THE NEW PRIMARY CURRICULUM

 

Thank you for your request of 16 November under the Freedom of Information
Act 2000 (“the Act”) for information regarding discussions about ICT in
relation to the review of the National Curriculum. 

 

As you know, the review is currently developing new programmes of study
for English, mathematics, science and physical education which we have
already confirmed will continue to be compulsory National Curriculum
subjects.  We are also considering which of the other subjects that
currently form the National Curriculum, including ICT, should be part of
the National Curriculum in future and at which key stages.  Our proposals
will be announced next year, following which there will be widescale
consultation before final decisions are made. In that context, there have
been a wide range of discussions relating to ICT in the primary
curriculum, both within the Department and with stakeholders both before
and after the launch of the review:  it is not possible to be specific
about the number of such discussions.

 

In terms of the other information you requested, the Department has
concluded that it cannot be disclosed because it falls under the exemption
provisions of the Act.  It is being withheld because section 35 of the Act
applies as it relates to the formulation or development of government
policy. The exemption in section 35 is subject to the public interest
test, which means that when the exemption is engaged it is necessary to
consider whether in all the circumstances of the case the public interest
in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in
disclosure.

 

In balancing the public interest, the Department recognises that
considerations for disclosure add up to an argument that more openness
about the process may lead to better quality policy formulation and
development, greater accountability, an improved standard of public
debate, and improved trust.  Conversely, the case for withholding rests
principally in the nature of the activity involved in policy making. 
Ministers and those advising them need to have the confidence and space to
carry out the decision-making task effectively, including the confidence
and space necessary to allow for free and frank provision of advice and
exchange of views.  Full consideration of all the options can be made
without fear of premature disclosure.  In this case, we have concluded
that the public interest lies in not disclosing the information you have
requested.  As I have explained above, there will be an opportunity for
full public consultation on the government’s proposals for the future of
ICT in due course.

 

Please contact me if you have any queries about this letter. If you are
unhappy with the way your request has been handled, you should make a
complaint to the Department by writing to me within two calendar months of
the date of this letter.  Your complaint will be considered by an
independent review panel, who were not involved in the original
consideration of your request.  If you are not content with the outcome of
your complaint to the Department, you may then contact the Information
Commissioner’s Office. 
Yours sincerely,

Maleck Boodoo
National Curriculum Review Division
[email address]
[1]www.education.gov.uk

Your correspondence has been allocated the reference number 2011/0077805.

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