A-level debate still a prickly subject

The number of students studying IT A-level has dropped again

Does it matter that the number of pupils studying IT-related A-levels has fallen again this year? That is the (12x5)+4 million-dollar question.

How many of us are in a job that bears any relation to our exam choices as 16-year olds? Probably not many.

Computer studies degrees rarely require technology qualifications as a pre-requisite ­ typically maths is more important.

And there are plenty of IT jobs given to graduates with non-technical degrees ­ IT employers look for individuals with the right personal attributes to succeed.

So does the IT sector beat itself up unnecessarily about the growing lack of enthusiasm for IT study in schools?

The government seems to think so ­ the comment from the Department for Children, Schools and Families that ‘many young people interested in IT are taking alternative vocational routes rather than A-level’ rather speaks for itself. The A-level qualification is seen as somewhat irrelevant.

But there has been such a focus on encouraging children to study science and technology that questions must be raised about its apparent ineffectiveness.

And if teenagers do not see IT as an interesting subject, it is unlikely their views will have changed significantly when they enter the workplace.

All the evidence points to a serious and long-term mismatch between education, government and business in a field that all agree is essential for the UK’s future competitiveness.

The fall in A-levels is not itself the problem, it is a symptom of a wider challenge that everyone in IT must address.

Identity parade

The race for ID cards has started ­ and it will be interesting to see who takes part.

Some vendors saw the NHS National Programme as a poisoned chalice and chose not to bid ­ the scrutiny on ID cards will be even greater.

And the Tories still say they will scrap the scheme if they come into power. The challenge for those who decide to take it on will be enormous.