LETTER : Alarm bells ringing over technology in schools

Mike Heath
Saturday 16 March 1996 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: The turmoil within schools over accommodating GCSE technology courses needs addressing as a top priority (report, 14 March). Reports that a shortage of qualified technology teachers and equipment is threatening mandatory courses due to be introduced in September should ring alarm bells throughout the nation.

The Engineering Council, together with other major engineering organisations, campaigned successfully for technology to be a key part of the National Curriculum because the UK's economic success is dependent on a strong engineering base. We have had a sad record of teaching technology in Britain over past decades and it seemed that, at last, we were beginning to get our act together. For the development of future generations of first-class engineers and technicians now to be undermined by this crisis is extremely alarming.

Mike Heath

Director General

Engineering Council

London WC2

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in