Event Information Box
Table of Contents
KEY PIECES OF INFORMATION FROM THE EVENT
Event title:
Microelectronics Education Programme (MEP)
Timeline Date
January 1, 1981
Category
Government, Department or Organisation
Secretary of State
Subject
Area
BECTA Category
Event Content
By disapplying the ICT programme of study from September this year schools will be able to offer a more creative and challenging curriculum, drawing on support and advice from those best positioned to judge what an ambitious and forward-looking curriculum should contain.
DETAIL OF THE EVENT
DES (Dept of Education and Science) establishes the Microelectronics Education Programme, (MEP) to support educational computing (mainly secondary sector – expanded into Primary), through the establishment of 14 regional consortiums of LEAs, plus 4 Special Education Microelectronics Resource Centres (SEMERCs). The idea for a new National Programme (England, Wales, Northern Ireland with separate arrangements for Scotland) had first been raised on 6th March 1979 via a consultation document Primary developments included to setting up of Blue File Software programs which were freely available. Project headed up by Anita Straker. Total budget £23m.
Evidence indicates that recent curriculum and qualifications reforms have not led to significant improvements in the teaching of ICT, and the number of students progressing to further study in ICT-related subjects is in decline. Furthermore, the ICT curriculum in its current form is viewed as dull and demotivating for pupils. Its teaching may not equip pupils adequately for further study and work, may leave them disenchanted or give rise to negative perceptions that turn them off the subject completely.
Event Media
Key Documents
Further Research around the event
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Additiional content on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microelectronics_Education_Programme
