The issue is that as technology like AI and 3D printing develop at a pace the developing skill set in the UK is falling behind.
The eight point plan includes the recommendation that 3D printers and design software should be available to primary school children and allow GCSE level students to choose computer science, design or technology subjects instead of foreign languages.
The report goes on to say:
The UK’s future workforce will need technical expertise in areas such as design and computing, plus skills which robots cannot replace – flexibility, empathy, creativity and enterprise.
Right now, this thinking is almost entirely absent from the core curriculum in mainstream schools.
The up shot is that point two of Lord Bakers recommendations is that:
All primaries should have 3D printers and design software
So what can we do? Well if you are an educational institution please get in touch, we are always happy to offer educational discounts for schools. If you have any questions on 3D printing and how you may use it in your curriculum then please get in touch.
Some ideal 3D printers for primary schools are the XYZ Da Vinci Junior or the new UP Mini 2 3D printer.
