Computer coding added to B.C. school curriculum as part of tech strategy

Dec 20 2017, 3:40 am

Public school students in B.C. will now learn to code as part of the new province-wide curriculum coming into effect this fall.

Premier Christy Clark announced the development during her keynote address Monday morning at the inaugural BC Tech Summit, the first conference of its kind in the province to bring together leaders and innovators across the B.C. tech sector over two days.

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“Over the next three years, every kindergarten to grade 12 student will have the opportunity to learn the basics of coding and all those fundamental tech skills. It is my goal that we ultimately make it mandatory for every child from kindergarten to grade 12 to learn coding and how it works,” Clark said at the Summit.

Premier Christy Clark speaks at the inaugural BC Tech Summit. Image: Vancity Buzz

Premier Christy Clark speaks at the inaugural BC Tech Summit. Image: Vancity Buzz

The introduction of computer coding into the curriculum is a big leap forward in preparing students for the rapidly changing world of technology. Currently, the province has more than 86,000 working in tech and making salaries over 60% than B.C.’s average.

Clark’s announcement is part of the ongoing BC Tech Strategy announced in December, including a $100 million venture-capital fund aimed at strengthening the province’s tech sector. She also announced the province would be funding $4.5 million over the next five years to employers and organizations in tech sector to help their current and future employees upgrade their tech skills.

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