English, robotics, coding: Queensland state primary schools could teach new technology subjects from next year

Queensland school students could be taught coding and robotics from Prep next year, under an education plan focusing on digital technologies.

The curriculum would prepare students for the jobs of the future from their first year of school, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said today and would see every state school offering coding and robotics, from Prep to Year 10 from next year.

All state schools would also have access to specialist science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers.

They would also teach languages other than English from Prep, with a focus on Asian languages.

The plan also lists “ensuring improved learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders students” as a priority. 

Ms Palaszczuk has called on parents and other community members to give feedback on the action plan, called ‘Advancing education: An action plan for education in Queensland today’.

She also launched a discussion paper on coding and robotics in Queensland schools.

“Our plan is for all students to be global citizens who are skilled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with expertise in Asian languages and intercultural understanding, literacy and numeracy,” she said.

“Learning coding and applying these skills to real world problems will help students to be critical thinkers, innovators and problem solvers.”

For more information on the plans or to give feedback, visit the website.