EBacc proposals put the gaming industry at risk

The independent charity that champions creative innovation, Nesta, has voiced its support for including not only arts subjects, but also computer science into the framework of the proposed English Baccalaureate (EBacc). Whilst welcoming the concept of a more rigorous school curriculum similar to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for 11-16 year olds, which includes art, Hasan Bakshi, Director of Creative Industries in Nesta’s Policy and Research Unit, is also keen that more children should be encouraged to develop combined skills in art and technology that “match the fusion of art and technology that is the creative industries.” He told AP: “An alternative, supported by a growing number of headteachers, would see a rigorous ‘TechBacc’ accredited alongside the EBacc, with maths, English and science complemented by more technological subjects. Computer science and art could be among the additional subject options, if this option is pursued.” The inclusion of art and compute science in the EBacc is one of 20 recommendations put forward in a 2011 Nesta report, ‘Next Gen.’ which examines what the UK would need to do to become the world’s leading talent hub for the video games and visual effects industries. It concludes that currently “there are severe misalignments between the education system and what the UK video games and visual effects industries need.”