Plan to introduce computer science in elementary schools outlined

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and Education and Science Minister Blazenka Divjak on Thursday presented the plan to introduce computer science in elementary schools and the prime minister underscored that this will help young people to prepare for a rapidly changing world and jobs.

This segment creates the preconditions for something that is essential for younger generations to prepare for a rapidly changing world and rapidly changing jobs, Plenkovic said and added that today 93% of jobs required IT skills, computer know-how and generally managing in a digital world.

He recalled that an analysis to introduce computer science was prepared and was based on the availability of financing and staff in elementary schools.

According to Plenkovic, education is one of the key structural reforms during his government's term so that with joint efforts, the education process and teaching plans and programmes are advanced.

"We don't want our students to be mere users of technology, smart phones or facebook," Education Minister Divjak said and added that she wants schools to prepare young people for life and to encourage creativity in students who, with the assistance of technology, will be in a position to resolve problems.

She mentioned that a decision to equip IT classrooms was prepared and added that the analysis identified the number of teachers required and curriculum content.

"The curriculum is finished and can be found on the ministry's web site," she said and added that the curriculum was improved through expert and public debate and underwent an international review.

She underscored that the curriculum was reviewed with the assistance of Croatia's permanent representation in the EU, which identified those countries with the best curriculum - Great Britain, Estonia and Austria and added that this year already the government has secured HRK 10.9 million to equip 200 schools around Croatia.

Next year we intend to equip another 430 schools with HRK 26 million, she said.

We need 845 teachers, which means employing an additional 76 teachers who are to be hired next year, she said.

Text: Hina

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