Research Reveals Gap in IT Learning During GCSEs and A-Levels

LONDON – 31st March 2008 – Research launched today from database experts FileMaker reveals that while IT confidence is high amongst school leavers, there is a gap between GCSE and A-Levels where no new IT skills appear to be taught.

The research surveyed 1,000 recent school leavers or graduates who are in the early stages of employment and highlights that although basic IT functions are successfully being taught in the early stages of education and some specialist learning takes place post secondary school, students are missing out on continued IT skills education during the middle years of the curriculum. Educators should look to address this gap – particularly as recent school leavers express enthusiasm and desire to increase IT skills for the workplace.

The FileMaker 'Educated Tea Makers – IT Skills: From School to Work' report found:

  • IT skills confidence high: 81 per cent of secondary school level respondents were confident in general IT skills and 84 per cent of University graduates were confident in general IT skills
  • Standard IT packages taught early on: 72 per cent of school leavers learnt word processing packages before GCSE level and 40 per cent learnt presentation software before GCSE level
  • Specialist programmes taught in later stages of education: 46 per cent reported learning statistical and mathematical software at degree level or later. Computer science and IT graduates reported higher instances of use in specialised programmes such as database software (87 per cent vs. 48 per cent) and planning and project management software (52 per cent and 21 per cent)
  • Respondents want to learn more specialised applications: 62 per cent of respondents indicated they would like to learn more specialised IT functions such as database software or graphic design/drawing programs. 41 per cent would like to have learnt more about database programs during education
  • Word processing and email applications most widely learnt: 94 per cent of respondents learnt word processing and 91 per cent learnt email applications, followed by spreadsheet packages (88 per cent) and presentation packages (85 per cent)

"The good news is that widespread use and introduction of technology at an early stage in education has created a generation of fluent IT users," said Tony Speakman, regional manager, Northern Europe, FileMaker. "However, the research shows that schools are missing a key opportunity to provide further training in more advanced skills to a ready and willing generation of students who want to learn more specialised functions as they progress into the workplace. IT learning should ideally occur throughout all stages of education – and be seen as an ongoing skill for productivity rather than merely a tool to be learnt at a particular stage of education."

About FileMaker, Inc.

FileMaker, Inc. develops award-winning database software. Its products include the legendary FileMaker Pro product line for Windows, Mac and the Web, and the new Bento personal database for Mac. FileMaker Pro won more awards, 46, than its next 8 competitors combined from 2003-2007. Millions of customers, from individuals to large organisations, rely on FileMaker, Inc. software to manage, analyse and share information. FileMaker, Inc. is a subsidiary of Apple Inc.

Media Contacts:

Helen Carroll/Michael Darren
Octopus Communications
+44 (0) 845 3700 655
filemaker@octopuscomms.net