What digital skills do students need for the future and how can the study of computer science help? In this episode of The SecEd Podcast – produced in partnership with Pearson – we explore the role schools can play in teaching the digital and employability skills.

We discuss the importance of developing skills, knowledge and understanding as part of a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as through the discrete IT qualifications. We also look at the new Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science. We ask why the qualification has been introduced, why it is important and what students studying computer science will be able to use the qualification for in the future.

The podcast is hosted by Matt Bromley and features Tim Brady, subject advisor for computer science and IT at Pearson Edexcel; Dr Andrew Middleton, director of computer science at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School in Cheshire; and Floriane Latulipe, director of digital strategy at Felsted School in Essex.

Published alongside this podcast is a SecEd-Pearson supplement. What are the digital skills that today’s young people need to thrive in the future? This supplement considers how the new Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) in Computer Science can prepare students for the modern world. Read it here.

This is a SecEd Partnered Podcast that has been produced with sponsorship from Pearson. SecEd produces six partnered podcasts each year on top of our fortnightly editorial podcasts. A partnered podcast is produced in conjunction with the sponsor, focusing on agreed themes and including an expert from the sponsoring organisation.

You can listen to The SecEd Podcast below. To hear other SecEd podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The SecEd Podcast' in your podcast application of choice. Or visit www.sec-ed.co.uk/knowledge-bank/podcasts/

For details about The SecEd Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at editor@sec-ed.co.uk