Today's children are frequently more tech savvy than their parents. They spend time on screens, social media and playing games as well as texting and sending emails etc. In school, however, especially at primary level, much of their work is done using pen and paper. While I feel it is important for children to learn to write, given modern communications, how much will they actually use these skills in the future? Maybe for making notes or writing a shopping list. But most of their written communication will be done using technology.

In the 21st century, I feel it is vital to give children the opportunity to learn to touch type and be able to produce electronic communications both accurately and fluently to make their future lives easier. Currently, this is not included in the National Curriculum which seems like a massive waste (when they are learning far less useful things like fronted adverbials!). Let's give UK schoolchildren the chance to learn to type. Year 3, 4 or 5would seem like an appropriate time to cover this at school. Daily (or even twice weekly) 15 minute sessions for half a term would equip them with this key skill for life. This is especially important for those students who find writing hard, for whatever reason.

What do you think? Will you join me in urging the government to include this in the National Curriculum?