Well as nobody tought the founders to Google, Facebook or Microsoft to program a computer - especially at school, there is absolutely no logical reason to teach kids such a specific skill. The programmers I know, and notable the better ones are all self-taught (with the help of the astonishingly open and supportive IT community).
I think the author of the letter is somewhat confused as to Eric Schmidt's sentiment. I think schools could, or perhaps should provide better resources and encourage students to learn more about computer technology, but I agree with the other comments that core subjects like language, maths and science are far more important.
However, there is no reason why teachers could not discuss, when relevant the history, technology, people and science behind the British computer engineering legacy.
I got my start in Elementary school. Sadly, it was an advanced class and not available to everyone. (You had to skip a day of regular classes each week, and your grades couldn't fall behind in them... So you essentially did 6 days worth of school work every week, instead of 5.)
They taught us the basics of programming, and that was about it. But it was enough to light the flame and I've been passionate about it ever since.
It's okay for people to be bad at some things, or even not care about them. Schools should spend more time introducing arts and skills to students. Let the students decide what they want to study beyond the basics that everyone needs to know.
I think the author of the letter is somewhat confused as to Eric Schmidt's sentiment. I think schools could, or perhaps should provide better resources and encourage students to learn more about computer technology, but I agree with the other comments that core subjects like language, maths and science are far more important.
However, there is no reason why teachers could not discuss, when relevant the history, technology, people and science behind the British computer engineering legacy.