Encouraging girls into GCSE computer science CM440 / G11

Start date

10 Jul 24

Duration

2 Hours

Location

Gurnard Primary School, Baring Road, Cowes PO31 8DS View on Google Map

Summary

There is a gender imbalance in computing that needs to be addressed. Girls are under-represented in GCSE / A Level computer science:

21% of GCSE CS entries in 2023 were girls
15% of A level CS entries in 2023 were girls
21% of students applying for computing-related degrees were girls

Yet, girls outperformed boys in GCSE computer science, with 40.6% of girls achieving a 7/A grade compared with 32.3% of boys.

Strategies need to be adopted inside and outside of the classroom to support girls into computer science. This course provides an overview of the current challenges in computing with a specific focus on gender balance, covering current research and existing barriers. Participants will explore curriculum design and specific in-class strategies schools can implement and embed in raising the engagement and uptake of computer science for all.

This course is part of the NCCE’s ‘I Belong: encouraging girls into computer science’ programme. For more information visit the website.

Who is it for?

Teachers and curriculum leaders in secondary computing.

What topics are covered?

Encouraging girls into GCSE CS - explore the big picture of the current gap in uptake at GCSE between girls and boys. Be part of discussions around reasons for this gap, including, lack of role models, unconscious bias, and a non-inclusive curriculum amongst others. Consider different strategies inside and outside of the classroom to support the narrowing of the gap before finally planning effective interventions in KS3 to improve the uptake in your own school.

How will you learn?

A single scheduled live, interactive online session led by an experienced practitioner.

How long is this course?

This short course runs for 120 minutes.

Who is the course leader?

Susie McAuley
I have been teaching for over 20 years. I trained in Scotland, taught overseas and have now been back in the UK for over 10 years. I have recently...

Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

discuss the issues and national trends affecting recruitment of girls into GCSE computer science
evaluate a range of strategies to make computer science more inclusive
plan effective intervention to increase recruitment at KS4