Encouraging girls into computer science CO440

Explore the gender imbalance in GCSE Computer Science, its causes -such as lack of role models, unconscious bias, and a non-inclusive curriculum - and develop strategies and KS3 interventions to increase uptake in your school.

Summary

There is a gender imbalance in computing that needs to be addressed, with girls significantly under-represented in GCSE and A-level Computer Science:

  • In 2023, only 21% of GCSE Computer Science entries were girls.At A-level, this dropped to just 15%.
  • Similarly, only 21% of students applying for computing-related degrees were female.
  • Yet, girls outperformed boys at GCSE, with 40.6% achieving a 7/A grade compared to 32.3% of boys.

To support more girls into Computer Science, strategies must be implemented both inside and outside the classroom. This course provides an overview of the challenges in computing, with a specific focus on gender balance, covering current research and existing barriers. Participants will explore curriculum design and practical in-class strategies to enhance engagement and increase uptake for all students.

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 Computer Science – explore the wider issue of the gender gap in GCSE uptake between girls and boys.
  • Join discussions on key reasons behind this disparity, including a lack of role models, unconscious bias, and a non-inclusive curriculum.
  • Consider classroom and broader strategies to help close the gap, and develop effective KS3 interventions to boost uptake in your own school.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date, and keep access for a year after booking.

How long is this course?

This course is approximately 2 hours of self directed learning.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will:

  • explore 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

Scheduled courses

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Encouraging girls into computer science
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