Encouraging girls into computer science

CO440 Online course

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.

Leadership Key stage 3 Key stage 4 Teach secondary computing certificate

Free online course 2 hours

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.

Topics 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 long is this course?

This course is approximately 2 hours of self directed learning.

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.

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

This course is part of Teach secondary computing

Teach secondary computing

Our nationally recognised qualification will give you confidence to take your computing teaching to the next level and to apply those skills in the classroom.

Find out more