Encouraging girls into GCSE computer science - short course
CP440 Live remote training course
Explore the big picture with the current gender imbalance in GCSE computer science between girls and boys. Forming part of the I Belong programme, you’ll explore 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.
Skip to course bookingThere 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.
Topics 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 long is this course?
This short course runs for 120 minutes.
How will you learn?
A single scheduled live, interactive online session led by an experienced practitioner.
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
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.
I Belong: encouraging girls into computer science
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