Laurus Ryecroft celebrates completing leading national gender inclusion programme in Computer Science
Laurus Ryecroft has been recognised for their commitment to encouraging gender inclusion in Computer Science by the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE).
Computer Science is the fastest-growing STEM subject, and yet, despite its popularity, girls are consistently outnumbered by boys.
In 2023, only one in five GCSE entries and 15% of all A level entries for Computer Science were from female students in England.
Laurus Ryecroft has completed the national ‘I Belong: encouraging girls into Computer Science’ programme, demonstrating a commitment to encouraging girls into the subject and improving the gender balance within the field.
The I Belong certificate is awarded by the NCCE, a leading body for computing education in England.
Mr McCormick, Head of Computing at Laurus Ryecroft, said:
“As a subject we want to ensure Computer Science is accessible for all. We have already taken part in the Year 8 Girls’ CyberFirst competition, joined in the Cyber Girls First event, and received visits from industry role models such as BAE systems to name just a few. We’re really proud that this certification recognises the hard work done so far, and we’re excited about what the future holds for Ryecroft and its students.”
Laurus Ryecroft successfully completed all aspects of the programme to achieve the I Belong programme certificate.
The evidence-informed programme signposts to a range of activities and approaches most likely to support girls’ engagement with the subject.
Katherine Ellis, Gender Inclusion Lead at the NCCE, said:
“Congratulations to Laurus Ryecroft on this accomplishment! Schools play a crucial part in addressing the gender gap in computer science education and related careers. This school is among others leading the way in understanding the issue and creating change at a local level. This certificate recognises the efforts the school has gone to, to support and empower all students, especially girls, in choosing this path.”