I Belong: encouraging girls into computer science
In February, over 240 students from 22 schools in East Anglia participated in a two-day event organised by BT Group and Eastern Education Group (EEG) as part of STEM Learning’s I Belong programme, with support from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council.
The I Belong programme aims to help close the gender gap in Computer Science education. It targets primary and secondary schools and colleges from Key Stage 1 through to A Level, offering a variety of resources, to create a more inclusive learning environment. By providing teachers with evidence-based strategies, training, and support for teaching Computing, I Belong aspires to inspire and empower more girls to explore their interests in Computing, contributing to a more diverse and equitable tech industry.
The "green tech fest" highlighted the exciting opportunities in technology roles related to sustainability and encouraged girls to consider careers in tech.
Held at Adastral Park, our leading research and development centre, students engaged with state-of-the-art computing equipment, participated in team challenges to address real-world problems using technology, and joined discussion workshops on making the tech world more inclusive.
The programme featured talks from Beverly Clarke, MBE, an award-winning tech educationalist and CEO of the charity Technology Books for Children, who shared her journey into technology. Inspirational female technologists from BT Group and EEG also spoke.
Students also visited industry-themed innovation showcases, filled with new technologies and cutting-edge concepts, demonstrating technology in action.
Our research shows that around 22% of students who choose GCSE computer science are girls. Post-16, girls represent only 22% of A Level computer students, so there is a real need to inspire more female students to pursue technology subjects (such as computer science, and further and higher education technology courses) and ultimately enter the workforce in technology focused roles. The aim of this event is to help students to understand the skills and ethics of green technology (such as smart agriculture and transport). Whilst there is a female focus for this event, it is open to all genders.
- Laraine Moody, Group Principal at the University Professional Development centre, part of the Eastern Education Group
Pete Bell, Managing Director, Adastral Park, BT said ‘We’re delighted to support the ‘I Belong’ programme and continue our long standing collaboration with EEG to support both primary and secondary students with STEM and Computing focussed events. Encouraging STEM learning and bringing to life the exciting careers available in technology in critical to inspiring the next generation.”
A follow-up event took place on 28th March at the University and Professional Development Centre in Bury St Edmunds. Attendees of the previous event were invited to take what they learned in February and apply it to resolving a real-world sustainability problem with a ‘Dragons Den’ style pitch of their solution to industry experts.
If you would like to find out more about the programme please contact: computerscience@bt.com
Secondary Computing Teacher
4moThank you BT Group for hosting this I Belong event, and to all the session leaders. We were fortunate to be able to attend, and our students thoroughly enjoyed all of the sessions on offer. From one of our students: “It was fascinating to see elements of what we learnt in class being applied in modern technology, like AI. We were also encouraged to think outside of the box, and learn that it's not just the technology that's important, but the people who make and control it.” From another student: “The best part of the trip for me was the talk that Beverly Clarke did as I found it very helpful and interesting in the activities that she made us do." Fantastic event, and very inspiring for the next generation!
Strategist | Tech Education Expert™ | Founder | Education Consultant & Speaker | Author | Coach |Trustee | UN Women UK Participant (2023) | TechWomen100 Winner (2022) | Computer Weekly Influential Women in Tech Shortlist
5moDelighted to have joined you and to play my part in inspiring a generation of young people.