LCH celebrates completing leading national gender inclusion programme in Computer Science

Laurus Cheadle Hulme (LCH) 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 Computer Science and 15% of all A level Computer Science entries were from female students in England.

LCH has completed the national ‘I Belong: encouraging girls into Computer Science‘ programme, demonstrating a commitment to encouraging girls into Computer Science and improving the gender balance within the subject.

The I Belong certificate is awarded by the NCCE, a leading body for computing education in England.

Mr Colley, Director of Computing at Laurus Cheadle Hulme, said:

“We’ve been working hard at LCH to make Computer Science a subject that is accessible to all, from entering ten teams in the Year 8 Girls’ CyberFirst competition, to carefully reviewing our curriculum. We’re really proud that this certification recognises the hard work done so far.”

 

A certificate from NCCE, it reads: National Centre for Computing Education. This is to confirm that Laurus Cheadle Hulme has demonstrated their commitment to Improving gender balance in computer science by participating in ‘I Belong: encouraging girls into computer science’ Date issued: 1 March 2024. STEM Learning. Funded by the Department for Education.

 

LCH 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 Cheadle Hulme 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.”

We’re thrilled to have received the I Belong certificate, at LCH, we are committed to providing opportunities for all students to get involved in Computer Science.