CAS Conference 2024: Computing for all at KS4 – how to improve diversity in computing at GCSE

How can recruitment, diversity and accessibility be improved for computing at KS4?

Only a fifth of students choosing GCSE Computer Science are girls, and black students are also under-represented – so how can diversity within GCSE Computer Science be improved?

Pete Dring, leader of the CAS Secondary Community and Head of Computing at Fulford School in York, explained more about how to boost diversity in computing at KS4.

How diverse is Computer Science GCSE?  

“Computer Science GCSE is the fastest growing STEM subject - but it is still only offered by 64% of schools in England. 

“Only 22% of students who choose to study CS as a GCSE option are girls, and the boys who choose the subject are less likely to be from more deprived areas of the country. Black students are also under-represented.  

“Representation matters: the algorithms and large language models that will increasingly affect all aspects of society tomorrow need to be designed, trained and regulated by the students we teach today.”

How can these issues be addressed?

“To encourage students to choose to study GCSE Computer Science they need to have enjoyed success in computing in KS3 or earlier. This can be challenging, particularly because the volume of KS3 curriculum content often exceeds the time allocated to teach computing, which means it can be a challenge to ensure that the memorable, enjoyable, creative and collaborative aspects of computing aren't squeezed out of lessons.”

“The I Belong programme from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) offers ideas, resources and training to help schools understand and tackle the barriers that prevent more girls from choosing GCSE Computer Science. 

“These strategies include a focus on an engaging, creative Computing curriculum at KS3 and a variety of events, clubs and competitions outside of lessons. These can be combined with relevant and diverse career case studies that spark an interest and help students see themselves using Computing to unlock their own future opportunities.”

Any examples of good practice?

“There's not much point recruiting more students at KS3 unless students perceive GCSE CS to be worthwhile, relevant and enjoyable. I really like the practical programming approach of the Pearson / Edexcel GCSE specification: Chris Sharples talks through benefits, challenges and the process of switching GCSE specifications in his excellent case study. 

“There's no one-size-fits all model for best practice: we run weekly python challenges to support and encourage independence outside of lessons, with small half-termly prizes to celebrate success. We found switching to automated topic tests at KS3 increased consistency and accuracy of assessment, allowed students to reflect and improve more rapidly and - crucially - freed up teacher time to focus on quality of feedback at KS4.”

For those students who don't choose GCSE CS, how can they have the computing and digital skills they need to thrive?

“The KS4 Programme of Study for Computing applies to all students: not just those who choose Computer Science as a GCSE option. There are many different models for ensuring students leave school with the digital skills to thrive. We've introduced Digital Life Skills sessions on rotation during form time for all Y10 students where they learn how to collaborate safely online, practice using AI effectively and responsibly and learn the creative digital skills that enables success in all of their other subjects as well as the wider world of work. 

“It's a great way to check in with all students to ensure they all know how to report concerns and reach out for support. Students told us they wanted to know how to manage their finances so we set up a mini project where they learn how to use Excel online to work out how many views, likes and follows they need to pay the bills as an online influencer.”

What clubs and competitions stretch and support students  - which are feasible for staff.

“There's nothing like a competition for providing purpose and direction to a club, especially if there’s the possibility of prizes, trips or achievements that can be celebrated by the wider school community. First Lego League, Mission Zero and Your Voice is Power  are some of my favourites. DressCode run regular competitions open to all students but designed with diversity in mind: they're nice and easy for teachers to administer and students love their cyber advent calendars and themed game design competitions. 

“I love the enthusiasm and sense of achievement that the students bring to clubs. Trainee teachers and volunteers (parents or local university undergraduates) can help share the load of supervising clubs and it helps to establish routines that encourage independence, so it doesn't feel like an additional lesson for staff or students.“

Any  resources you recommend?

“The I Belong handbook is an excellent place to start and the CAS Secondary Leaders Toolkit is the guidebook that I wish I had when I started as a head of department. Both of these are full of ideas to help run a Computing department that encourages the creativity and collaboration which boosts recruitment. 

“The Code Club resources from the Raspberry Pi Foundation are great for independent work as part of a club. I'd always recommend using MS Teams or Google Classroom to share links with students at a club so that they can continue to access at home. Encouraging them to write up what they do each week using collaborative online tools is a great way to showcase their achievements.”

How can CAS help?

“The CAS forums are a great place to ask questions and share ideas. CAS Communities allow teachers in a particular area to meet and share best practice as well as meeting online to explore themes, ideas and resources. The CAS Include Community is a great place to continue the conversation about how to support more students into seeing Computing as a subject they'd like to continue studying.”

Useful links:

Download the materials from the sessions at CAS Conference 2024 - https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/resources/2024/july/cas-conference-2024-computing-for-all-at-ks4-1

Visit the CAS Secondary community page for links to resources and information - https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/communities-and-events/cas-thematic-communities/cas-secondary