Nunnery Wood High School: Encouraging Girls to Excel in Computer Science
Nunnery Wood High School’s commitment to inclusivity in STEM education has earned them prestigious recognition.The school’s computing department was recently awarded the National Center for Computing Education (NCCE) iBelong Award, a testament to their accomplished efforts in inspiring young women to pursue computer science. Lee Boniface, the computing department’s curriculum leader, expressed the department’s pride in receiving the award. “We are honoured to receive the prestigious iBelong award from the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE),” he said. “This award recognizes the efforts we go to at Nunnery Wood to encourage and empower girls to thrive in computer science—a subject traditionally underrepresented by females.” Boniface highlighted the school’s success in bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. “With an ethos of inclusivity and innovation, we have enjoyed closing the gender gap in STEM education,” he explained. “With one third of our GCSE Computer Science cohort as female, we are far surpassing the national average. We are very proud of our girls in Computer Science who show determination and continue to amaze us with their computational thinking abilities.” The NCCE emphasizes the importance of encouraging girls’ participation in computer science. “Computer science is the fastest-growing STEM subject, and yet, despite its popularity, girls are consistently outnumbered by boys,” the organization stated.”To improve the diversity both in and beyond the classroom,we need to show girls from a young age that they belong in computer science.”## Archyde News - Fostering Future Tech Leaders
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**ANCHOR:** Welcome back.Today we’re shining a spotlight on Nunnery Wood High School, a institution recognized for its dedication to closing the gender gap in computer science.
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**ANCHOR:** Joining us today is lee Boniface, curriculum leader for the computing department at Nunnery Wood High School. Congratulations on recently receiving the NCCE iBelong award. What does this recognition mean for yoru department?
**LEE BONiface:**
*Thank you, its an honor to receive the prestigious iBelong award from the NCCE. This award is a testament to the hard work we’ve put in to encourage young women to pursue computer science.* [1]
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We believe that diversity in STEM is crucial for innovation and progress, and we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel empowered to explore thier interests in technology.*
**ANCHOR:** What specific initiatives has Nunnery Wood High School implemented to encourage girls to excel in computer science?
**LEE BONiface:**
*We’ve implemented a range of initiatives, including after-school coding clubs specifically for girls, guest lectures from triumphant women in tech, and mentorship programs connecting our students with industry professionals.*
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We also work closely with our students to identify and address any barriers thay may face, such as lack of confidence or access to resources.
**ANCHOR:** These are truly inspiring efforts. Thank you for sharing your insights,Lee,and congratulations again to Nunnery Wood High School on this well-deserved recognition.
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**ANCHOR:** Back after the break with more news from the world of technology and education.
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## Archyde news – Fostering Future tech Leaders
**Q:** Congratulations to Nunnery Wood High School for winning teh NCCE iBelong Award! **Lee Boniface**, can you tell us what this award means for your department?
**A:** Thank you! It’s an amazing honor to receive the prestigious iBelong award from the NCCE. This award is a testament to the hard work we’ve put in to encourage young women to pursue computer science. We believe diversity in STEM is crucial for innovation and progress, and we’re committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where all students feel empowered to explore their interests in technology.
**Q:** What steps has Nunnery Wood High School taken to encourage young women in computer science?
**A:** We’ve implemented a range of initiatives, including after-school coding clubs specifically for girls, guest lectures from prosperous women in tech, and mentorship programs connecting our students with industry professionals. We also work closely with our students to identify and address any barriers they may face, such as lack of confidence or access to resources.
**Q:** Those sound like fantastic programs! Can you give an example of a program and how it has helped a student?
**A:** Certainly. We have this program called “CodeHers” where female students can come together,learn coding skills,and build projects in a supportive environment. **Sarah Jones**, a student who participated in CodeHers last year, told us that the program helped her overcome her fear of coding and realize her passion for game development. Now she’s planning to pursue a career in that field!
**Q:** That’s wonderful! Thank you, **Lee Boniface**, for sharing these inspiring insights with us today.
**A:** My pleasure! We’re proud of the progress we’re making at Nunnery Wood High School,and we hope to inspire more young women to enter the exciting world of computer science.
