Roehampton releases Computing Education Report

• Wednesday, June 20, 2018

The University of Roehampton has released its latest Roehampton Annual Computing Education Report which provides an analysis of the provision of GCSE and A-level computing qualifications in schools in England.

The second report of its kind produced by Roehampton, has found that there has also been a substantial decline in the number of students sitting a computing GCSE (computer science + ICT) and that the removal of GCSE ICT and failure to approve equivalent qualifications looks likely to result in a significant fall in the number of students taking any computing-related qualification beyond 2018. It argues that it will disproportionately impact girls, poorer students and some ethnic minority groups.  

Peter Kemp, Senior Lecturer in Computing Education said they welcomed the introduction of computer science into the curriculum but they now believe ICT should be retained as an alternative. 

"The overemphasis on computer science seems likely to lead to fewer students, particularly girls, studying any digital qualification at school. I think it's time to rebalance what's on offer" said Kemp. 

The report found that compared to 2014, when computer science was introduced into the curriculum, there are now 30,000 fewer girls taking any computing qualification at KS4. Only 34.2% of girls attending secondary schools are taking a computing related KS4 qualification, compared to 51.2% of boys.  

You can listen to the key findings of the Roehampton Annual Computing Education report on BBC Radio 4 here. A full copy of the report can also be downloaded on the British Computer society website.