Collaborative Initiatives for Promoting Computer Science in

Secondary Schools

Irene Glendinning, Coventry UniversityMargaret Low, University of Warwick

British Computer Society, Coventry Branch

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Our presentation

• Context and background• Our Schools Competition• Local network and wider contacts• Benefits, Reflections

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Context and background

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Percentage of UK candidates (16 years) taking GCSE in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 2005-2009

Context and background

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Percentage of UK candidates taking Advanced Level Computing or ICT 2005-2009

Our Schools Competition

• British Computer Society Coventry Branch• 2006, 2008, 2010: 11-16 year olds• Web design and development• Workshops, conferences for teachers, pupils• Sponsorship and support • Finals event 30th June 2010• http://coventry.bcs.org/competition.php

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Local Partners Network Focus

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Local network and wider contacts

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Benefits• Network creates a wide viewpoint for all• Forum for sharing ideas, insights and problems• Diverse collaborators – common interests• Insights into other areas of IT education & industry• Supports keeping skills & knowledge up to date• Generates new opportunities & collaborative projects• Facilitates communication between groups not normally directly

connected (at grass roots level)• Mutually supportive, building trust over time between participants• Flexible structure & flexible participation – Key to success

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Reflections• Network is still evolving• Activity focused• Essential that activity leaders are clearly identified• Important that a number of activities are supported• Network dependent on individuals motivation• Recognition of participants goals – not one-sided• No funding required for network• Low cost funding for specific activities• Risks – managing resources -time management• Need to remain open to new directions and input

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Network: how/why does it work?

• Participants : different targets and goals, not in conflict• Common interest: effective teaching and learning of

informatics/ICT• Available resources include – Volunteers– Sponsorship– In-kind contributions

• Pervading spirit of altruism• Everyone has something to gain from participation

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Questions?

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