1. Collaborative Initiatives for Promoting Computer Science in Secondary Schools Irene Glendinning, Coventry University Margaret Low, University of Warwick British Computer Society, Coventry Branch 10/25/2015 1

2. Our presentation Context and background Our Schools Competition Local network and wider contacts Benefits, Reflections 10/25/2015 2

3. Context and background 10/25/2015 3 Percentage of UK candidates (16 years) taking GCSE in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 2005-2009

4. Context and background 10/25/2015 4 Percentage of UK candidates taking Advanced Level Computing or ICT 2005-2009

5. 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 30 th June 2010 http://coventry.bcs.org/competition.php 10/25/2015 5

6. Local Partners Network Focus Local Network activities Secondary Education Tertiary Education Business / Industry Professional Bodies 10/25/2015 6

7. Local network and wider contacts Professional Bodies BCS (Coventry) IET (West Midlands) Local Education Authorities Coventry ICT Advisors Warwickshire ICT Development Service Local Secondary Schools CoventryWarwickshireSolihull South Leicestershire Local Universities Coventry University University of Warwick Others Warwick Institute of Education Local STEM Ambassador co-ordinator Computing At School (CAS) 10/25/2015 7

8. 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 10/25/2015 8

9. 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 10/25/2015 9

10. 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 10/25/2015 10

11. Questions? 10/25/2015 11