Results Day: BCS congratulates A Level Computer Science students

15 Aug 2019 02:24 PM

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT congratulates A Level computer science students who get their exam results today - and welcomes the news that the number of pupils opting to take the subject is continuing to rise, for the sixth successive year. This is a strong indication that the subject continues to grow in popularity.

Julia Adamson, Director of Education at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, says: “Congratulations to this year’s computer science A level students, their teachers and parents. The fact that the overall number of students opting to take A Level computer science has increased by a further 8.1% is positive news. And furthermore, the entries for girls have increased by 21.8%, which is really promising and I hope we will to see year on year growth in students and particularly girls, opting to study this important subject.

More support is now available to computing teachers in England through the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE). Launched last year, the NCCE is a consortium made up of STEM Learning, Raspberry Pi Foundation and BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. It aims to increase the number of pupils in schools and colleges who study computer science at GCSE and A Level, particularly girls, and those from disadvantaged areas.

The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson said: “Receiving your A level results is a huge day for all involved so I want to congratulate pupils, parents and teachers on all their hard work.

I’m delighted to see more pupils choosing science-related subjects. This is encouraging particularly as we look to boost science in this country and the skills we’ll need in the future.

Overall the reforms we’ve put in place since 2010 and increasing rigour in our schools are giving pupils more opportunities.”

Yvonne Baker, Chief Executive, STEM Learning, commented: “I’m delighted that the number of students choosing to study computer science at A Level is continuing to grow. High quality, knowledgeable teaching of the subject is fundamental to raising attainment and driving up participation, especially for girls. Equipping schools, colleges and teachers today ensures that England has a workforce suitably prepared for tomorrow.”