• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Friday August 25 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Computer Science fastest growing STEM subject – BCS

Computer Science is the fastest growing STEM subject among GCSE students, according to figures collated by Swindon-based BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

90,558 students sat the computer studies exam this summer, with 87,660 students picking up GCSE certificates in the subject on results day last week (Thursday, August 24).

And while entries for all GCSEs increased by three per cent in 2023, computer science entries were up 12 per cent.

Statistics also showed that females taking computer science continued to get higher grades than males, with 29.9 er cent achieving A/7 and above, compared with 22.9 per cent of their male classmates.

Julia Adamson, managing director, education & public benefit, at BCS said: “Congratulations to everyone who sat this year’s GCSE exams. I hope that many of the pupils getting their results will continue to develop their knowledge in this subject and I wish them every success in their future careers.

“There is continuing concern about the uptake amongst girls. This is surprising considering girls do really well and achieve great grades.

“We need to see more girls studying this exciting and creative subject. Digital skills are vital for everyone as they provide the tools to take an active part in society, support career prospects and help drive the economy.

“Encouraging more girls to take computing is a complex issue – we need to change parental and societal perceptions around the subject and increase awareness of the importance of the subject.

“Figures show that there is a growing interest in computing, but we need to influence school leaders and teachers around the importance of primary and secondary computing education. It plays such a significant role in helping young people acquire the important life skills they need as technology continues to play a rapidly increasing part in our everyday lives.”