SETU’s Department of Computing launched an innovative outreach programme in collaboration with Tullow Community School in Carlow.
The initiative was designed to inspire young minds to study computer science, with specific emphasis on encouraging female students to take part in order to tackle gender disparities in computing.
The initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering inclusivity and empowering the next generation of computer scientists locally and regionally.
Sparking curiosity for computer science
From March to June 2022, Fiona Redmond, SETU lecturer in computing and PhD researcher, led a collaborative effort that saw 15 members of SETU’s management, faculty, and undergraduate students develop the programme. It was co-created with secondary school teachers at Tullow Community School who were instrumental in tailoring the content to the needs of their students. The result was a bespoke, three-year progressive curriculum that enhances the school’s computer science education and sparks curiosity among students.
Breaking down stereotypes
The feedback from students and teachers has been incredibly positive. In this initiative we’ve introduced engaging activities such as cybersecurity challenges, social network projects, and problem-solving tasks. These are all designed to spark interest and build confidence in computer science.
By focusing on early exposure and sustained engagement, we’re hoping to break down stereotypes, especially for young women, and show them the exciting opportunities this field offers. It’s exciting to see the impact this programme is already having and the potential it holds to inspire students to pursue computing at higher education and beyond. The programme represents months of collaboration, planning, and dedication from both institutions. Thank you to my SETU colleagues and our partners at Tullow Community School for making it possible.
Fiona Redmond, SETU lecturer in computing and PhD researcher, sharing her vision for the initiative.
Transforming how students engage
The SETU/Tullow Community School programme has transformed how our students engage with computer science. Since its launch in 2022, we’ve seen a significant boost in student interest and enthusiasm for the subject, with female participation rising in recent years. The programme’s continuous engagement approach, reaching first to third-year students, is breaking stereotypes and showing young women they have an exciting place in this field. For many students, it’s opened their eyes to possibilities they hadn’t considered before.
Cleona McCann, ICT teacher at Tullow Community School.
Building essential skills
I’m proud of the collaborative efforts behind this initiative. Partnering with Tullow Community School has allowed us to create a programme that encourages curiosity, builds essential skills, and helps to address outdated perceptions about computer science.
It’s great to see all students - particularly young women - engaging with computing throughout their Junior Certificate studies; exploring its potential well before making their Leaving Cert subject choices. This partnership highlights the vital role education plays in creating new opportunities, and I look forward to seeing it grow further.
Nigel Whyte, Head of the Department of Computing at SETU.
The partnership between SETU and Tullow Community School highlights the value of collaboration in promoting gender diversity in computer science education. By encouraging students and addressing stereotypes, this initiative helps create a more inclusive environment in the field.
