Women and coding have gone hand-in-hand throughout the decades. Some would have you believe that coding and programming is strictly a man’s world. Don’t believe a word of it.
There may be a gender gap currently but go back to the Second World War, and you’ll find that women occupied the lion’s share of positions in the UK’s fledgling computing industry. Females played a key role in the crucial work that infamously cracked the Enigma Code, while they also calculated military logistics, which proved priceless in turning the war in the Allies’ favour.
Today, women are hugely under-represented in the computer science and programming industry. This is something Northampton High School is aiming to change. As Stephen Hawking once famously said, “Whether you want to uncover the secrets of the universe or you just want to pursue a career, basic computer programming is an essential skill to learn.”
Coding helps children with:
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Mathematics writing
People speak different languages across the world. Coding is the language of computers – essential in today’s technology-driven world. Like learning languages, it is accepted that the younger you start, the sooner you will become proficient. Learning to code is no different. It helps kids develop academically and builds perseverance and organisational skills that can translate into a career.
Coding is the past, present and future, and Northampton High School pupils will be learning this vital skill from the outset because history, as we know, is on our side.
Mrs Smith
Junior School Teacher