Connect | Page 11

11 SUMMER 2015 Tackling Inequalities GIRLS INTO ICT DAY/ CODERDOJO organised by the College. The centre provides young people with experiential learning, providing the ideal setting for the CoderDojo club. The young people enjoyed learning about computer science and technology in a fun, thought-provoking and inspiring way, encouraging them to consider studying and to recognise the opportunities available in the rapidly expanding ICT industry. AYRSHIRE COLLEGE PROMOTED INTERNATIONAL GIRLS IN ICT DAY BY HOLDING TWO GIRLS-ONLY COMPUTER CODING CLUBS IN IRVINE AND KILMARNOCK. International Girls in ICT Day is an opportunity for girls and young women to see and experience technology in a whole new light. The College ran a week long social media campaign which featured guest blogs from women who have forged successful careers in computing, as well as students at the beginning of their IT career. CoderDojo is part of a global network of free computer coding clubs for young people. The College has held seven clubs since November, including the first all-girls CoderDojo at the Skills Centre of Excellence at Irvine Royal Academy in April. This club helped to change the opinion of pupil Carmen Wilson, age 13, who said “I was never really into computing before, but CoderDojo club made it fun and interesting”. The brand new Morphy Richards STEM Centre at Dumfries House hosted a recent CoderDojo club “Ayrshire College has held seven clubs since November, including the first all-girls CoderDojo at the Skills Centre of Excellence at Irvine Royal Academy in April.”