Press Release

Minister visits Edinburgh school to see how Computer CC4G is transforming girls’ perception of IT

14 November 2007

On 14th November, Maureen Watt, Minister for Schools and Skills, visited Queensferry High School to meet some of the students who are benefiting from the award-winning Computer Clubs for Girls (CC4G) initiative.

CC4G clubs engage 10 to 14 year old girls in IT and transform their attitudes towards technology-related careers. The clubs provide the girls with creative and interactive activities focusing on areas such as fashion, celebrity and music.  More than 100 Scottish schools are already involved with CC4G.

Currently, only around 15 per cent of Scotland's IT workforce is female. CC4G demonstrates to young girls the exciting reality of a career in IT, while helping them to acquire valuable technology skills. Research has shown that over two thirds of girls who participate in the clubs say they would be more likely to consider a career in IT.

Minister for Schools and Skills, Maureen Watt said:

"It's vital we give our young people the chance to learn new skills to help them reach their potential and become the successful citizens of tomorrow. That’s why it's so encouraging to see these girls embracing IT and having fun exploring new technology. Our young people need to be prepared for a modern, fast-changing workplace and initiatives like this can open doors for them as they follow their ambitions."

CC4G is funded in Edinburgh by the Royal Bank of Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council.   Through this partnership, announced in March 2007, more than 25 clubs will be supported for three years.  The Royal Bank of Scotland also provides employee volunteers to support and mentor schools which are participating in the programme.

Alison Solley, a member of the IT Division at RBS and a CC4G volunteer, said: "At RBS we have a track record of supporting initiatives in schools that allow young people to engage in activities in a fun and inspiring way.  We believe CC4G is an invaluable way of getting young girls to develop computer skills in a way that is interesting and relevant to them.   As a volunteer I hope that by getting involved with the clubs I can inspire more girls to consider a career in IT."

Councillor Marilyne MacLaren, Convener for Education, Children and Families, City of Edinburgh Council said:

"As a city Edinburgh needs high quality staff to fill the range of jobs in the many sectors and areas that are heavily dependent on IT.  We are delighted to become involved in any initiative which adds value to the already good education programmes in our schools. CC4G also helps us to deliver key elements of the Curriculum for Excellence by fostering the girls’ enthusiasm for learning about IT in a new and imaginative way. CC4G builds valuable skills in IT, team working and communications and fits perfectly with the school's ethos as a 'School of Ambition'."

Karen Price, CEO, e-skills UK said: "We are committed to helping young people prepare for adaptable careers and lives in a technology-enabled world.  CC4G captures the imagination of girls at an age when negative perceptions about IT can start to become embedded.  We look forward to working with our partners to bring the benefits of CC4G to many more schools in Scotland."

CC4G has been created by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms. It was launched in Scotland in 2006, following a pilot by Fife Council. 

To find out more about CC4G, visit www.cc4g.net.

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