Menu
24/04/2023
New Programme To Inspire Girls To Pursue Maths
A new programme to inspire girls in Northern Ireland to continue their pursuit of maths has been launched by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and professional services firm PwC.
The aim of the Maths4Girls programme is to increase engagement and interest levels of girls aged 11-14 in maths because this opens-up high-impact STEM-related careers. An initiative by Founders4Schools (F4S), the program is designed to increase the number of girls taking maths beyond GCSE, by connecting young girls with women professionals and role models who use maths in their careers. The highly acclaimed pilot involved 25,000 girls in England and showed material increases in girls' confidence and intention to study maths post GCSEs.
The Northern Ireland launch event was a half-day round table conference attended by teachers, policy makers, universities, and TCS clients.
Sherry Coutu, CBE Chairman, F4S, said: "I am delighted to be partnering with TCS and PwC to extend this important programme geographically to Northern Ireland. Just before the pandemic, we launched Maths4Girls to bring Maths into the hearts and minds of girls aged 11-14 so they voluntarily chose Maths to the age of 18. We did so to improve the skills of our workforce, the competitive advantage of our nation, the productivity of our businesses and the life chances of our children and our grandchildren."
Priyanka Sethi, Head of Strategy and Sales, Education, TCS UK&I, said: "We are delighted to bring the Math4Girls initiative to Northern Ireland. At TCS we are committed to increasing the representation of women in STEM careers and this is a fantastic initiative designed to increase engagement with Maths among young girls. Our hope is that by increasing the number of young girls studying maths, we can reduce the gender gap that exists in STEM careers. At TCS about 35% of our Irish workforce are women which is significantly above the 21% IT industry standard, but we would love to see that representation increase in the future."
Cat McCusker, Regional Market Leader, PwC NI, said: "We were fully onboard with the opportunity to support the launch of Maths4Girls in NI. The initiative has the potential to make a big difference in addressing the significant and persistent shortfall in STEM skills that currently exists here.
"Fewer than one in 10 girls in NI pursue STEM to the point of employment, and despite women making up almost half of Northern Ireland’s workforce, only 11% of engineers are female. When this is combined with the fact that only 18% of primary school teachers in NI specialise in maths, and that Physics A-level is only available in a few select grammar schools here; it paints a stark picture. Especially when we consider that more and more jobs are increasingly demanding important STEM skills.
"A significant area of focus for PwC is to nurture upcoming talent, so that jobs of the future aren't threatened by a scarcity of key skills. We need to increase the skills pipeline in Northern Ireland, to make sure that future demand for STEM skills is met, for the benefit of our young people, and ultimately for the prosperity of this region."
The aim of the Maths4Girls programme is to increase engagement and interest levels of girls aged 11-14 in maths because this opens-up high-impact STEM-related careers. An initiative by Founders4Schools (F4S), the program is designed to increase the number of girls taking maths beyond GCSE, by connecting young girls with women professionals and role models who use maths in their careers. The highly acclaimed pilot involved 25,000 girls in England and showed material increases in girls' confidence and intention to study maths post GCSEs.
The Northern Ireland launch event was a half-day round table conference attended by teachers, policy makers, universities, and TCS clients.
Sherry Coutu, CBE Chairman, F4S, said: "I am delighted to be partnering with TCS and PwC to extend this important programme geographically to Northern Ireland. Just before the pandemic, we launched Maths4Girls to bring Maths into the hearts and minds of girls aged 11-14 so they voluntarily chose Maths to the age of 18. We did so to improve the skills of our workforce, the competitive advantage of our nation, the productivity of our businesses and the life chances of our children and our grandchildren."
Priyanka Sethi, Head of Strategy and Sales, Education, TCS UK&I, said: "We are delighted to bring the Math4Girls initiative to Northern Ireland. At TCS we are committed to increasing the representation of women in STEM careers and this is a fantastic initiative designed to increase engagement with Maths among young girls. Our hope is that by increasing the number of young girls studying maths, we can reduce the gender gap that exists in STEM careers. At TCS about 35% of our Irish workforce are women which is significantly above the 21% IT industry standard, but we would love to see that representation increase in the future."
Cat McCusker, Regional Market Leader, PwC NI, said: "We were fully onboard with the opportunity to support the launch of Maths4Girls in NI. The initiative has the potential to make a big difference in addressing the significant and persistent shortfall in STEM skills that currently exists here.
"Fewer than one in 10 girls in NI pursue STEM to the point of employment, and despite women making up almost half of Northern Ireland’s workforce, only 11% of engineers are female. When this is combined with the fact that only 18% of primary school teachers in NI specialise in maths, and that Physics A-level is only available in a few select grammar schools here; it paints a stark picture. Especially when we consider that more and more jobs are increasingly demanding important STEM skills.
"A significant area of focus for PwC is to nurture upcoming talent, so that jobs of the future aren't threatened by a scarcity of key skills. We need to increase the skills pipeline in Northern Ireland, to make sure that future demand for STEM skills is met, for the benefit of our young people, and ultimately for the prosperity of this region."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
18 April 2023
PM Calls For Action To Address 'Anti-Maths Mindset'
Mathematics is vital for providing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the jobs of the future, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.
PM Calls For Action To Address 'Anti-Maths Mindset'
Mathematics is vital for providing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the jobs of the future, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
