Maddie Moate: We need computer scientists and coders from all backgrounds

micro:bit - the next gen

As part of our BBC micro:bit - the next gen campaign, we caught up with TV presenter and EduTuber Maddie Moate earlier this year to find out what we need to do to inspire the next generation of coders and why it’s time to dispel the myth that computer science is for boys – once and for all.

‘People are keen to make coding part of the curriculum’

Maddie Moate has been creating videos to spark curiosity in younger viewers for more than 10 years and has nearly 220k subscribers who watch her content online.

As much of her content is about science and other educational subjects, she’s regularly in touch with teachers but admits that the reaction to her involvement with the micro:bit campaign took her by surprise:

“I was overwhelmed by the amount of responses I got as soon as I announced that I was part of this new campaign. So many teachers replied and I think the speed at which teachers and schools signed up [for a free set of micro:bits] goes to show that people are keen to make coding part of the curriculum.”

‘It’s about realising that coding can be part of everyday life’

This enthusiasm from teachers comes at a time when there are reports a UK tech talent shortage could stifle growth within the sector.

Encouraging more young people to embark on careers in tech could play a part in helping to close this gap in the future and Maddie believes that children are never too young to start learning about computer science:

“I think it’s really important for primary school pupils to have a go at coding and to be given an opportunity to have a creative experience when doing so. The micro:bit does a really good job of teaching the basics but it also provides primary school students with a fun experience that can be used across subjects and I think that’s really important.

“It’s not just about teaching children computer science or how to code, it’s about realising that coding can be part of everyday life. You can use it in art or music or geography and I think when you use a micro:bit or teach coding in a way that is across the whole curriculum it starts to appeal to more and more young people and that’s really important.”

‘As children get older, science – especially computer science – can start to feel more like a boy’s subject which of course isn’t true’

Research has shown that factors such as socio-economic background can have an impact when it comes to children learning about coding with Ofsted’s 2022 report revealing that state schools with higher proportions of disadvantaged pupils were less likely to offer a GCSE in computer science.

The gap between genders is also pronounced with analysis of examination data from 2021 showing that there are disproportionately few girls in computer science, making up just 21% of entries at GCSE and 15% at A level.

Maddie believes it’s important to get the message out there that computer coding is for everyone. She told us: “We live in a world where we need engineers, computer scientists and coders from all walks of life and backgrounds and I think the only way we’re going to create that workforce of the future is if we inspire the young generation now to be excited and interested in that digital space.

“I feel like when children are younger – particularly in the early stages of primary school or even pre-school – they’re all interested in science. We are all naturally scientists anyway. All science is really is looking at the world around you and asking questions and going in search of answers. But I feel as children get older, science – especially computer science – starts to feel more like a boy’s subject which of course isn’t true.

“I hold my hands up - I am not a professional coder, I am not a trained computer scientist but I do like finding out about it and I do like giving it a go. So it’s nice to represent a woman in this field, whether that’s for young girls or teachers who might feel like this is brand new to them. I’m so happy to be a guinea pig in this space and represent those people.”

‘Learning to code is like learning a language’

When primary schools receive their micro:bits, many teachers will find themselves teaching coding for the first time and Maddie admits that can feel daunting:

“I think it’s only natural to be apprehensive about teaching anything for the first time, especially if it’s new to you. But I think that something I’ve realised having had a go with the micro:bit is that the learning process itself is really fun and if you’re able to embrace the fun of learning then that is something you can enjoy alongside your pupils who will also be learning for the first time.

“I often compare it to learning languages because learning to code is like learning a language - it’s just learning a language on a computer to help you make a piece of hardware do things. No one would expect you to be fluent in a language overnight and it’s exactly the same with coding. If you just take it step by step and recognise and enjoy the process of learning in baby steps then it’s suddenly so much more manageable.”

For more information about the micro:bit visit BBC micro:bit – the next gen campaign

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites. By clicking the link to access the external website you will be redirected to a site controlled by a separate organisation. Please note that the BBC is not the data controller of the personal data you enter into the external website and it is not responsible for the services provided by any external organisation. When using an external website, you are subject to their Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This article was written in June 2023 and updated in October 2023.

More from BBC micro:bit - the next gen