First computer science scholars

We are thrilled to announce that six of our talented year 12 students have successfully completed the Computer Science Scholars programme! Congratulations to Belkisa Cota, Parla Ghanipour, Ozgenaz Ozsoy, Amelie Soon, Ereni Zaki and Nicole Zeka who all achieved either class 1 (high distinction) or 2:1 (distinction) grades on their assignments.

This exciting new online initiative, launched in partnership with The Hg Foundation, is specifically designed to empower female and non-binary sixth form students to bridge the gap between school and high-level university Computer Science degrees.

A deep dive into higher education

Over the course of seven intensive tutorials, our students stepped out of the traditional classroom and into the world of academic research. Working in small groups, they collaborated directly with a PhD tutor - a university researcher who shared not only their technical expertise but also their passion for the frontiers of the field.

The programme was designed to be a rigorous "stretch and challenge" experience, pushing students well beyond the standard curriculum. It focused on three key pillars:

• Academic excellence: Developing the high-level research and analytical skills required at the undergraduate level.

• Subject mastery: Exploring complex topics that spark curiosity and innovation.

• Confidence building: Giving students a tangible sense of what it feels like to thrive in a university environment.

The final milestone

The programme culminated in a formidable final assignment: a 2,500-word research paper. These assignments were held to the highest standards, marked using the official university grading system to give students a realistic reflection of their progress and academic potential.

Completing this course is a significant achievement that demonstrates incredible dedication and intellectual curiosity. Please join us in congratulating these six scholars as they continue their journey toward becoming the future leaders of the tech industry!