The Educator Magazine U.K. September - December 2025 issue. - Magazine - Page 8
How Learner-Led Computing
Promotes Student Engagement
For 15 years, Apps for Good has been
championing digital education,
empowering young people from all
backgrounds - especially girls and those
from underrepresented backgrounds - to
thrive. Our free, introductory computing
courses put young people in the driving
seat, encouraging them to draw on their
lived experiences to tackle real-world
challenges that matter to them.
Disengagement Starts Early
Student disengagement is rising - and it’s
affecting the most disadvantaged learners
the most. According to the Pearson School
Report 2025, 69% of secondary educators
expect disengagement to be a major barrier
to learning this year, with schools with
higher numbers of students eligible for free
school meals seeing the sharpest drops in
motivation.
The transition to secondary school is often
a tipping point. In Mind the Engagement
Gap: A National Study of Pupil Engagement in England’s Schools, Professor John
Jerrim shows that more than one in four
pupils start to disengage in Year 7- with the
biggest impact on girls and disadvantaged
students.
There is a clear call for change, as the
Shadow Curriculum Review warns that
enjoyment, trust, and agency are declining.
A national “enrichment guarantee” is being
proposed, to ensure all young people have
access to meaningful, inspiring learning
beyond the traditional classroom.
How Can We Switch Young People Back
On?
Apps for Good computing courses provide a
practical, hands-on way to engage students
in meaningful learning. Working in teams,
they design app prototypes that tackle
real-world issues they care about. With three
themes—Social Action, Climate Action, and
AI for Good—students work independently
to draw on their lived experiences and
develop purposeful, impactful projects.
“As a teacher, I've thoroughly enjoyed
delivering this programme because it hasn't
been teacher-led. It's been about empowering
our young people through this idea of a
problem and finding a solution [...] and
enabling them to really develop as young
people.”
Somaira Younis, Teacher at Shireland
Collegiate Academy
Students develop skills like communication,
teamwork - and, importantly, confidence.
Computing doesn’t thrive through passive
learning, which is why we promote dynamic,
hands-on classrooms that reflect the
energy of the real world and support the
growth of active, engaged, future-ready
citizens.
Adaptable for Every School
Courses are designed for KS3/S1–3 students
and can be delivered by both computing
and non-specialist teachers. With flexible
delivery options, schools could run them
during lessons, enrichment time, or as part
of a cross-curricular scheme of learning.
Building Confidence, Skills, and Futures
In 2023/24, our courses reached 701
schools, 30,143 young people, and 841
teachers. 70% of student survey
respondents agreed that they learn
independently in computing
lessons after doing the course.
Looking ahead, 35% were inspired to
study computing or a related subject, and
34% to pursue a career in digital technology.
“When I started, I had no real interest in
Computer Science, but [now] I’ve actually
changed one of my GCSE options to
Computer Science, which really shows how
much this has influenced me.”
Ellie, Student at Cedar’s Upper School
We’re especially proud to support more girls
into tech. Women make up just 20% of the
UK tech workforce - but this is a narrative
we’re actively changing.
“It is often said that Apps for Good is a good
first step to get women into technology.
This year, we’ve seen an encouraging increase
in the number of girls choosing computing
subjects.”
Kamona Karim, Teacher of Computing at
Putteridge High School
GET IN TOUCH
We work closely with schools across the
UK to deliver free computing courses and
we'd love to explore how our resources can
support your students.
Speak to our Education Community Manager,
Kathy: education@appsforgood.org
Discover more and explore our FREE resources
today: www.appsforgood.org
