Hackathons
dressCode hackathons - an exciting day in a tech hub working in teams to create solutions with code!
We run a number of dressCode hackathons each year. These are typically held at tech hubs across the country and local schools are invited, dressCode clubs within the area will get priority. The format is five secondary schools bringing along 10 of their dressCode girls to work in teams of five to complete a challenge set on the day using code. Each team is assigned a mentor usually in the form of a senior girl or member of staff from the company hosting the event.
This is a free event and schools will never pay! All girls will get tshirts, lanyards, water bottles, food and prizes for the winning teams. Teachers will get a lanyard and a dressCode printed poster.
This all depends on interest from industry who are willing to host events, but now that you're signed up we'll keep you posted of any dressCode hackathons we are running near you!
The Power of Peer Influence: Introducing dressCode Senior Mentors
The dressCode model champions the power of relatable role models to inspire and encourage girls in Computing Science. A key element of this is the establishment of dressCode Senior Mentors within your school. These older female pupils will become invaluable assets in fostering a positive and engaging club environment.
As Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, eloquently stated:
"...Being a role model in the flesh provides more than inspiration; his or her very existence is confirmation of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt saying, 'Yes, 1 someone like me can do this'."
This profound insight underscores the impact your senior mentors can have. Their very presence and active involvement in the dressCode club can be a powerful affirmation for younger girls, demonstrating that pursuing Computing Science is not only possible but also achievable by someone they can relate to.
The dressCode Senior Mentor Model: Ideas for Your School Context
While the specific roles of your senior mentors will naturally evolve to suit your dressCode clubs unique setting and the interests of your dressCoders, here are some adaptable ideas to consider:
In-Club Support & Inspiration: Encourage senior mentors to attend regular dressCode club sessions. Their presence provides younger members with approachable role models who can offer peer support, answer questions from a student perspective, and share their own positive experiences with Computing Science.
Promoting dressCode Awareness: Senior mentors can actively participate in promoting the club at key school events like freshers' fairs, parents' evenings, and open evenings. Their enthusiasm and personal stories can be incredibly persuasive in encouraging new members to join.
Collaborative Activity Planning: Involve senior mentors in brainstorming and even leading club activities. This not only empowers them but also ensures the activities resonate with a wider range of student interests. They can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the club.
Mentoring & Guidance: Senior mentors can offer informal mentoring and guidance to younger members, helping them with challenges, celebrating their successes, and fostering a sense of belonging within the club.
Skill Sharing & Demonstrations: If senior mentors have developed specific Computing Science skills (e.g., coding in a particular language, web design), they can lead short workshops or demonstrations for the younger members.
Creating a Positive Club Culture: Their positive attitude and engagement can significantly contribute to a supportive and inclusive atmosphere within the dressCode club.
Year on year, you will find that the mentors become so much more than just a helping hand. I also watched their confidence grow, and their interest in Computing Science developed even further through their volunteer role.
Adapt to Your Context
Remember, these are just starting points. You, as the dressCode club leader, are best placed to identify the specific opportunities within your context where dressCode senior mentors can make the biggest impact.
Consider the strengths and interests of your older female pupils and how they can best contribute to inspiring the next generation of female Computing Scientists. The key is to empower them to take ownership and become active leaders within your dressCode club.
Keep the momentum going with dressCode and keep inspiring and involving the girls at all ages throughout their time at secondary school.
