Star reward for a computer whizz (From Penarth Times)

Star reward for a computer whizz

A PENARTH school girl has won a place in the final of the 'A' Star Awards, which are presented to the UK's brightest female computing students.

St Cyres student, Sarah Farmer, 19, of Hickman Road, was the runner-up in the competition.

The results were based on this year's A-level computing exam, which was marked by the WJEC. Sarah gained a total of 574 marks out of 600 for her A-level paper, which put her among this year's top achievers.

She attended a reception at the National Assembly of Wales in Cardiff on Monday to receive her prize from Education Minister Jane Davidson.

Sarah said: "There were quite a few teachers there, including the Head of Information Technology at St Cyres Comprehensive School, Pete Lewis."

She added: "It was a really good day, and we had a nice lunch as well.

"People see IT as a male-dominated industry, but the 'A' Star awards recognise that women can do just as well at IT".

Certificates were also presented to eight other girls who scored the next best results, and among these was another St Cyres pupil, Julie Starling.

Julie, 18, secured a place at Swansea University to study Computer Science, and she moved there last weekend to begin her studies.

Sarah has a place reserved at Warwick University, where she will study Computer Science. It is a three-year course, but Sarah explained that she will probably do an extra year in industry, so that she can gain some experience in her chosen profession.

Sarah is keen to work as a systems analyst, which involves designing computer systems for companies.

She is leaving for university on Saturday, and added: "I'm a bit nervous, but excited also".

Her favourite subject in school was IT. She gained interest in the subject after she opted to take it at GCSE level.

She admitted that computer games do not really interest her, although she does spend a lot of time on the Internet.

A female student from Llanfyllin High school was named Wales' top 'IT girl', therefore depriving Penarth's St Cyres Comprehensive School of a second successive triumph in the competition to find the UK's brightest female computing student.

The final will be held in November and involves entrants designing their own web site to encourage women into IT.

The awards, organised by Edinburgh-based international software firm Axios Systems, are aimed at attracting more girls to take up careers in information technology.