SCHOOLGIRLS have entered a male-dominated matrix giving the boys a run for their money in the world of computing.

Fifteen girls from Richmond School & Sixth Form College visited a university computing exhibition bucking the trend in a profession populated by men.

The Year 10 students are currently taking GCSE computing with plans to continue their studies at A and degree level.

The exhibition at Teesside University gave them an insight into the depth and breadth of opportunities in computing, ranging from the International Space Station and NASA to games development. The trip was sponsored by local IT company The City Secret.

IT and computing teacher Susan Thornton said: “The girls are passionate about computing and were incredibly excited to see what the world could hold for them in the very near future.”

Maia Ornsby, 15, of Eppleby, hopes to combine the creativity she uses in drama with her IT skills to work in games development one day.

She said: “I really enjoy programming but also love my drama. I can now see how these could be combined in the computer games industry.”

Charlotte Winter, 15, of Cleasby, added: “I would love to work for a company like Google; for me, that would be a great environment to work in.”