The UK remains one of the worst regions in Europe when it comes to encouraging women into STEM roles. Currently, only 22% of UK STEM roles are held by women and only 11% of the engineering workforce are women. At less than 10%, the UK has the lowest percentage of female engineering professionals in Europe. We need to find ways to involve young girls more readily in conversations about STEM and get them excited in a future careers in science and engineering.
Physics Partners recently held a successful Girls into STEM session at Bedford Girls’ School. Attended by students and staff from Goldington Academy, Castle Newnham School, Mark Rutherford School and Bedford Girls School, the day aimed to boost the girl’s confidence and resilience utilising scientific enquiry contexts. Neil Atkin who led the engaging session with fun, practical activities and references to his ‘Rubbish Science‘ charitable work in Sierra Leone.
Many thanks to Bedford Girls’ School for hosting and managing the logistics for the day.