The future is bright for women in STEM

In recent years, the importance of encouraging more women to enter the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has never been more crucial. At our school, we are proud to say that 75% of our STEM staff are women, which is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and expertise that women bring to these fields. We have worked hard to integrate a variety of career opportunities into our STEM curriculum. Whether it’s through classroom activities, career days, or one-on-one discussions, we’ve made it a priority to show students that STEM careers are diverse and can be pursued by anyone. By sharing different job roles, we hope to broaden our pupils’ horizons and highlight the fact that success in these fields isn’t determined by gender, but by passion, perseverance, and talent.

As a school, we are committed to continuing our efforts to foster a culture of inclusion and equality within STEM education. By providing opportunities for professional development for teachers, encouraging diverse career pathways, and showcasing the success of former students, we hope to inspire the next generation of women to step confidently into STEM careers. One of the most powerful ways to tackle gender bias in STEM is through real-life examples. We are fortunate to have former pupils return to the school, sharing their personal experiences and the career paths they have taken since leaving. These role models offer a unique perspective on how they overcame challenges related to gender bias and how they’ve succeeded in STEM fields. Hearing firsthand from these former pupils is incredibly inspiring for our current students. It shows them that the barriers they may face in the future are not insurmountable and that they, too, can break through stereotypes to achieve their goals. These alumni offer invaluable advice on how to navigate the sometimes-difficult terrain of the workplace and how to use their skills, knowledge, and passion to make a real impact in the world.

Throughout the school year, we are incredibly passionate about the idea that STEM is for everyone. Our aim is to foster an inclusive and empowering environment where all students, regardless of gender, race or background and feel capable and encouraged to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by one gender. To achieve this, we employ practical strategies designed to create equality in the classroom and overcome the common challenges of STEM education. These strategies include providing opportunities for students across all year groups at different stages of their academic journey. For example, in S2, students in women in physics lessons have the chance to explore the achievements of women in this minority field. Additionally, S2 students engage in a “science project”, where they research the gender imbalance in STEM and develop ideas for overcoming these disparities as they work toward a career in a male-dominated area. In S3 Biology, students delve into the life and legacy of Rosalind Franklin, learning not only about her groundbreaking contributions to science but also about the gender-based challenges she faced in a male-dominated setting. In S3 Maths, students watched the film Hidden Figures, which tells the inspiring story of African American women mathematicians who played pivotal roles in NASA’s space programs. The S2 Maths cohort participated in a coding session followed by a viewing of The Imitation Game, a film about Alan Turing and his groundbreaking work in codebreaking. In S2 Chemistry, students research lesser-known chemists and their contributions to science, highlighting the diverse figures who have shaped the field. In S3 Computing, students watched The Social Dilemma, providing them with a deep dive into the social impact of technology and encouraging critical thinking about the digital world.

Moreover, S2 students take part in the Real Game, an 8-week PSE initiative where they explore stereotypical male jobs and work to normalise these roles for both boys and girls. Lastly, S4 and S5 students participate in unconscious bias training, empowering them to challenge preconceived ideas and engage in conversations about gender equality, which they can share with younger year groups. These programs are all part of our school’s broader commitment to breaking down the barriers in STEM and ensuring that all students can see themselves as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and innovators.

Gender bias in STEM is a real challenge, but it is one that we are determined to overcome. With the right support, encouragement, and resources, our students—whether they are girls or boys—can grow up believing that no career is out of their reach. After all, the future of STEM is brighter when everyone is included.