Female representation in STEM careers remains significantly lower than male and in some roles is as low as 19%. Research undertaken by Microsoft in 2017 showed that girls lose interest in STEM because they:
•find it hard to picture themselves in STEM positions
•do not see STEM giving them opportunities to be creative
•lack female role models in STEM careers
The majority of girls (91%) choose subjects and careers based on how enjoyable they are and how they are taught. As educators, we influence the environment which shapes our students’ perceptions of STEM subjects and careers. We need to engender passion in STEM during formative years and provide a clear link between the subjects and the potential these open to our students.
With additional investment, HCK will completely transform our current facilities and build a new hi-tech STEM Centre including:
•State-of-the-art laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology;
•Student learning hub to foster team work and promote independent inquiry;
•Teaching centre to allow for the sharing of ideas and collaboration between subject areas;
•Modern equipment and resources to support student participation in competitions such as the BT Young Scientist and Sci-Fest; and
•The capacity for new technology courses in the future including Minecraft, Coderdojo and Robotics.
Building our Future will support the future of our students, our school and our society.
