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Mrs Chilton
Head of Teaching and Learning

Last week was STEM Week in the Senior School. Over the week, the girls engaged in a range of activities, but the highlight was the Science Showcase. It was an incredible evening, featuring the projects of the girls from their science classes this year. The quality of the research was outstanding and highlighted how passionate our girls are about finding out about the world and how it works. A panel of Meriden alumnae spoke about their careers in STEM fields, and what was inspiring to hear was how many of them are using their skills and passion for science to work in careers that seek to help others.

Media and academic researchers continue to regularly report that women are underrepresented in STEM fields. A 2023 report by Jobs and Skills Australia reveals that nearly half (47%) of occupations consistently in shortage of workers are high-skill professional roles in health, engineering, ICT and science. According to the Australian Government’s STEM Equity Monitor, women make up only 15% of Australia’s STEM workforce, with even starker gaps in engineering (12%) and IT (14%).

One of the benefits of an all-girls’ education is normalising STEM pathways for girls. The International Coalition of Girls‘ Schools have long been working to remove barriers that discourage girls from engaging in STEM-related pursuits.

Some of the practices suggested for engaging girls in STEM are:

  • Encouraging risk taking – normalising failure and mistake making in learning
  • Inquiry-based/project learning – giving girls’ hands-on opportunities to learn
  • Tying learning to a higher purpose – asking questions like “why” and “who will it help?” can help girls to understand why their work matters
  • Connecting with role models – providing opportunities for girls to see role models in STEM fields.

Promoting girls’ engagement in STEM is a priority for us at Meriden as we seek to encourage our girls to engage with these fields in ways that help them to ask ethical questions, solve problems and engage in dialogue about social responsibility as we care for and maintain God’s good creation.

A huge thanks to the Science Department for their work in organising the events of the week and continuing to inspire the girls in their learning. May many more Meriden girls go on to pursue careers in STEM fields in the future!