How do we address the lack of STEM graduates and get more girls interested in STEM subjects? This is a question that provokes continued debate both in the UK and on a global stage.  At Walthamstow School for Girls we aim to inspire and encourage students’ curiosity and enjoyment of the STEM subjects.  We have been committed to raising awareness and involvement in STEM since 2010.  STEM is taught through the curriculum, in subject lessons, and also promoted through extra-curricular activities and events.

Many students have had the opportunity to participate in STEM activities. We run regular whole day STEM challenge days in school.  These have included projects based on Structures & Bridges, HS2, Wind Turbines, RAF logistics, IET Faraday Challenge and Using the BBC Micro:Bit.

Other off-site challenge days have included “Girls Engineering the Future Project”, Thames Water, Transport for London and Queen Mary University Challenge Days.

We want our students to be well equipped for life beyond school and to this end we highlight Further Education opportunities and careers in STEM by working with STEM ambassadors and engineers.

Students have attended gallery visits and inspiring lectures at the V&A, Design Museum, the Big Bang Fair, the Royal Institution and the National Maritime Museum.  Students have achieved Crest Awards and a STEM Leaders Award.  Students have been behind the scenes at the Royal Mail, Olympic Park and the Coca Cola factory.  Recently our students attended a STEM in Aviation event where they learnt about careers in the aviation industry, worked in teams and pitched their winning idea to a panel of judges and a room of over 100 other students.

As a girls school we are keen to encourage our students to continue to study STEM subjects beyond GCSE, as the national picture is that boys are more likely to choose STEM subjects at A Level and in Higher Education.  There are many opportunities for women in STEM and we hope that by sparking an interest and reinforcing the importance of STEM in everyday life we can ensure that some of our girls will pursue exciting and interesting STEM careers.