Girls in Physics: Shattering stereotypes and reaching for the stars

A group of Year 11 triple science learners from Cockshut Hill School, part of the Summit Learning Trust, recently attended an exciting Girls in Physics event at the University of Birmingham, which was designed to inspire young women to explore careers in STEM (science, technology, engineers and maths.)

The learners took part in engaging workshops and talks, including fascinating sessions about exoplanets and the latest developments in physics research. They learned about the discovery of planets beyond our solar system and explored the fundamental principles that shape our understanding of the universe.

Dr Annelies Mortier an Associate Professor in Astronomy at the University of Birmingham delivered a keynote speech about her work. She studies the link between planetary and stellar parameters, focusing mainly on chemical composition, as well as the sun as a star to understand the processes behind stellar variability and their effect on radial velocity.

The group also got to hear from ‘The Bad Boy of Science’, Dr Sam Gregson who put on an interactive particle physics show. Dr Gregson is a doctor of particle physics accredited by the University of Cambridge and CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, one of the world's largest and most respected centres for scientific research.

The event also highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available in physics and encouraged learners to think about how they could apply their passion for science in the future.

Although STEM professions are widely regarded as central to the economy, gender equality in those industries is yet to be achieved. There is a wide gap between girls and boys that study STEM subjects beyond GCSE (35% of girls and 80% of boys). When it comes to university, just 25% of graduates in STEM subjects are women.

Marc O’Malley, Acting Principal at Cockshut Hill Said:

“I know that our learners thoroughly enjoyed the experience, leaving with plenty of inspiration and ideas for their next steps in education and beyond. We’re excited to see where their interest in physics takes them.

“At Cockshut Hill School we make sure to provide lots of engaging STEM activities for learners and girls especially. In order to tackle some of the challenges of the modern world talent needs to be harnessed from everywhere and that means getting more girls working in STEM careers. It’s so important to encourage more girls into the sector as many of the jobs of the future will be STEM related.”