How does a science teacher encourage girls to fall in love with science? As we continue to mark Women’s History Month – and with British Science Week also taking place this month – we spoke with Sarah Taylor, Head Teacher at Bere Clinic School, about why encouraging girls in STEM is so key.
“Experiments and hands-on practicals are always a great way to get everyone excited about science. Dry ice is always a firm favourite!
“This year’s British Science Week theme was Change and Adapt. That made us think about how nature changes and adapts to its surroundings, such as vertical plants in Singapore and beehives thriving on top of blocks of flats.
“What’s really important when we’re teaching our young people at Bere Clinic School is that we have a duty to educate them about the challenges their generation faces with global warming, sustainable resources and so forth. However, we also dedicate time to focusing on the positive actions that humans do and linking them to real-world applications. This includes sharing learning about projects where humans are helping animals to live successfully alongside them, for example.
“We recently marked Apprenticeship Week. A big focus for us during that week was women in STEM, including a webinar on women in marine biology and female astronauts. That passion for STEM is something we really do try to encourage here. We have been visited by a haematologist who has shared a ‘blood workshop’ with the pupils.
“She is a fantastic role model, not just because of her job, but because of the journey she took to get there. She went to university but soon realised she had chosen the wrong course. With a love for analysing patterns, she applied to the local hospital for any technical role they had. They redirected her to a different course and she did a day release programme. And the rest is history.
“This scientist is a great role model for our young people not just because she is a woman in science, but because she shows that you don’t always have to take a linear route. Diversions are okay, you don’t have to look like or be a stereotypical scientist to work in science, and it’s okay to choose one path, but change it when you realise it’s not for you.”
At Elysium Healthcare, we’re passionate about creating a supportive environment where young people feel able to explore, learn and develop their skills. Find out more about our school services here.