University launches initiative to get more girls interested in STEM subjects

A UNIVERSITY is working to close the gap between boys and girls taking an interest in STEM subjects.

Wrexham Glyndwr University invited more than 100 pupils from schools across north-east Wales to visit the campus for a taster day.

Female pupils from St David’s, Ysgol y Grango, Richard Gwyn, Connah’s Quay and Ysgol Brynhyfryd took part in activities and attended talks with lecturers and presenters from Techniquest Glyndwr discovery centre.

Julie Cowley, head of recruitment and admissions, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils and we hope they enjoyed their day with us.

“At Wrexham Glyndwr University we have a wide range of undergraduate courses covering the STEM subjects, so this was an opportunity to showcase them and explain further how careers in engineering, maths, science and those arenas are open to girls as well as boys.”

A new study of 1,000 girls and young women in the UK aged 11-30 revealed that, on average, there is just a five-year window to foster their passion for STEM subjects.

While most girls in the UK become attracted to STEM subjects just before the age of 11, their interest drops off sharply between the ages of 16-17, highlighting the importance of engaging girls in the school cycle, the study showed.

Ms Cowley added: “The number of girls entering these areas is rising, but there is still a huge gap because they are traditionally male-dominated industries. There are positive role models here at the university – including female lecturers teaching STEM subjects – who can support them and give hands-on experience.

“There is a definite demand for more women in STEM careers and many of the pupils who visited us took that away with them.”