Women into Science and Engineering Day

February 2010

On the 25^th February Red Maids’ School, Bristol, hosted a ‘Women in Science and Engineering Day’. The day consisted of two workshops where students took part in practical tasks and discussions ranging from 'Making Dentist Impressions' to 'How to do an Experiment up a Mountain'. There were also two talks, one from Helen Fennell.  

The event was open to year 12 girls from independent schools from across the South West and state ISSP partnership schools. Weston College and Churchill Community School took twenty of their keenest science students.

When asked her the event benefited her students a Biology Lecturer from Weston College commented: “An ideal chance for students to gain an insight into the vast range of ‘engineering and science’ opportunities available to them. The chemistry workshop in particular offered an interactive approach to problem solving in a topical area. It was a well organised and enjoyable event which allowed students to interact with a wide range of students from other establishments.”

Churchill Community School was also appreciative of being able to send its students to the event. The accompanying teacher had this to say: “Thank you for the inspirational conference for Women in Science and Engineering, held at Redmaids School last week.  Such a seamless operation must have taken a huge amount of careful planning.  All the staff and pupils made us feel welcome and ensured that we all arrived in the correct workshops at the right time.   The two workshops I attended were both very different and very interesting.  The lecturers had pitched their presentations to incorporate an overview of what their careers entailed, as well as introducing the students to new and interesting concepts.”