Last month, the Minister for Science and Industry, Ed Husic, announced the discontinuation of the Women in STEM Ambassador position in Australia. The position was held by astrophysicist, Lisa Harvey-Smith since its establishment in October 2018, with the aim of increasing representation of women and girls in STEM pathways. During its tenure, the representation of women in STEM-qualified roles increased by 38%, compared to 10% for men. Women’s university enrolments in STEM also grew more than mens. However, it was noted that women’s completion rates in STEM degrees remained lower than those of men and fields like engineering and technology continued to have low female participation. A recent independent report on diversity in STEM suggested that cultural and systemic barriers still hinder progress and recommended not extending the ambassador program, along with the axing of other Women in STEM programs. The report cited limited visibility, resources, support and role models as key barriers preventing girls from considering engineering as a viable career option.

Research has shown that an all-girls environment can improve girls’ performance and self-confidence in STEM subjects. At Kilbreda, we are passionate about empowering our students to explore their interest in STEM fields and to know that there is a place and a need for them in those fields. The figures outlined in the report weigh heavily on us, as it often feels like we are battling against traditional gender stereotypes that continue to be perpetuated outside of the school. Nevertheless, in 2023, 25% of our graduates were offered places in STEM fields. These included Health and Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Information Technology, Data Science and Cyber Security degrees. We are thrilled that so many of our students have chosen to continue their STEM studies and we hope to have instilled in them a strong sense of self-belief, confidence, and resilience to carry them through their degrees and into successful STEM careers.

Encouraging participation in STEM-related activities from an early age is crucial and we are dedicated to fostering interest in STEM fields through programs like the Term 2 SPARK Holiday Program and our LitSTEM partnership with St. Brigid’s Primary School. From Year 7, we encourage participation in The Big Science Competition, Science Talent Search, STEM MAD and LEGOMasters, just to name a few.

Caitlyn Singleton (Year 12) was recently a guest speaker at a Cheltenham Rotary Club, sharing her experience at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) and how it was instrumental in her decision to pursue a career in medicine.  Additionally, the recent acceptance of Jayda Sly and Pratima Thomas into the highly competitive, four-year Girl Power in Engineering and IT program at The University of Melbourne is a testament to their dedication and passion for STEM.

Our partnership with Laing O’Rourke is in its second year, with over 30 Year 10 students continuing to take part in workshops that explore careers in construction and engineering in the rail industry. Planning is well underway for our annual Kilbreda in STEM Morning Tea, which sees alumni return to Kilbreda to share their pathway into STEM careers.

While the reports indicate that there is still progress to be made in achieving equity in STEM fields, we are confident that the opportunities provided to our students, both inside and outside the classroom, are making a positive impact.

Sarah Chuck
Learning Leader: Science