Pupils have been showcasing the talent and potential of young women in STEM as they take part in a variety of events surrounding maths and physics. These events provide opportunities for exploration, mentorship, and recognition, and empower girls to pursue their passions in STEM. The stories of these remarkable pupils serve as a reminder of the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where girls can thrive and excel.
Maths Inspiration
A group of avid mathematicians from Years 11 and 12 visited the Storyhouse recently to experience the Maths Inspiration event. Hosted by Helen Pilcher and featuring Drs Katie Steckles, James Grime and Colin Wright, the event covered topics including: sharing pizza, escaping mazes, and message encryption. It was an opportunity for students to see the real-world applications of maths and be inspired by professionals in the field.
Kitty in Year 11 took to the stage to demonstrate her expertise in sharing by adeptly cutting an almond tart into two equal slides - although some deliberate asymmetry of the cherry placement certainly exposed some dietary preferences! Additionally, Amelie in Year 11 demonstrated her exceptional memory and mathematical prowess in a head-to-head tournament to test who could recite pi to the most decimal places. Undeterred by public pressure, Amelie effortlessly crushed the competition and earned a round of applause for herself and Queen's.
Whilst intended to be entertaining and quirky, the event served as catalysts for sparking interest and passion for mathematics among young learners. It also highlighted the diverse and exciting career opportunities available in STEM fields, breaking stereotypes and encouraging more girls to pursue their interests in mathematics.
Maths Feast
Neha, Cherry, Likitha and Kera in Year 10 participated in the Maths Feast in Wirral recently, a regional maths competition run by the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme. Guided by their curiosity and determination, they tackled challenging problems and secured a prize for consistently scoring highly in every round. Their achievement not only reflects their mathematical aptitude but also their collaborative spirit and resilience in the face of challenges.
By participating in competitions like Maths Feast, the girls hone their skills, build confidence, and foster a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom. They had a great afternoon, enjoying solving the challenges in each round, and are eager to find another competition to take part in as soon as they can.
Senior Physics Olympiad
In the realm of physics, Year 12 followed up on their successes in the British Physics Olympiad online challenge by competing in the next level of the competition, the Senior Physics Challenges. This is a written exam consisting of hugely challenging problem-solving tasks relating to the A-level specification and beyond.
Constance, Alexa, Kirsten, Abi, and Sia showcased their analytical prowess and critical thinking skills by tackling daunting problem-solving tasks. Congratulations to Constance, Alexa and Kirsten, who achieved the Bronze II award, Abi for achieving the Bronze I award, and Sia for achieving the Gold award.
