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St Peter's
Catholic School

‘Physics is hard’…shattering stereotypes!

St Peter’s is participating in a very exciting pilot project with SEPNet (South East Physics Network Outreach) to encourage, in particular girls, but generally all students, to consider careers in physics.

Dr Heather Campbell from the University of Surrey talked to Sixth Form students about the stereotypical description of a physicist (a man…with a white coat…lots of hair… and glasses!).  The students were encouraged to think about what has inspired them to choose STEM subjects and any factors which might have affected their decisions. 

The facts speak for themselves…

  • Only 13% of those in STEM roles are women
  • UK currently produces 51,000 engineers per year, we are going to need 87,000!
  • Only 21% of A Level physics students are girls

St Peter’s Sixth Form students will work with students lower down the school in Year 8 next term, to try and inspire these younger students to think about the advantages of taking a science subject at A Level and in particular, physics.  There will also be an opportunity for parents to join us at a STEM networking event where students will be able to explore a variety of different STEM careers.