Reimagining the STEM Landscape: A Leading Sydney Girls’ School’s Transformative Approach to Empowering Girls in Science and Mathematics Beyond the School Gates

Marking the commencement of National Science Week (12th-20th August 2023),Simone Bryant, Head of Science at Loreto Normanhurst, shares her educational insights as part of the movement driving an increase in female participation in the STEM industry. Under this years’ theme of 'Innovation: Powering Future Industries,' she advocates for the next generation of trailblazers and actively uses Deep Learning to reshape the future of STEM, one girl at a time.

Recent statistics from the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ STEM Equity Monitor 2023 highlight a promising trend; girls now make up 52 per cent of Science and 48 per cent of Mathematics enrolments in the final year of school. They have surpassed boys in Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Chemistry. Female university students now constitute over a third of those studying STEM subjects, often outperforming their male counterparts.

Yet, despite these encouraging numbers, a significant disconnect remains between academic success and workforce participation in STEM careers, with the STEM Equity Monitor also finding that the proportion of women in STEM-qualified occupations was a mere 15 per cent in 2022, up from 10 per cent two decades ago.

Speaking to this gap, Bryant highlights the urgent need for education to address this divide and foster a safe and supportive environment for girls to feel comfortable exploring the STEM field, and said:

"Despite a heartening rise in girls' engagement in STEM subjects at school, converting early interest in STEM subjects into future career pursuits remains a challenge. At Loreto Normanhurst, we are acutely aware of our important role as educators to bridge the divide through the thoughtful implementation of curriculum programming and Deep Learning experiences across the full scope of STEM-based subjects. We're equipping our girls with not just academic proficiency, but also with the confidence to visualise themselves as catalysts of change in the STEM sphere. Our ultimate goal is not just to help our girls fit into the existing STEM framework but to inspire them to carve out their own unique spaces and reshape the industry landscape."

Bryant further acknowledges the ‘Matilda Effect’ phenomenon, referring to the frequent omission of women scientists from the annals of history, with their male colleagues often receiving credit for their work. She shares that this systemic under-recognition not only effaces significant contributions but also creates a skewed perception of women's role in STEM, reinforcing stereotypes and discouraging young girls from seeing themselves in these careers.

She continues, "As educators of the future generation of female leaders, we must be committed to rewriting the narrative of the ‘Matilda Effect’. By integrating real-world and Deep Learning experiences into our STEM curriculum, educators can ensure girls see themselves reflected in scientific history. This enables girls to see that they aren't just passive observers; they are active participants, ready to leave their mark on the scientific world."

Loreto Normanhurst’s approach to Deep Learning plays a vital role in this mission. By moving beyond mere knowledge acquisition, the school immerses students in hands-on experiences that make abstract concepts tangible to foster the skills needed in future STEM careers. The school’s innovation in STEM provides immersive experiences for its students, making traditionally male dominated STEM careers more appealing and accessible to girls.

The school has employed several STEM-based programs into their curriculum including a STEM Club, Coding Club and Titration Club. Loreto students are also excited to embark on a STEM tour to the USA at the end of Term 3 2023, where thirty-two Year 9-11 students will visit prominent sites like NASA, the Grand Canyon, and the San Francisco Bridge, underscoring the vast potential and global influence of STEM careers.

In Term 4 2023, Loreto Normanhurst will further strengthen their Deep Learning practices by opening their all-new Agricultural Technologies Centre, providing students with hands-on experiences in sustainable farming and modern agricultural technologies. The school’s commitment to merging theory with practice allows for the seamless intertwining of classroom learning and real-world applications in STEM fields.

"Our girls are not just studying Science - they're living it. Through offering practical STEM experiences, schools can transcend conventional learning to immerse them in the very essence of these disciplines. This approach nurtures a deep-seated curiosity, whilst building the self-assurance they need to envision and shape their future roles as leaders in STEM," said Bryant.

About Loreto Normanhurst

Loreto Normanhurst is an independent Catholic, day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 – 12 in Sydney, NSW.

It offers an award-winning model of learning, an extensive extra-curricular program, a modern faith, and a strong sense of community.

With over 125 years of excellence in educating girls, Loreto Normanhurst graduates are independent, articulate, compassionate women who are seekers of truth and doers of justice.