How Can We Inspire More Girls To Choose Physics
There is currently a government drive to increase the number of pupils choosing to study science and maths subjects post-16. Subjects such as A-level physics are important gateway qualifications to a variety of careers which make a substantial contribution to the financial and intellectual wealth of the country. Oxfordshire, with its strong research base and high numbers of science and technology based companies is a good example of this need.For subjects such as physics, where there is a marked gender imbalance, one approach is to take steps to make the subject more interesting and inspirational to girls. Girls as a group are achieving better results than boys, but they are still being steered towards choices that lead to low paid, low status jobs. For the UK the under representation of girls in physics is a very serious problem, for example in 2005, only 14% of girls who were awarded A* or A for GCSE Double Award Science or physics went on to do A-level physics.
Increasing the representation of girls in physics is one of the goals of the Institute of Physics' Stimulating Physics programme and on Wednesday 30 January 2008, Science Oxford, cultural centre for science in St Clements, is hosting a 'Girls Into Physics' day as part of this agenda.
Coordinated by Aimhigher in Oxfordshire, the day will be attended by 50 young women aged between 15-17 years from 5 Oxfordshire secondary schools. They will have the opportunity to look at courses and careers in physics through workshops delivered by professionals in the field. Dr Averil MacDonald from Reading University will give the keynote talk entitled 'Future Fantastic - Physics Careers of the Future' and this will be followed by interactive sessions looking at materials, medical radiology and nanotechnology. To complete the event Dr Amanda Nolte and Cassandra Backus, both physics graduates who have followed career paths in the commercial sector, will be interviewed by Viccy Fleming from the Institute of Physics as part of an informal 'Scientists on the Sofa' question and answer session.
Bridget Holligan, Head of Schools Programmes at Science Oxford says "For some reason, physics as taught and represented in schools, is not appealing to girls and as a result we are losing out on an incredible pool of talent. We hope that this day at Science Oxford can do a small part to help reverse that trend locally. The girls attending the day will get to meet some great and varied role models and will gain a real insight into where physics qualifications can lead them."