Schoolgirls helped to overcome gender-based barriers in STEAM Challenge

20th June 2023

Teams of schoolgirls from West Dorset and East Hampshire have taken part in an annual STEAM challenge designed to promote participation and raise aspirations in industries that young women often see as male dominated.

Organised by Soroptimist International Bournemouth (SI Bournemouth), the challenge aims to encourage girls to overcome gender-based barriers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) related subjects.

The challenge was created in recognition that there is a shortage of girls choosing STEAM subjects as degrees.

Running for its tenth year, the challenge saw six teams of Year 8 and 9 schoolgirls tasked with designing, researching and building a product which would create a sustainable solution to help people in the poorest parts of the world.

The teams were asked to consider what problem their solution is going to help overcome, who would benefit from it, how and where it is to be used, and how many people it would help. 

Two winning teams from Bournemouth School for Girls and Cranford School were crowned at a final event at Bournemouth University and received £250 for their respective schools. All participants who met bronze criteria received CREST Bronze Awards.

At a final event held at Bournemouth University, Bournemouth School for Girls were crowned winners in the Year 8 category with their solar cooker project, designed to provide a sustainable way for people in third world countries to cook using solar energy

Canford School’s flat pack house won the prize for the Year 9 category. The team designed a durable, sustainable structure that was suitable for families to use in refugee camps.

The challenge was part-funded by Bournemouth Water, which as a company, promotes diversity and inclusivity in the water sector. The company’s financial contribution towards the STEAM challenge ensures there are equal opportunities for students to take part regardless of their background.

Richard Stanbrook, Drinking Water Services Director at Bournemouth Water, and one of the judges, said: “I was really impressed by the variety of ideas that the girls presented and how professional the presentations were. Their innovative thinking is a reassurance that the future of the STEAM subjects is very promising.”

Saska McGrath, Strategic Environment Manager at Bournemouth Water, and one of the judges of the event, said: “The STEAM Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to promote the uptake of STEAM subjects amongst school-aged girls and encourage more women to consider careers in traditionally male dominated industries. We want young women to discover their potential and feel empowered to pursue careers in all fields.”

Catherine Beal, STEAM Project Lead of SI Bournemouth, said: “The Steam Challenge provides a great opportunity to promote girls’ participation in STEAM subjects. The students that take part gain valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving and presentation. We are proud to educate, empower and enable girls through this challenge and would like to thank Bournemouth Water for their support.”