STEM in Action: Empowering Girls in STEM Through Real-World STEM Education
Empowering Girls in STEM Through Hands-on STEM Learning
At Queen Mary’s, we are deeply committed to delivering outstanding STEM education for girls, ensuring that every pupil has the confidence, skills and ambition to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. As a leading UK school championing girls in STEM, we know that high-quality STEM learning is essential for developing future innovators, engineers, scientists and problem-solvers. Our recent Year 9 STEM trip offered a powerful example of how real-world STEM experiences can inspire, motivate and enhance learning far beyond the classroom.
Year 9 Queen Mary’s Girls Explore STEM in Action for Scarborough STEM Week 2025
The day began with an immersive visit to the Sea Life Centre, where pupils explored marine biology, ecosystems and environmental science. They investigated how technology, engineering and scientific design support the complex life-support systems that sustain marine habitats. From water filtration systems to temperature control and tank engineering, the girls saw how core STEM skills are used in real-world careers linked to conservation, sustainability and marine science. This hands-on learning allowed them to make strong connections between classroom STEM lessons and the practical application of science and engineering in professional settings.
Our next stop was Scarborough STEM Week, an exciting event that showcases innovation, digital technology and engineering across the region. Here, pupils met inspiring engineers, scientists and industry specialists who demonstrated how STEM careers shape the modern world. Through interactive workshops, problem-solving activities and engaging demonstrations, the girls discovered how STEM skills are essential in areas such as renewable energy, robotics, computing, construction, digital development and medical technology. Experiences like these are crucial in encouraging more girls to pursue STEM subjects by showing them the wide range of opportunities available and by breaking down gender stereotypes that still exist in science and engineering fields.
Girls in STEM: Leading Through Technology at Queen Mary’s
At Queen Mary’s, leadership takes many forms, both on stage and behind the scenes, and nowhere is this more evident than in the work of our own in-house Audio Visual team, Jamie and Lexy. Through their technical expertise and calm professionalism, they demonstrate how STEM skills can be applied in practical, highly visible ways that support the life of the school. Each week, they independently manage the audio and visual setup for prayers, ensuring microphones, sound, and projection run seamlessly – an essential role that requires problem-solving, attention to detail, and confidence with technology.
Their leadership was particularly evident during Open Day, when Jamie single-handedly coordinated the entire AV setup, supporting presentations and ensuring the smooth running of the event for visiting families. This level of responsibility reflects not only strong technical ability but also independence, reliability, and initiative, key skills at the heart of STEM learning. By trusting girls with real-world technical roles, Queen Mary’s empowers pupils to see themselves as capable leaders in technology and engineering fields, breaking down stereotypes and proving that girls belong at the forefront of STEM innovation.
STEM in the Classroom: What Does an All Girls STEM Education Look Like
At Queen Mary’s, our mission is to embed STEM learning deeply into school life. We focus on building curiosity, creativity, analytical thinking and confidence — the key foundations of strong STEM education. With technology evolving rapidly, teaching pupils how to think critically, solve problems and adapt to new ideas is vital for preparing them for future careers that may not yet exist. Our STEM curriculum and co-curricular opportunities are designed to encourage girls to ask questions, try new approaches and discover their passions.
This Year 9 STEM experience reflects everything we value as an all-girls school committed to empowering young women through education. By providing meaningful exposure to real-world STEM environments, we help our pupils see themselves as future engineers, scientists, designers and innovators. Whether they pursue marine biology, engineering, medicine, computer science or environmental research, the STEM skills they develop now will open doors to limitless future possibilities.
At Queen Mary’s, STEM in school is more than a subject – it is a mindset. And by offering high-impact STEM trips like this one, we ensure that every girl is inspired, equipped and ready to shape the future with confidence.
Why Choose to Study STEAM Subjects at an All Girls School
While single-sex education might seem traditional, research paints a different picture. Studies show girls in all-girls schools achieve stronger academic results, greater confidence, and higher participation in STEAM and leadership roles. Recent findings even show girls who play sport are 50% more likely to reach top jobs later in life, and in girls’ schools, that participation remains far higher. At Queen Mary’s, those statistics come to life daily through exceptional academic progress, thriving sports and adventure programmes, and pupils leading in science labs, orchestras, and school councils.
Find out more about STEAM at our North Yorkshire All Girls School by emailing admissions@queenmarys.org.
