Girls in Maths
Over 130 students and their teachers from ten schools visited Keele University recently for a Maths outreach and enrichment event.
The day was focused on encouraging girls to pursue studies in Maths beyond GCSE, and into careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The event included a full showing of the inspirational film “Hidden Figures”, the incredible story of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson - brilliant African-American women working at NASA as part of the programme that launched astronaut John Glenn into orbit. Boys were equally welcomed to the event, held in the Huxley Building on the Keele campus.
As part of the day’s activities, several distinguished speakers addressed the audience, sharing their inspirational stories and encouraging students to continue their mathematics studies.
Sergeant Jennie Anstey and Flight Lieutenant Carrie Moore, from the Armed Forces Careers Office (RAF), talked about the careers and opportunities and educational routes available in the RAF, and the importance of mathematics qualifications in those careers.
Karys Saunders, Graduate Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, and Stevie Gosling, Project Manager at Rolls Royce, talked about their studies, careers and the importance of maths to them. Both studied Mathematics, Science and Engineering, and are now developing successful careers in industry.
Iram Hussain from the Core Maths Support Programme introduced and explained the new Post-16 Core Maths qualifications, and the options available beyond GCSE studies.
Organised by Richard Stakes (Teaching Fellow, Computing and Maths, and FMSP Area Coordinator) and Jill Machin (Level 3 Lead, North-Mids & Peaks Maths Hub), the day was funded jointly by the North-Mids and Peaks Maths Hub and the Further Maths Support Programme, and supported by Keele University.