Taunton School recently hosted the annual ‘Skirting Science’ event, aimed at encouraging girls to get interested in STEM. It was a resounding success with over 230 Year 9 girls from local Somerset schools in attendance.
The 13- and 14-year-old girls had the opportunity to take part in some fascinating workshops, including “Space Detectives” by Institute of Physics, Forensics with UWE Bristol and “Can you Build a Leg” Prosthetics with North Bristol NHS Trust. The event, which was hosted in Taunton School Science labs, was organised by the Soroptimist International Taunton charity and has been growing in popularity since it started four years ago.
Many local schools took part including Huish Episcopi Academy, Court Fields School, Holyrood Academy, Chilton Trinity, Bishop Fox’s, Castle School, Bridgwater College Academy, Kingsmead, Heathfield and Taunton School.
There were 16 organisations at the science event, each running their own inspiring workshop. Organisations who took part included The UK Hydrographic Office, Rolls Royce, Plymouth University, The Met Office, The University of Bristol, The Institute of Physics and UWE.
The ‘Skirting Science’ event was first created in 2009 by Soroptimist International in Weston Super Mare and runs annually. Its purpose is to inspire the next generation of female scientists and dispel misconceptions about science and engineering careers for women.
Soroptimist International state their vision as: “Women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.”
