Mrs J Cross, Deputy Headteacher, Academic
One of the great joys of working at CCHS is the way that our students embrace all aspects of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). This important area is thriving in our curriculum and is celebrated from Year 7 to Year 13 both in classrooms and in our additional STEAM provision.
As well as the curriculum content STEM education focusses on the application of knowledge and growing problem-solving, observational and exploratory skills. The addition of Art and Creativity to STEM in 2006 illustrates the importance of creativity in these subjects. Art and Design have always played an important role; for STEM lessons to flourish, they naturally involve art (for example, product design), language arts (communication, and social studies and history (setting the context for engineering challenges). As a school we support this addition, with Mr Harvey’s School Development Leader role championing creativity across the curriculum. For more information on this work, and our achievement of the prestigious Gold Artsmark Award please visit our website: The Arts – Chelmsford County High School for Girls (cchs.co.uk).
It has never been more exciting nor important to champion women in STEM. In the ever-evolving landscape of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, the underrepresentation of women has been a persistent challenge. However, as societies recognises the importance of diversity and inclusivity, we are pleased to note that concerted efforts are now being made to encourage and empower women in STEM field.
Historically, STEM disciplines have been dominated by men, with women often facing barriers in education, employment, and advancement. Despite significant strides in recent decades, a gender gap continues to persist. Challenges for women being successful in STEM disciplines can include societal stereotypes, bias and lack of female role models.
The number one way to challenge this gender gap is Education and STEM programmes that engage and encourage more young women to pursue STEM education. This is why we are immensely proud of our young women in STEM who, in large numbers, choose to take our STEM subjects through to success at A Level (Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science, Biology, Physics and Chemistry) and beyond into Higher Education.
We also celebrate the numerous STEM activities which complement our STEM provision. Our STEM room is a continual hub of design, electronic, engineering, souldering and so much more! Mrs Kurian (Subject Leader for Physics and STEM Lead) leads this important work and is supported by Mr Nicholls (STEM Tutor) and Dr Cannon (Subject Teacher of Physics and STEM support).
Thank you to Mrs Kurian, Mr Nicholls, Dr Cannon and our STEM prefects for the support they give this important are of school life, and to Mrs Madle who runs our introduction to sewing club.
