Pauline Dunne & Belinda Munn

 When 180 Year 9 girls enrolled in a unique summer school at the University of Newcastle in late 2007, little did they realise how dramatically their perspective on the rest of their lives was about to change. Practical and theoretical tasks revolving around maths, science, technology and engineering opened the girls’ eyes to how these subjects could lead them to rewarding, interesting and highly valuable careers they may otherwise have never considered.

From learning about artificial intelligence and robotics to constructing and demonstrating water towers, the topics and practical experiments were designed to engage and challenge the girls on a variety of levels. When solving problems with quirky names such as Leprechaun Cannon, Wing and a Prayer, ElectraCity, Babe, Back to the Future and Confounding Communications the students engaged with the principles of fibre optics, codes and data transfer, compressed air, power distribution and propeller design; all part of a series of small group activities developed by the University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge Team.

The Yr9 GIRLS + MATHS + SCIENCE = CHOICES Summer School is an initiative of the University of Newcastle’s Equity and Diversity Unit. An annual

Triangles, squares, hexagons? Students test the strength of towers made from plastic straws and masking tape.

 event, conducted for the first time in December 2007, it supports the involvement of Year 9 girls with the potential for studying Maths and Science in Years 11 and 12.

Why girls only? As most readers would know, participation rates for females in non-traditional areas of study and employment remain consistently low. Selecting Year 11 and 12 Mathematics and Science subjects at the entry level required for degree programs considered non-traditional for women maintains career options for female school leavers. The Girls Choices Summer School aims to boost confidence in each young woman’s ability to achieve in these subjects and to expose them to study and career paths that exist for HSC graduates with Maths and Science.

Funded through the Commonwealth Government’s Higher Education Equity Support Program, students are selected from Equity Target Groups such as students from Regional and Rural areas, Low Socio-Economic Status or Non-English Speaking Backgrounds, students with a Disability and Indigenous students – all are encouraged to apply. This is an approach supported by the 2008 Participation and Equity¹ review which states that ‘for people living in rural or remote areas and people from low SES … (there has been) … virtually no progress … in improving their participation share … (in higher education)… despite 15 years of equity policy’ (p15).

One student, Tamara Schulz, said the Summer School was one of her best ever and most memorable experiences, and that it had definitely affected her Yr 11 and 12 and career choices. She said she was now aiming to study medical science and biomedical engineering at university – the Summer School had really changed her life.

Newcastle City Council Surveyors take the girls through the basics.

Student Erin Clarke said the Summer School influenced her subject choices; she has chosen extension maths for her senior years and is also studying engineering studies through open high school. The Summer School had shown her many new possibilities for her future and Erin now has her goals set on a degree in electrical engineering.

Parents have also whole heartedly endorsed the Summer School. One parent wrote, ‘I can only describe … (the Summer School) … as an opportunity of a lifetime … (my daughter) … had a blast, she met girls her own age who were like minded!!!!!!! She is keen to learn so much more’. Another describes how her daughter, ‘… is now talking about Uni. It is not so scary or hard to reach. Coming from a small rural isolated school these opportunities don’t come at all’. And finally, ‘it gave ideas and inspiration. As a result … (my daughter) … is studying science subjects for her HSC’.

The Summer School is strongly supported by the Deputy Vic-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kevin McConkey, who believes that it is all about creating choices and providing a link between maths, science and fulfilling careers. ‘It shows how this course of study can open up pathways to a whole range of exciting and inspirational careers that are vital to society’.

The program includes career talks given by women in non-traditional roles, interactive activities and industry site visits to motivate and inspire the students to consider carefully their subject choices for Years 11 and 12. The Girls Choices Summer School aims to boost confidence, provide encouragement and put forward role models for those students who are generally less likely to attend university because of a limited vision of the choices available.

The Science and Engineering Challenge Finale. Students put their barriers to the test.

As well as providing academic insights, the Summer School gives the girls the opportunity to stay in University residences and to taste University and city life in a secure and caring environment, an especially important experience for students from remote regions. In addition, increasing the level of expected academic achievement is important for students from small communities. Teachers have commented that students return with a more realistic understanding of the ‘competition that’s out there’ and have been motivated to achieve their personal best — not just get by.

A full evening program of sport, swimming, art and dance allows the girls to burn off excess energy and a chance to socialise and form lasting friendships. One often heard expression through the week is how wonderful it is to be with girls who think maths and science are really interesting - many students have continued to correspond and share experiences.

A more rigorous assessment of the Summer School’s impact on student choices is being undertaken. Follow-up surveys are planned with students from each year’s cohort; subject choices and career plans are to be surveyed in Yr 10, 11 and 12. The views of teachers and parents will also be canvassed to provide a more complete picture of the Summer School’s influence on the girls’ choices for the future. v

For more information about the Girls Choices Summer School visit our website at:
http://www.newcastle.edu.au/girlsmaths-science-summer-school/


Author Bio: The Equity and Diversity Unit Summer School Management Team is Pauline Dunne, Student Equity Officer and Belinda Munn, Manager Equity and Diversity. Pauline has a background in Adult Education, primarily English Language Teaching and Teacher Training, and has worked on various Community Development programs both in Australia and overseas. Belinda has worked in a range of community development and training roles in a variety of government and community organisations including the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board and AIDS Council of NSW. An ongoing objective of the Equity and Diversity Unit is to work towards raising the profile and presence of women in non-traditional areas of study at the tertiary level.

Photographs in this article are provided by the authors for inclusion in the WISENet Journal.
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¹ Participation and Equity: A review of the participation in higher education of people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and Indigenous people. Prepared by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education University of Melbourne March 2008