The Journey to Increase the Uptake of STEM Subjects and Future Career Pathways through Enhanced Employer Engagements in an All-Girls School.

The future of work is evolving rapidly, particularly in technology. Preparing young people for this world is increasingly challenging. An estimate suggests that 85% of today’s students will end up in jobs that haven’t been invented yet (IFTF & Dell Technologies, 2018). This figure is central to the STEM vision at St. Mary’s College, where we aim to equip our students with the skills necessary to contribute to an ever-changing society and job market.

At St. Mary’s College, many students are talented in STEM subjects. However, local employers have expressed concerns about the lack of qualified applicants for STEM jobs. Our goal is to increase employer engagement opportunities and provide students with the information needed to make informed subject choices, enabling them to access well-paid, readily available jobs both locally and further afield. This is a growth sector where women are currently underrepresented.

Our action research project aimed to improve the number of girls choosing STEM subjects at Key Stage 5/Post 16, explore the reasons for the traditional lack of uptake, and investigate the relationship between STEM employer engagement and subject uptake. Our focus group consisted of Year 11 and 12 students who selected Triple Award Science and/or Technology & Design at GCSE Level/Post 14.

The main strategy was to maximize exposure to STEM careers to encourage uptake at KS5. This was achieved through career-focused curriculum areas and open discussions during Science & Technology classes. Data was collected via interviews, informal chats, and questionnaires/surveys, checked for bias by non-STEM staff.

Results showed a significant increase in students opting for STEM subjects at Key Stage 5/Post 16. Key figures included Science subjects increasing by over 300% and Mathematics A Level from zero to 9 students in Year 1 and 8 students in Year 2.

Increased employer engagement had the following positive effects:
- Positive effect on students’ self-concept.
- Increased uptake of STEM subjects at KS5 (almost 80% increase).
- Increased attainment in KS5 examinations.
- Increased awareness amongst pupils of the STEM opportunities available including apprenticeships and scholarships.
- Increased applications to STEM courses post KS5 (87% of students studying one or more STEM courses have applied for a higher-level STEM course or plan to seek work in this sector).
- STEM Teachers (Science & Technology) regularly signposting future career opportunities during lessons and equipping themselves with relevant knowledge through site and university visits.
- Participation in careers events and engagement with employers has given staff and students the most up-to-date knowledge of the STEM employment landscape.
Increased interest from stakeholders in continuing to work with St Mary’s College to promote STEM careers.

Our poster presentation will detail how increased employer engagement and activities at St. Mary’s College have successfully contributed to the increased uptake of STEM subjects at the examination level and in career pathways.

Keywords: STEM, Technology, Science, Education, Careers, Employers.