Thirty-two year 10 girls from throughout Central Queensland got a taste of unconventional careers for women at the inaugural CQU Girls in Maths, Science and Technology Summer School this week.

Students got the chance to tour the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant and see laboratory employees carrying out testing of the treatment plant process and algal analyses. Forensic science was also on the agenda with Queensland Police Sergeant Mac Duus giving an insight into the various different strands of the science.

The girls ventured off-campus for a session in the chemistry of tinting and perming at TAFE, a tour of the Pathology Lab at the Rockhampton Hospital and engaged in brainstorming using the computer program Zing at Group SolutionS.

Workshops were held in physics, chemistry, maths and biology, while evening activities included astronomy and a tower building team activity, which will be showcased at the closing ceremony on Friday. Prizes for the team building activity have been provided by Ipex.

Students have travelled from Baralaba, Biggenden, Biloela, Bundaberg, Clermont, Dysart, Emerald, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Hughenden, Longreach, Mackay, Mirani, Mt Larcom, Mt Morgan, Moranbah, Sarina, Winton, Springsure, Tannum Sands and Tin Can Bay.

The summer school, which is funded by Education Queensland and Central Queensland University, has provided interesting and stimulating experiences in the fields of mathematics, science, information technology and engineering for the girls.

Director-General of Education Queensland Ken Smith said the department was committed to engaging more girls in maths, science and technology.

“We want to reverse the trend of low participation and create more opportunities for girls to engage in areas of innovation,” he said.

“Initiatives like the summer school can help young women to develop and contribute their knowledge and skills and compete for the new and emerging jobs of the future.”.

Coordinator and CQU Biology Lecturer Sheila Jeffery said the summer school aimed to encourage more girls from Central Queensland to continue their interest in these key areas – areas where traditionally girls are less likely to pursue a career.

“We hope that by participating in the summer school the girls would consider maths, science and technology subjects for years 11 and 12 and beyond, keeping their options open for future career pathways,” explained Mrs Jeffery.

The summer school has attracted huge interested from girls from throughout the region. Successful applicants were chosen due to their likelihood to gain the most benefit from the summer school’s activities.

“These girls may not necessarily be the highest achievers, but have demonstrated an interest and ability in mathematics and science subjects. We have chosen girls who we believe need encouragement to maintain their interest in studying these subjects,” Mrs Jeffery said.

Photo above: Glenmore Water Treatment Plant's Graham Demeny explains the water treatment process to the girls participating in the summer school.

Photo left: Queensland Police Sergeant Mac Duus explains the different fields of forensic science the girls could enter.