In March, Penwortham Girls’ High School hosted its annual Careers Carousel as part of the STEM festival, providing an inspiring opportunity for Year 9 and Year 10 students to explore future career possibilities. More than 25 professionals from a wide range of STEM industries generously gave their time to share their knowledge and experiences, helping to spark curiosity and ambition among students. 

The carousel format allowed students to engage with experts across multiple sectors, gaining valuable first-hand insights into different careers. They explored fields such as engineering, manufacturing, construction, radiotherapy, and logistics, as well as learning about the role of mathematics in the financial sector and opportunities within higher education as well as the armed services. This varied exposure helped students develop a broader understanding of the many pathways available within STEM.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the experience as both eye-opening and inspiring. The sessions encouraged thoughtful reflection on future career choices, with several students reconsidering their plans after discovering new opportunities they had not previously considered.

The success of the event was made possible by the dedication of our STEM Ambassadors, who gave their time and expertise to support and guide our students. Their enthusiasm and commitment have had a lasting impact, motivating students to consider careers in STEM and helping them to envision exciting possibilities for their futures.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the STEM Ambassadors who contributed to the Careers Carousel. Their support has not only informed our students but also inspired them to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.

As we look ahead, we are excited to see our students build on this experience, equipped with greater awareness, inspiration and confidence as they begin to shape their own paths in the world of STEM.

Many thanks to our STEM Ambassadors who supported the event (including):

• Sgt Craig “Tank” Abram – RAF –
• David Nuttall – Engineering Manager Leyland Trucks.  
• Ellie Coxhead – Learning & Development Advisor Leyland Trucks
• Nick Smith – BAE systems
• Olly Crossley, Jane Hetherington, Ynah Rondina – Mace Group
• Mona Baig – Social Value manager Bowland + Kirkland
• Charlotte Bolton – Project Quantity Surveyor Bowland + Kirkland
• Chris Duffy – Mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering T. Clarke
• Lucy Marrin, Olivia Hall – Bluegyp Drywall Contractor
• Beth Dalgleish, Ruth Amissah– Taylor Wimpey
• Anatasia Bingham- Kirkland, Valentine Pietri- Engineering Baxi Heating
• Pika Solanki – Victrex, manufacturer of polymers used across, aerospace, automotive, electrical, industrial and medical industries.
• Simon Close – ForexClear, Portfolio Director, Post Trade, LSEG
• Helen Bleasdale – Quality Manager, Resonant Clinical Solutions. My role is that of Quality Manager – ensuring that we meet regulatory and customer expectations in servicing the Clinical Trials industry.
• Patrice Gibbons – Accountancy
• Giannis Sarantitis – Gastro surgeon
• Catherine Blackledge- Science journalist and author.
• Steven Rawlinson – SISK Group – Construction and Engineering
• Emily Heaton  Process Engineer from a chemical engineering background. Heidelberg Materials Ribblesdale Cement Works
• Zane Dandy – Higher Apprentice Heidelberg Materials Ribblesdale Cement Works.
• Sarah Dyson – Westinghouse Electrical Company
• Alexa Lee – Project Management degree apprentice at BAE Systems
• Andrew Lane, Steph Edwards – Cumbria NHS Radiology, diagnostic radiographers and lecture on radiography and related subjects at the University of Cumbria.
• Caroline Peters, Hamza Patel, Amin Patel – Trainee clinical biochemists,
• Kat Woods – National Grid Electricity distribution and transmission
• Neil Kiley – BAE Systems

Mr Knee

Teacher of Science

This year, our Year 9 students took part in the Primary Engineer Leaders Award—an exciting national STEM challenge that invites young people across the UK to answer the question: “If you were an engineer, what would you do?” The competition encourages students to identify real-world problems and design creative, innovative solutions, helping them to develop vital skills in problem-solving, design, and communication. This competition has given our students a unique opportunity to think like engineers and engage with the real challenges and possibilities within STEM.

We are delighted to share the fantastic results from our Year 9 cohort: 67 Passes, 60 Merits, 21 Distinctions and 6 Shortlisted entries.  The shortlisted entries are especially noteworthy. These outstanding designs advanced to the final round of judging, where they were reviewed by VIPs from the engineering world — an incredible achievement in itself.

We are especially proud to announce that Izzy R won the regional award for Year 9 students with her innovative design for a watch that helps monitor anxiety. The watch detects changes in the wearer’s body, such as an increased heart rate, which may occur before a panic attack. It then provides a range of suggestions and coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and support the user’s wellbeing. Amelia M received a highly commended award for her design of a pressure cuff, inspired by a relative who had suffered a stroke and experienced persistent pins and needles. Motivated to find a way to ease this discomfort, she created a cuff that gently pulses, helping to relieve the tingling sensation.

In recognition of their outstanding achievements, Izzy and Amelia recently attended a special awards ceremony at the University of Lancashire celebrating their success. Congratulations to them both on their remarkable success!

Mrs Goodwill

Teacher of Science