Girls' Days
Much of our focus is on the importance of working with girls to inspire them about the opportunities available in science, engineering and the built environment.
The WiSET Girls’ Days are a bespoke hands-on experience open to girls aged between 11 and 18 covering topics as diverse as quantity surveying, scientific enterprise, engineering and forensic science. The purpose of these events is to excite and inspire all participants about the wealth of opportunities open to them through further study, higher education and/or a career in the science and engineering industry. Short taster events can also be arranged within schools to fit in with your timetable.
Widening access and improving participation in higher education form a crucial part of our work, and our courses contribute to Sheffield Hallam University's commitment to support Widening Participation. Our Girls’ Days present pupils with the opportunity to explore what higher education can offer within the context of continued study in science and engineering.
We pride ourselves on the variety and breadth of each Girls’ Day and ensure the inclusion of science and engineering is mixed with more general information related to higher education and the world of work. Each day includes at least one talk from a dynamic and inspiring role model from either higher education or the science/engineering industries and a strong skills focus is maintained through teamwork and creativity.
download Girls Day Flyer
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One bespoke full-day session created for the Barnsley LEA is the Forensic Science for Girls Day which was run with thirty 12/13 year old girls in June of 2007 and again in 2008. The session uses the introduction and exploration of DNA as its crux with the investigation of a theft forming the basis of the morning session. Each girl is set the challenge of uncovering the guilty culprit through finger print analysis, chromatography and chemical testing, all within the modern lab facilities at Sheffield Hallam University.
The afternoon session begins with a fun introduction to DNA using models and examples, which is followed by the hands-on extraction of their own DNA under the supervision of role-models from the world of science. Each pupil’s DNA is then placed into heart-shaped necklaces for them to take home and impress friends and family.
The programme supports the development of team-working and communication skills through investigation and scientific experiments. The pupils are able to combine science with creativity through independent and group exploration of forensic science, chemistry and biology.
Did you know that 48% of the earth's harmful greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings?
This is one of the startling facts introduced to girls during the Women in SET Eco-engineering event. As part of this taster programme all participating girls take part in an innovative sustainable development project inspired by Dr. Andy Young, senior lecturer in engineering at Sheffield Hallam University.
The project involves students at SHU in a 'Design and Build' competition. The successful team of students designed, and are currently building, an eco-home with its own systems for generating heat, light and electrical power.
The participating schoolgirls discover how the winning team arrived at their eco-house design, examine the different elements like solar panels and a wind turbine, and contribute to the creation of its green roof.
The girls are able to meet role models, talk about what it is like to study engineering at University, and compare the heat losses and gains of a normal property with those of a properly designed 'green' home.
The Eco-engineering day aims to help girls develop a greater awareness of and passion for engineering through eco-focused interactive exploration.
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