Inspiring change makers

Preparing girls for the future in our fast-changing and increasingly complex world is at the forefront of Penrhos College’s mission. Here, students are empowered and equipped with the confidence and skillsets to problem-solve, collaborate, innovate and become leaders. In recent years, the importance of study in STEM-related areas and the development of associated skillsets has become increasingly significant. Research indicates that more than half the jobs for our next generation have not even been conceived of yet – what we do know is they will be heavily focused in STEM-related fields, an area in which females are significantly under-represented across the globe.

Learning experiences beyond the classroom help inspire girls to identify and pursue their future career opportunities.

In order to provide real-life insight into what a future career in a STEM-related field might entail, we participate in an annual Girls in Engineering Outreach Program with the University of Western Australia. Students work with a team of female mentors from Rio Tinto (whose new Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker - coincidentally - is one of our alumni). The program helps to illustrate the need for girls to think beyond the conventional, in a shift towards career options of which they may have previously been unaware.

Some of our students also have the opportunity to attend a new five-day residential camp, specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with an interest in Science, Maths or Engineering. The Mining and the Lands Camp, sponsored by Curtin University, Future Footprints, AngloGold Ashanti and AISWA exposes girls to what it’s really like to study and work in the mining industry in WA. The more we are able to engage our girls in authentic career learning experiences, the more

“Our mission is to not only provide students with theoretical perspectives, but to expose them to real world experience and practical application.” Kalea Haran

they are able to identify their areas of interest and consider the full spectrum of opportunities available. The number of students going on to study for STEM-related degrees after Penrhos is steadily increasing. Promoting pathways that are accessible and achievable, working in collaboration with industry and universities in the nurture of STEM-based education, is a vital part of illustrating to students what is possible for them. Our cutting-edge College facilities and outreach initiatives (like Mining and the Lands Camp and Girls in Engineering) are complemented with a range of innovative internal programs and ongoing in-classroom support from learning enhancement and career advisory teams to ensure the widest and most uninhibited student view on the future.

Principal Kalea Haran is determined Penrhos will continue to shatter stereotypes, challenge convention and open doors to future opportunities for girls. “The theme of International Women’s Day 2021 – choose to challenge – was perfectly aligned with the Penrhos ethos. We want to encourage our girls to be positive rebels and change makers – to constructively test the status quo, to non-conform and to always fail smart in pursuit of their goals.”

Girls STEM Mining and the Lands Camp

by Hayleigh Duck (Year 11)

Irecently attended the first Girls STEM Mining and the Lands Camp, hosted by Curtin University and Future Footprints, a Perth based community organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Participants from Year 10-12 had the opportunity to tour Curtin’s facilities and gain information on post-school mining opportunities as well as the chance to visit two of the mines close by. It was an amazing experience which I was glad to be part of. It gave me a better insight into mining life and the massive range of jobs available in the mining industry.

I arrived at camp not knowing anyone (being the only Penrhos girl attending), but I soon made some amazing friends. Throughout the five-day camp, we completed several activities together, including robot programming, a tour of the Curtin Bentley campus, many talks from those working in mining areas, plus we visited two mine sites. We also had a networking night where we could discuss our plans for life after school and meet the sponsors of the camp. On the Friday we took a trip down to the ALCOA mine in Pinjarra and the Talison mine in Greenbushes. The Talison mine was my favourite as we got to see the super pit and tour the processing plant, observing the way they process materials in detail. The trips to the mines were especially fun, as we got to chat and get to know one another even more.

We met biologists and environmental scientists, but a real stand out for me was meeting Professor Kingsley Dixon who is a profound biologist. He came to visit us when we stayed in Waroona campgrounds for a night. He spoke about his studies and his aspirations and goals for the environment, but especially the restoration of the jarrah forests.

Overall, the camp was one of the best opportunities I could have been given. At first, I was unsure about whether I really wanted to go but I am extremely glad I did. I made some amazing friends and got to tour impressive mine sites. If anybody ever has this opportunity, you should go and you will not regret it. I now know what my opportunities in mining could be, should it be something I want to do in the future. Future Footprints’ promotion of these university-run camps is amazing and I strongly recommend others should attend if they can - not just to learn, but to make new friendships.