A Future in Chemistry: Inspiring STEM Careers With Catalyst Girls Cornwall

Posters

Recently, Year 8 pupils at Sir James Smith Secondary School took part in a series of chemistry careers workshops. These workshops are part of the Catalyst Girls Cornwall programme and they are supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The programme encourages girls to explore Chemistry, and see how science can shape their futures.

One workshop was called A Future in Chemistry. It showed pupils how chemistry links to real jobs. We wanted them to picture themselves working in science one day. We also hoped to inspire them to pursue a career in chemistry.

The session began with an interactive quiz. Pupils learned about careers that use chemistry. These included radiography, aerospace engineering, and sports science. They looked at what each job involves and saw how chemistry connects to many industries. They learned that many jobs use chemistry. Jobs including medicine, engineering, sports, product design, and environmental work.

The quiz helped them understand why their science lessons matter. It showed them that what they learn in school appears in real workplaces and that people use chemistry everyday. They learned the importance it plays in many jobs.

After the quiz, the pupils moved on to their main task. They were asked to design an A3 careers poster linked to chemistry. Each pupil chose a STEM job to research and present. They had to include the job title, yearly salary and weekly hours. They also considered career prospects, daily tasks, and the education needed to enter the role. The pupils researched their chosen career online. They then created posters that explained how chemistry fits into that job. This helped them break down complex information into simple, clear points that others could understand.

As they worked, the classroom filled with colourful and detailed posters. Some pupils chose careers in healthcare. They learned how radiographers use imaging equipment to help diagnose patients. Others looked at engineering roles, such as aerospace engineers. They learned that these jobs work with materials and fuels and that chemistry is an important part of the work. Pupils also explored sports science. They explained how chemistry helps athletes understand energy use, nutrition, and recovery. Their posters showed strong research skills and a clear understanding of how chemistry links to real jobs. Many posters used diagrams, colour coding, timelines, and examples to make their ideas easy to follow.

The pupils learned that chemistry connects to many different careers and that there are many paths they can take. They also gained confidence in researching information and presenting what they had learned. They understood more about qualifications and the steps needed to reach their chosen careers. The activity helped them practise communication and presentation skills. They learned the importance of speaking confidently to others. The quality of work was very high, and their posters showed real care, thought, and effort.

The main message was that chemistry is essential. We want young people to feel confident in this subject because it can lead to many successful careers. During the workshop, pupils became scientists and practised important skills. They gathered information, made decisions, and worked as a team. They also saw that chemistry appears in the world around them and shapes many of the products and services we use every day. By the end, they had gained new knowledge about the wide range of jobs they can choose from in the future.

This workshop encouraged pupils to think about their futures and inspired them to explore the many careers linked to chemistry. The session used a quiz, research, and poster design to make career learning practical and enjoyable. It also supported the aims of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Catalyst Girls Cornwall. The workshop encouraged young women to enjoy science and to explore how chemistry is used in real life.

"It helped them think about future opportunities in STEM. The session prepared pupils for more hands‑on activities that will build their ambition, confidence, and curiosity about science." - Jo Ledger