In 1977, the United Nations declared 8th March as International Women's Day, a day each year when the world should celebrate, recognize and remember women and the contribution they have made to society. It is also a day to raise awareness of the barriers that women still face and to focus on ways to achieve equality. 

Seven year 9 students from DGS travelled to the BP Technology Centre near Pangbourne for an IWD workshop on March 5th. The girls formed teams with students from Oxfordshire, Reading and London to learn more about a wide variety of positions in the energy industry and to meet inspiring female role models. The students had a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the technical and analytical facilities, learning about engine testing and chemical analysis from female graduate chemists who explained how the STEM subjects students learn at school are applied in a real world environment. The students also took part in discussions about equality in the workplace, the gender pay gap and breaking down stereotypes.

Well done to the year 9 students who were excellent representatives of DGS throughout an interesting and thought-provoking day.