News & Headteacher Blogs

"See What You Can Be": A Powerful Day at RAF STEM Event for Year 8 Girls
 

On Wednesday, Mrs Wilson-Croombs and Ms Alexander had the privilege of accompanying a group of our Year 8 girls to RAF Benson for the annual RAF STEM Day – part of the wider "See What You Can Be 2025" initiative. It was a truly inspiring event.

The day was designed to introduce young women to the vast range of careers available in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), particularly within the armed forces. It was a celebration of what women can achieve, and a challenge to all of us to rethink traditional career paths.

"From the moment we arrived, the girls were captivated". The RAF had arranged a wide variety of hands-on activities, including flight simulators, engineering tasks, problem-solving missions, and even drone demonstrations. They were able to meet and talk to female pilots, engineers, medics, and other servicewomen who spoke openly and passionately about their careers and the challenges they've faced and overcome.

"What stood out most to us was the confidence this gave our students. As teachers, we often talk about role models, but there’s something incredibly powerful about seeing someone who looks like you, talks like you, and maybe even came from a similar background, doing something extraordinary". 

The theme of the day “See What You Can Be”, couldn’t have been more appropriate. Whether our students go on to join the forces, work in engineering, or pursue a completely different path, they left the event with a stronger sense of what’s possible for them. 

A huge thank you to RAF Benson and everyone involved in making the day so engaging, inclusive, and empowering. I left feeling hopeful – and I know our girls did too.

To find out more about the initiative and the exciting events happening as part of the 2025 programme, visit:
 https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-benson/news/see-what-you-can-be-2025/