Over 50% of NZ girls show a strong interest in STEM subjects at high school, yet only a third of all students studying tertiary STEM-related qualifications are women, and even fewer find jobs in the field - comprising only 23% of the IT sector and 13% of the engineering industry.

As an all-girls senior school, we felt Columba College was in a strong position to change these statistics by encouraging and celebrating our students’ involvement in STEM. Thus, the idea for STEM Blues was born - a way to recognise those who have demonstrated high achievement in and significant commitment to STEM beyond the curriculum. We are lucky to be the first school in NZ to introduce the concept of STEM Blues, and we hope to motivate others around the country to do the same so as to create more opportunities to engage women with STEM.

We would like to thank Mrs Duthie and Mrs Harris for providing the opportunity to create and introduce STEM Blues to Columba College, and the Science Department for their continued support throughout this creation process.

Columba College has gained a proud reputation for learning, achievement and enjoyment in STEM through our sustained participation in many STEM programmes. Throughout 2021, the engagement of students and staff with STEM has been a hopeful sign of the exciting new career paths now opening up for women in NZ and around the world.

Congratulations to the 2021 recipients of Columba College STEM Blues:

• Olivia Charles
• Angela Fu
• Chloe Heineke
• Mabel Lee
• Zoe McElrea
• Nora Paicu
• Maia Robertson

You can read more about our inaugural STEM Blues here

You can watch Prime Minister Ardern's personal video message to Columba here

- Olivia Charles, Angela Fu, Maia Robertson and Chloe Heineke

STEM Blues Team