SCHOOLGIRLS raced balloons and designed robotic arms as part of a nationwide bid to

champion women in engineering.

Pupils at St Helen and St Katharine School in Abingdon took part in an activity day last week designed to engage them in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Headteacher Rebecca Dougall said: "I agree wholeheartedly with the first female president of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) when she talks about the need to change the inherent ‘maleness’ in engineering that persists – and that stereotypical image of men in dirty overalls.

"We need to get past that now and champion women in engineering, as a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to encouraging different perspectives and ideas that drive innovation.”

The school in Faringdon Road took part in the National Women in Engineering Day last Thursday, which encourages girls to embrace careers in engineering and technology in a bid to increase the poor presence of women in the industry's workforce.

Year 10 students listened to a talk by engineer Kris Harrison, who won an award last year for inspiring young women in science, while junior girls constructed bridges from straws, Year 8 built and tested balloon powered cars and Year 9 designed and constructed robotic arms.