Building Bridges and Breaking Stereotypes- Girls Shine in Amey Cup Engineering Challenge

On 1st July, a group of talented girls from The Royal Harbour Academy took part in a challenging STEM competition held at Canterbury College, where they were tasked with designing a new bridge to replace a broken one. Over the course of the day, the students worked closely with industry experts, including soil specialists from AECOM and professional bridge engineers, to develop a bridge design using a variety of materials they learned about first hand.

Using Knex kits to model their designs, the team embraced their individual roles with dedication and professionalism. The group featured a project manager, who oversaw all decisions and led the final presentation; a commercial manager, who managed the project budget and liaised with the community; a construction manager, who estimated project timelines; two quantity surveyors; and an environmental manager responsible for ensuring their design was environmentally sustainable and selected materials with minimal environmental impact.

After three rigorous attempts, the girls successfully designed a bridge that met all key criteria: it could support substantial weight, was environmentally sustainable, stayed within budget, and could be completed on time.

Their outstanding presentation was delivered to a panel of professionals including representatives from Amey, Kent County Council, and the Head of Engineering at Canterbury College. The team confidently addressed complex questions with the audience notably impressed by their answers.

Encouraging girls to explore careers in engineering and STEM fields is vital for creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the full range of talents and perspectives in society. Engineering offers exciting opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and innovation—skills that are essential for addressing many of the world’s biggest challenges.

By engaging in hands-on projects like the bridge design challenge, girls gain a deeper understanding of the real-world dynamics of engineering, such as teamwork, project management, budgeting, environmental considerations, and technical design. These experiences help build confidence and practical skills, showing them that they are more than capable of succeeding in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Learning these dynamics early empowers girls to envision themselves as future engineers, scientists, and leaders. It also helps break down outdated stereotypes and opens doors to rewarding careers that are not only intellectually stimulating but also have a positive impact on communities and the environment.

Ultimately, supporting girls in STEM enriches the entire field with diverse ideas and approaches, driving innovation and progress for everyone.

Mrs Miller commented, “The dedication, teamwork, and skills demonstrated by the girls earned high praise from myself and other teachers. The participants all expressed how much they enjoyed the experience and how it deepened their understanding of STEM careers we are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish”