Submitted by Jenny Findlay, Science Teacher.
On Wednesday 17 June 2026, nine talented Year 8 and 9 girls from Denmark Senior High School travelled to the University of Western Australia’s Albany campus to take part in the Girls in Physics program.
The excursion was designed to introduce students to modern physics and the exciting opportunities emerging through the energy transition, while encouraging them to consider studying Higher Mathematics and Physics in senior school. The students selected had all demonstrated strong aptitude and interest in mathematics and science.
Practical sessions ran through the afternoon.
From arts student to electrical engineer
A highlight of the day was the keynote presentation by engineer Jessica Kitchen from Western Power. Jessica shared her inspiring journey from being a dance-loving arts student to building a successful career as an electrical engineer. She also spoke about Western Australia’s transition from coal-fired power generation to renewable energy sources, and the important role engineers play in shaping a sustainable future.
Following a delicious brunch, the students took part in a series of engaging, hands-on activities that introduced them to the fascinating world of quantum physics, giving them the chance to explore scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Finding a pathway
The program also included a careers quiz that encouraged students to reflect on their personal strengths, interests and attributes, with the results helping them identify careers that may suit them. Excitingly, one of our students discovered that astrophysics was among her best career matches — a field she had already been considering as a possible future pathway.
The Girls in Physics excursion was an enjoyable and valuable experience for all involved, providing inspiration, practical learning opportunities and a glimpse into the many exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.