STEREOTYPES that STEM subjects are the ‘preserve of men’ do not come into the equation at Priestley College.

Claims made in the national media that science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects are more popular with men than women were hailed as a myth by five leading tutors at the college on Loushers Lane.

Meet Priestley’s head of biology Louise Norbury, head of chemistry Barbara Schofield, head of maths Wendy Brennan, head of science Deb Pressage and STEM coordinator Jo Rodgers.

These five women know only too well the doors that can be opened during your career by opting to study these subjects and argue that any statements made that these subjects are not attractive to women could not be further from the truth.

When asked on their views surrounding stereotypes that women do not have the confidence to study STEM subjects, all five women described it as ‘laughable’ before adding that their classrooms comprised of equal measures of both male and female students.

Speaking about the importance of study STEM subject, Doctor Norbury said: “For me they are exciting, they are challenging and they give you a huge range of respected skills.”

In a speech by the Government’s education secretary, Nicky Morgan said that in previous decades students would only study maths or science if they wanted to follow a specific career such as medicine, pharmacy or engineering, but this is now changing.

Ms Rodgers said any comments stating that STEM subjects restricted a person’s career path were unfounded.

She said: “They provide good employment opportunities, good career progression and there are a variety of things you can go into.

“It opens up most graduate training schemes. The opportunities that come from it are pretty endless.”

Mrs Pressage added: “It is definitely the case that it leaves doors to open when it comes to STEM subjects. There are a huge opportunities for those who do.”