Head of Design Technology at Stockport Grammar School, Mrs Hayley Crosby, joined the school in 2022. She explains why DT is such a thriving subject and how important it is that we continue to engage and encourage girls in the world of STEM. 

What interests you about Design Technology?

Design and Technology begins with identifying a real-world problem and creating a solution, blending creativity with practical problem-solving. There’s always something new to discover, and that’s what I find most exciting about working in this department. 

How can you interest girls and young women to study STEM subjects such as Design & Technology?

Through my experience teaching, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern: Design and Technology is often perceived as a subject primarily for boys. As a Head of Department in a traditionally male-dominated field, I see it as part of my role to challenge that perception and serve as a role model for girls considering a future in DT.

One of the ways I do this is by consistently sharing with my students the wide range of opportunities that studying Design and Technology can lead to. The possibilities are both exciting and endless. 

What opportunities do you have coming up to further your experience of encouraging more girls into STEM?

I was given a very exciting opportunity to go down to London and work at the prestigious Foster and Partners Architects. Here, I explored the roles women take on in the architectural industry and found out more about the pathways these women took, which was really inspiring.