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Original poster

Sexism in GCSE options

39 replies

SunnyGoats15 · 11/01/2017 10:32

My daughter has chosen engineering as one of her GCSE options, she was the only girl in her form to choose it. The PSHE teacher asked her why, but didn't ask any of the boys why. She's in top set for maths and science. That particular teacher has told the class that she's a feminist. Ha! I don't think so.

OP posts:
LunaLoveg00d · 12/01/2017 08:41

I remember being the only girl in a Geography class of 25 and was never quizzed on it at all.

Sadik · 12/01/2017 08:40

Sorry, didn't see your later post - agree 'it's just making things out of metal' very unhelpful as a comment. (Especially given that engineering is an excellent career path for anyone!)

Sadik · 12/01/2017 08:39

"Maybe it's because GCSE Engineering is generally for low achievers"
Is that really true? DD didn't take it in the end because it didn't work out with option blocks, but was very keen and school encouraging. Of the older dc I know, I'd say plenty of STEM focused high achievers took it as their practical / 'fun' option (and indeed at least two now aiming for engineering as a degree).
I'd second the likelihood that the teacher hoping to see how to encourage other girls into the subject - pretty bad form if school is only getting one girl opting for it, and suggests some issues in the dept, I'd say.

Original poster
SunnyGoats15 · 12/01/2017 06:35

Thank you for your comments, everyone. :)

OP posts:
titchy · 11/01/2017 15:18

Maybe it's because GCSE Engineering is generally for low achievers, and she thinks your dd is a high achiever who should be doing more academic options?

and to be fair, a teenager's definition of 'incredulous' is likely to be everyone else's definition of totally disinterested....

LottieDoubtie · 11/01/2017 14:58

Were you there OP?

Original poster
SunnyGoats15 · 11/01/2017 13:51

It was an incredulous 'why?' from a teacher who doesn't even know her. The head of year was happy with my daughter's choices.
If my husband and I had been discouraging parents it wouldn't have helped her to have a teacher ask why in that way and then go on to say, ''It's just making things out of metal, measuring and recording you know...''
She could have asked each of the students why they chose engineering if she was interested.

OP posts:
LottieDoubtie · 11/01/2017 13:03

Yeah what everyone else said. Asking a question could have a 1000 explanations most of which aren't sexist.

You already know the teacher identify as a feminist so it's hardly likely to be a sexist reason is it?

titchy · 11/01/2017 12:43

Since when has asking why someone has taken a particular course of action meant they're sexist (or racist or ageist). She was probably just interested.... Hmm

GummyBunting · 11/01/2017 12:20

I am in the teachers position, and on the odd occasion a girl comes to my sessions I do ask them why (in a more subtle way) because I want any insight into how I can encourage other girls in. It certainly doesn't make me less of a feminist. Could be a similar thing?

MrsEricBana · 11/01/2017 12:13

Maybe that teacher asked your dd why in order to gain some insight in order to inspire the other girls?. It is curious why so few girls think of engineering. My dh has a tech engineering firm and I have a science background. Ds talks about doing engineering but dd never does. Why should this be?

BigSandyBalls2015 · 11/01/2017 12:11

Sexist or genuinely interested in your DDs point of view due to the absence of any other girls in the class?

PurpleDaisies · 11/01/2017 12:07

In surprised. Must schools are now actively encouraging girls to take traditionally male subjects.

catslife · 11/01/2017 12:06

My dd was one of only 2 girls to choose DT Product design out of a year group of 200. No teachers queried her choice at all.