International Women’s Day, observed globally each year on 8 March, is an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women throughout history and across all areas of society. It also encourages the next generation to challenge stereotypes, pursue their ambitions and recognise the impact women have made in shaping our world.

Science Superheroes

To mark the occasion, pupils from Years 3-8 worked together in mixed-age teams on a research and creative design challenge. Each group was led by a Year 8 girl, giving older pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills while guiding younger pupils through a collaborative research project.

Each team was allocated a famous female scientist and tasked with transforming her into a Science Superhero through a large illustrated poster. Using Chromebooks to research their scientist and drawing on their artistic talents, the groups created vibrant displays highlighting the achievements and legacy of these inspirational figures.

The project encouraged teamwork across year groups. Pupils in Years 6-8 took on the role of researchers and writers, gathering information and shaping the narrative of their scientist’s achievements. Meanwhile, Years 3-5 brought the posters to life as designers and illustrators, producing colourful artwork that captured the spirit of each superhero.

Celebrating remarkable women in science

The scientists featured in the project represented a wide range of scientific fields and discoveries that have changed the world.

Pupils explored the groundbreaking work of pioneers such as Marie Curie, whose research into radioactivity made her the first woman to win a Nobel Prize; Rosalind Franklin, whose X-ray images helped reveal the structure of DNA; and Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer.

Other teams highlighted scientists whose contributions continue to shape modern life, including Jennifer Doudna, a pioneer of CRISPR gene-editing technology; Katalin Karikó, whose work helped enable mRNA vaccines; and Tu Youyou, who discovered a life-saving treatment for malaria.

Pupils also celebrated figures who inspire through both discovery and communication, including space scientist and broadcaster Maggie Aderin-Pocock and mathematician Hannah Fry, as well as trailblazers such as astronaut Mae Jemison, conservationist Jane Goodall, fossil hunter Mary Anning, mathematician Katherine Johnson, and astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell.

Reflecting on the project, Head of Mowden Hall School, Phil Sturt said: “International Women’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the extraordinary contributions women have made to our world. The Science Superheroes project not only celebrated these pioneering scientists, but also encouraged our pupils to work together, think creatively and see themselves as the innovators of the future.”

Find out more about International Women’s Day here, and see the final posters below: