School hosts Navy for rescue workshop
Crieff High pupils welcomed the best of the Royal Navy to their school for a humanitarian aid workshop last week.
Sub lieutenant Ross Ewing, a former Crieff High student and sub lieutenant Jack McGillvray were joined by Luke Graham MP at the school last Friday, September 21 for a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workshop.
The students were given a mission by the two Navy reservists: “There is an impending humanitarian crisis which requires immediate aid to be dropped into the crisis zone in the form of an air-dropped capsule.
“The capsule will contain important aid and must remain completely intact upon impact with the ground.”
The sub lieutenants provided the students with eggs acting as the Sub lieutenants Ross Ewing and Jack McGillvraywere joined by Luke Graham MP (centre) at Crieff High School
capsule, and other equipment to facilitate a safe drop.
The students were required to present their prototype with a poster design, to the “prime minister”.
Commenting after the event sub lieutenant Ross Ewing said: “It’s
really important that the Navy engage in STEM activities and show students how the skills they learn today can help them solve real-world problems tomorrow.”
Luke Graham MP, playing the role of prime minister, listened to pitches made by the students describing how their prototype was designed, made and how it would be delivered safely to the crisis zone.
Speaking at the event, Luke Graham MP said: “This has been an amazing opportunity for the students to look at how these simple exercises help the Navy provide real-world solutions to those most in need.
“It was encouraging to see how positively the students reacted to the challenge and how innovative their designs were.
“There were a few breakages during the testing, but you can’t save an island without breaking a few eggs.
He concluded:“In 2016 the UK spent £13.4 billion on overseas aid, providing assistance to countries devastated through environmental disasters.
“The UK plays its part and today gave students a window into how they can contribute.”