Great things STEM from MP’s meet-up with school pupils

Luke Graham, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, has called for a more coordinated approach on learning and education opportunities.

At the end of last year, the Conservative politician called on the department of education to work with the Ministry of Defence, department for international development and the National Citizen Service to offer a joined-up approach to learning.

He said he hoped this would bring opportunities to students across the UK.

This comes after he hosted a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) workshop at Crieff High School with the Royal Navy.

The event proved popular with the students in Crieff, and Mr Graham has now asked for a meeting with the minister to discuss cross-departmental coordination to introduce more learning and development opportunities to all those in education.

He said:“The event we held at Crieff High School was an enormous success, with all the students really engaging in the activities.

“The local officers from the Royal Navy were absolutely fantastic, and it struck me that there is a real opportunity here to find a joined up, coordinated approach, from across a number of departments, to offer brilliant education and learning opportunities to our young people from across the United Kingdom.

“Just because education is devolved does not mean our young people should miss out.

“I look forward to meeting with the minister to discuss this further.”

Responding to the questions in parliament, Anne Milton, minister of state for skills and apprenticeships, said:“Well done to Crieff High School and the NCS division of the Royal Navy.

“There’s no doubt about it that weaving education into live jobs, and everything we do with young people, is how we get results.

“I would be delighted to meet [Luke Graham] at any time.”