Secretary of State for Education, Minister for women and equalities and potential next Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Bridget Phillipson, visited UTC Reading today to explore how the STEM-focused secondary school and Sixth Form is preparing its students for careers in engineering, computer science and other tech industries.
Ms Phillipson toured the school’s impressive facilities, met the Student Executive Board and observed an immersive Art and Design lesson.
As well as Ms Phillipson, we welcomed Matt Rodda MP, Reading Borough Council leader Liz Terry and lead councillor for children Wendy Griffith, all of whom enjoyed their visit, with Wendy commenting on how confident the students were.
Students from the Student Executive Board talked to Ms Phillipson and Mr Rodda about how much they enjoyed attending UTC Reading and appreciated the fantastic opportunities for employer interaction as well as their plans for their futures. They asked Ms Phillipson about her inspiration to enter politics, and about her role in the Government. Mental health in schools was a common topic, with students talking about their planned mental health ‘drop down day’ and Ms Phillipson explaining her focus on increasing provision and support in schools.
Ms Phillipson commented that “it was absolutely fantastic to visit UTC Reading today with Matt Rodda. Meeting with students and hearing about the journey that took them to the college and their exciting plans for the future was so inspiring. It’s clear the teachers are doing a wonderful job in supporting these young people to realise their ambitions in STEM.”
Mr Rodda added “it was a great pleasure to welcome Bridget Phillipson to visit UTC Reading today, to see the very high quality science and technology based education which takes place here.”
Headteacher Jennie Thomson said “we were delighted to welcome our guests into UTC Reading today. It was a great opportunity for our students to meet a member of the Cabinet and to show them how proud they are of the education our school offers and some of their fabulous work. They showed great maturity and represented their school with confidence and professionalism.”
Year 13 student Hamza, said “it was an incredible opportunity to meet Ms Phillipson, and I felt that we were listened to as equals; she answered our questions with care and kindness”. “It was really nice to have the change to ask questions about what she does and why she does it”, year 12 student Kande added.
For Ieon, newly-entering the UK education system after being educated abroad, it was his first opportunity to meet any UK Government official, and said that although he wasn’t normally interested in politics, he’d enjoyed hearing more about why Ms Phillipson had entered politics; and for year 11 student Isaac, he’d found the day inspired him to want to make the most of himself.
Our guests also discussed wider education issues with ALET CEO Jo Harper and Chief Education Office Rachel Cave, talking about how we can promote inclusion in our education facilities, and support disadvantaged students to be able to access great education that can transform lives.
