First British astronaut launches school for scientists and engineers

The astronaut joined staff, students and partners at South Devon University Technical College (UTC), which offers students in Years 10 to 13 the opportunity to focus on science and engineering subjects, with a particular focus on careers in engineering, water and the environment.

Dr Sharman, the first woman to visit the Mir space station, worked with students in the school’s science labs before delivering a keynote speech and cutting the ribbon at the new £10m building in Newton Abbot.

During the visit Dr Sharman said: “It has been a wonderful day at the UTC, getting to see the whole ethos of the school and finding out more about how students are developing science and engineering skills and applying them in a practical setting. The teachers are engaging the children so well and I am sure these children will be the success that everybody hopes for.

“The staff and students are all very lucky to be working and learning in such a fabulous environment, which they have created together.”

The South Devon UTC is run with the support of local employers, including the Environment Agency, Water Aid, South West Water, MB Aerospace Ltd, Centrax Ltd, Linden Homes and Galliford Try. These companies help to design the curriculum and set challenge projects which give students a taste of working in industry. The school’s educational partners are the University of Exeter and South Devon College.

Professor Janice Kay, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter, said: “The formal opening of the SDUTC today marks the start of an exciting new era of education for the region. SDUTC’s innovative approach, working with employers and the University of Exeter to develop the curriculum, makes it the perfect springboard for our future innovators, engineers, scientists and technicians. The opening today has shown what great things our students are already achieving and I am looking forward to what we can achieve together in the future.”

Principal, Ian Crews, said: “Dr Sharman is a significant figure in the world of science and technology and this event was a great opportunity to showcase how the school is developing the next generation of scientists, engineers and environmentalists.

“As we begin the final term of our first academic year, the official opening enabled us to celebrate all that has been achieved and thank those who helped get us to this point.”

The visit by Dr Sharman coincided with the launch of a new junior membership of the Institute of Science and Technology. Students at South Devon UTC are now the first in the country to be invited to join the professional body, which recognises their high levels of practical, work-related learning.

South Devon UTC opened in September 2015 with an initial cohort of Year 10 and Year 12 students. Over the next five years it will increase its student numbers, with an eventual capacity of around 600 students across the full Year 10 to 13 range.

The school is running an open event for anyone interested in joining this September on Thursday 23 June, 5 to 7pm. Find out more at www.southdevonutc.org