Lord Baker, the inspiration and driving force behind University Technical Colleges visited London’s newest, the Sir Simon Milton Westminster UTC,in November and was impressed by what he saw. He toured the brand new building in Sutherland Street, SW1, which has been purpose-designed for the UTC and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Like all UTCs, Sir Simon Milton Westminster focuses on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) with a strong emphasis on the practical applications of learning and readying students for life in the workplace.
Lord Baker immersed himself in the school’s activities, meeting staff and students from amongst the 120+ initial cohort of Year 10s and Year 12s, including sitting in on maths and chemistry classes. In engineering he observed an excellent student presentation for a new design of washing machine. He was taken on a full tour of the new building by sixth formers, including the stunning fifth floor roof terrace which boasts 360 degree views of London.
He talked to students about their experiences of the new school and their life aspirations, saying:
This UTC, which opened in September, has got off to an excellent start. I have seen some outstanding teaching and very determined students. Everyone I have spoken to said they like the UTC much better than their old schools because they learn practical skills as well as academic subjects. Already they are thinking of the jobs they will get.
Speaking of his visit, Principal Karen Barker said:
Seeing these students engaging confidently with Lord Baker has made me really proud. I am confident our students will be among the high achievers of tomorrow.
Sir Simon Milton UTC specialises in construction and transport engineering. It provides its students with hands-on workplace experience through collaboration with a panel of relevant industry partners, including Network Rail, Sir Robert McAlpine, Colas Rail, Alstom, Landsec and Transport for London.
For more information about Sir Simon Milton Westminster UTC, please visit: www.westminsterutc.co.uk