Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Berwick Academy to see and hear from pupils about their innovative ‘Greenpower Car Project’. This fun and impressive challenge to design, build, and race an electric car, assisted by the amazing Design Technology department there, gives us inspiration that the young scientists and engineers of the future care passionately about preserving our environment and climate for future generations. I was thrilled to see the level of engagement and enthusiasm displayed by the students.
The Greenpower Education Trust has provided an excellent opportunity for these young people to gain practical skills in science and engineering, with a chance to learn about construction methods, control systems, handling characteristics, and how to drive. The use of professional-grade Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is particularly impressive too, and I am confident that it will provide students with valuable experience that they can take with them into their future careers.
Developing and promoting green technologies like these electric vehicles means we can ensure that our environment is protected for future generations to enjoy – which is a goal the Government cares about too. This week, we announced funding to support climate-friendly technologies in developing countries to help phase out the use of damaging chemicals found in refrigeration and cold supply chains, while reducing food and vaccine loss, and increasing farming productivity, a critical step in protecting our planet and ensuring that future generations have a sustainable future.
Finally, at Berwick Academy, it was a delight to meet Twiglet – the Academy’s rightly popular school (therapy) dog – as well as discuss a range of education issues with the Headteacher while I was there too!
