Professor Brian Cox has paid a visit to a secondary school in west London to inspire the next generation of young people into STEM careers.
The world-renowned physicist gave a talk about the universe to students at Elthorne Park High School in Ealing, London, this week, sparking an animated conversation about our planet and those around us.
Students in attendance, aged 13 to 17, were taking part in The King’s Trust Achieve Programme—a personal development course offered to hundreds of young people nationwide, aimed at enhancing their confidence and skills.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and refers to the fields of study and careers that encompass these disciplines.
During his visit, Professor Brian Cox said: “In the past, I’ve come across students who don’t know anyone that works in the industry that they dream of entering.
“The King’s Trust gives me the opportunity to make connections with students, which I think is really important.
“With the right support, I think it’s much more likely that that student will go on to follow their dreams.”
It comes as The King’s Trust has recently partnered with Omaze on their current Million Pound House draw.
Money raised for the charity will create the Omaze Education Fund, supporting its work with young people in schools and alternative educational settings across the UK.
New research from The King’s Trust, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed that almost half (49 per cent) of young people aged 11 to 21 said learning in a way that suits them would help them to do better at school, as well as one-to-one support (43 per cent), smaller classes (40 per cent) and having a mentor (36 per cent).
When asked about their time in education, 42 per cent of 11 to 21-year-olds in the UK wished they had an opportunity to have some control over what they learn in school.
Almost half (49 per cent) of young people said that having more confidence in themselves would help them to achieve their goals in school, while a third (33 per cent) reported a different approach to learning and someone believing in them (26%) would also help.
One young person who attended Professor Brian Cox’ workshop said: “Being on the Achieve programme has opened up opportunities for me. I wasn’t well behaved at the start of secondary school but now I feel a lot happier because I understand the work I’ve been set in my lessons with The King’s Trust. Now I know I will leave with a qualification, I’ll be able to become the hairdresser I dreamt of becoming and I will have a future after school.”
To enter Omaze’s Million Pound House Draw, visit www.omaze.co.uk.
The Draw closes at midnight on Sunday 27th April.
