In this morning’s question time the Education Secretary Nicky Morgan joined Andrea in congratulating Woodkirk Academy and Outwood Grange School on their efforts to get more pupils to study STEM subjects.

Andrea had questioned Nicky, who is concurrently Education Secretary and Minister for Equalities, on getting more girls to study STEM subjects. In her follow-up question she invited the Minister to join her in congratulating the two schools for the work they are doing.

Andrea and Nicky visited Woodkirk in March 2015, and Andrea took part in a STEM skills event at Outwood Grange in February where she spoke about the importance of STEM and the skills that it gives pupils.

Andrea asked:

“There are some fantastic STEM schools in my constituency, including Outwood Grange Academy, which I visited a couple of weeks ago for a brilliant STEM workshop, and Woodkirk Academy which I visited with the Secretary of State last year.

“Will she join me in praising these schools which are helping more pupils consider careers in STEM by finding imaginative ways to show pupils the possibilities in STEM, with pupils even participating in a LEGO Mindstorms workshop at Woodkirk?”

The Education Secretary said:

“I welcome the opportunity to join her in praising the work of Outwood Grange and Woodkirk Academies for their excellent work In STEM. 

“I was impressed during my visits to see first-hand how they engage pupils in STEM subjects, they demonstrate the application of science and maths, and they promote STEM careers to pupils.”

Commenting afterwards, Andrea said:

“I’ve been bowled over by the work being done most recently at Outwood Grange which I visited a couple of weeks ago and at Woodkirk when I visited with the Education Secretary last year.

“I wanted to take the opportunity to have them both recognised at the very highest level and I was delighted with Nicky’s response.” 

Charlotte Forman, who teaches Maths at Outwood Grange and organised the STEM event that Andrea attended said:

“It’s a huge honour for our academy to be recognised on the national stage for our work around STEM. 

“It was great to have Andrea at our event in February alongside so many leaders and educators in STEM and I’m pleased that she has taken this further to the Education Secretary.”