Robinson supports Step Up to Science initiative

East Antrim MLA Ken Robinson has spoken of his support for the University of Ulster's Step Up To Science programme and his hope that it will be expanded to cover primary and secondary schools in the East Antrim area.

Mr Robinson, a former Primary School Principal, stated, "The University's Step Up initiative has been running in secondary schools in the Belfast area for some years now with great success. The introduction of the Primary School Engagement Programme into feeder primary schools will compliment the activities at secondary level and hopefully encourage children to maintain an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths and consider university degrees in related areas.

"Northern Ireland has a shortage of graduates in these STEM subjects at present so forward planning to increase that number over the medium to long term will benefit our economy in the future. The involvement of the University in areas where young people would not necessarily have considered further and higher education is part of the positive steps being made to encourage a greater recognition of the value of education.

"Capturing the imagination of young people by tying science into television programmes and movie special effects will stimulate their interest and lead them towards greater knowledge. At secondary level there will also be the opportunity for those in the programme to take part in raft-building and a cookery competition.

Ken Robinson continued, "I would be hopeful that in any further expansion of the programme, schools in Newtownabbey, Larne and Carrickfergus would be included in both the primary and secondary schemes to encourage local children to consider study at a local university and also to increase the awareness of the University of the pool of young talent that we have in East Antrim."