A trip to Google's London headquarters has helped open the eyes of a group of Norfolk children to career opportunities that studying maths and physics can open up.

Five students from the recently-opened University Technical College Norfolk in Norwich, a specialist engineering school, visited the UK base of the internet giant for the launch of 'Your Life' – a three-year government campaign to increase the number of students taking maths and physics.

The campaign, backed by education secretary Nicky Morgan, aims to raise participation in maths and physics by 50pc in three years, to ensure the UK is equipped with the skills it needs for a fast changing employment landscape.

It aims to raise awareness of the career opportunities that flow from studying science and maths subjects, by promoting positive role models in industry, creating mentoring programmes for young people, and providing work placement opportunities with leading businesses.

UTC Norfolk student, Maddie Newman, 14, from Stalham, said: 'I'm planning on studying physics and maths at A-level because I find them interesting and challenging.

'I'm interested in astronomy and generally any jobs that involve physics and maths for the day to day challenge.'

UTC Norfolk principal Alex Hayes said: 'We were delighted to be invited to the launch of this important event.

While this message isn't news to our students – they already know how highly valued maths and physics are by employers – I am pleased to see the government promoting greater awareness of the skills gap that the UK faces.'

To find out more information about the Your Life campaign, and what it means, visit its website at www.yourlife.org.uk

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