Highlands’ schools win big at science celebration

Pupils from schools across the Highlands joined forces to showcase their creativity, problem-solving skills, and learning as part of Stemovators, an award-winning STEM outreach programme.

Schools have been taking part in the Climate Smarter project throughout the year, sponsored by Crown Estate Scotland, Confor and The Scottish Forestry Trust. The project has enabled young people to develop their expertise in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) by providing free resource kits and real-world challenges.

The programme culminated in a celebration event held at Kingsmills Hotel where 85 young people and 15 teachers gathered to exhibit their projects and compete for competition prizes. Industry volunteers and partners provided challenges which gave the young people an insight of the different career paths available in the STEM sector.

Thomas Wild, Head of Stemovators, said: “The projects, in partnership with our industry funders, inspire pupils and helps them develop valuable skills and knowledge whilst encouraging uptake in STEM subjects and careers. The celebration event is a culmination of the project and gives an opportunity where young people can showcase their innovation and hard work whilst learning more about different career and education pathways.”

Rosalind MCQuaker, Farr High School, highlighted: “Our S1 class have had the opportunity to develop their understanding of a range of issues as part of the Climate Smarter Challenge along with developing their problem solving and collaboration skills. The opportunity to participate and achieve a Young STEM leader award ensures our young people become aware of the skills they have developed throughout the programme. This in turn has fed into our school’s STEM Nation Award which we are currently working towards where we have already achieved the Leadership element.”

Amy Mack, Crown Estate Scotland’s Partnership Team, added: “As an organisation working to enable Scotland’s net-zero future, Crown Estate Scotland is delighted to support the Stemovators initiative. These events help to raise awareness of STEM subjects, while showcasing the quality and potential of the young people taking part. We hope they will inspire the next generation to consider the range of exciting opportunities offered by these subjects.”

Eleanor O’Neill, Communications Manager, Confor, said: “Confor has been a proud supporter of Stemovators for a number of years and it continues to be a fantastic introduction to the world of forestry for young people across Scotland. Taking part in the Highland Celebration of STEM event gives us an opportunity to see the learning outcomes for ourselves. It is more important than ever to get young people thinking about the future and interested in the skills needed for a greener tomorrow.”

Prize winners:

• Regional Winner: Culbokie Primary
• Climate Smarter Winner: Fortrose Academy
• Climate Smarter Runner-up: Burghead Primary
• STEM Challenge Winner: Elgin Academy
• STEM Challenge Runner-up: Culbokie Primary