Pupils at three schools in Angus have been celebrating their achievements after taking part in a major STEM education programme created by developers of what will be Scotland’s biggest offshore wind farm.
The Seagreen Bronze Project has seen pupils from Carnoustie High School, Monifieth High School and Webster’s High School in Kirriemuir work in teams on a project created by EDT (Engineering Development Trust) in collaboration with the developers of the Seagreen Wind Farm which is currently being built 27km off the county’s coast.
For the project which was named ‘My School is an Island’, the students had to pick an offshore location for their school and then consider the various renewable energy sources they could use to power their school. To help them with their project the teams were mentored virtually by SSE Renewables staff, attended an SSE careers Q&A and even had a virtual tour of an offshore wind turbine.
Youngsters which took part in the Bronze Project celebrated the completion of the projects online at an event which saw prizes given out for the best projects. The overall winner was Carnoustie High School. Dr Kirsty Mustard, Principal Teacher, Raising Achievement at the school said:
“We’re incredibly proud of this group’s achievement. Despite the adversity caused by the pandemic, their dedication and enthusiasm were nothing short of outstanding.
“This group of S1 pupils arrived at Carnoustie High School from a range of different primary schools so when they started this project they had to build new relationships and develop their team working skills very quickly.
“They more than rose to this challenge and we’re are extremely grateful to SSE Renewables and the EDT for providing a highly engaging and motivating opportunity for our pupils to learn about sustainability and careers in the energy sector.”
Photo caption: First year pupils from Carnoustie High School celebrate their winning project
John Hill, Project Director for Seagreen welcomed the enthusiasm of the pupils who had taken part and said:
“We are pleased to have been able to provide the chance for local school pupils to learn in this way. Their work and enthusiasm are testament to the value of STEM subjects and associated careers such as those in renewable energy.
“By helping give them access to the knowledge and skills we’re increasing the skills-base which would allow them to pursue related study options, including apprenticeships, when they leave school.
“We’re looking forward to providing more opportunities through our STEM programme so that pupils, their families and their teachers will see the benefits of future jobs in wind and renewable energy and the contribution these roles will undoubtedly make in building the strong, net-zero Scottish communities of the future.”
Chief Executive of EDT, Julie Feest said: “We are very proud of the students this year, showing resilience and a passion for learning about local industry through the Bronze project during an extremely challenging and uncertain time.
“In completing the Bronze Project and gaining the Bronze Industrial cadet award the students have started on their journey towards learning what it really means to work in a STEM industry and how creative and rewarding a STEM career can be.”
The Seagreen Bronze Project is just one element of a £73,000 education programme which will give over 3,000 children in Dundee and Angus the opportunity to learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, launched by Seagreen Wind Energy – the company jointly owned by SSE Renewables and Total and responsible for delivering the £3bn Seagreen offshore wind farm development.
Schools in the Dundee and Angus area wishing to get involved should contact info@etrust.org.uk.