Newton Room scheme at Thurso helps project reach STEM milestone
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An innovative science and technology project that has helped inspire students at Thurso High School is celebrating reaching a "significant milestone".
The Science Skills Academy (SSA) aims to empower young people by helping them bridge the gap between education and industry.
It gets children aged 10-14 out of the classroom and into specially designed Newton Rooms to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.
The initiative, introduced by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), has exceeded 20,000 "engagements" with pupils, teachers and parents.
More than 4500 of these have been at Thurso, where the Newton Room project has been running since 2019. The topics at Thurso have included biofuels, health science, robotics, renewable energy, salmon and space.
SSA is now seeking new partnerships with businesses to help fund and expand its impact. It hopes to deliver its learning in new areas, covering more subjects, and establishing itself as a permanent fixture in Scottish STEM industry development.
The initiative, effectively a science centre for the north, was started by HIE, supported by Highland Council and funded by the Scottish Government through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
Its Newton Rooms are part of a global network model, originally started in Norway to ensure rural communities had equal access to STEM learning.
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Morven Fancey, head of universities, education, and skills at HIE, said: "We're standing on the brink of unparalleled investment in STEM sectors such as space, advanced technology, hydrogen, renewables and marine biotechnology.
"To fully capitalise on these new opportunities and ensure our region's growth, we need a skilled workforce. The Science Skills Academy plays a vital role in connecting young people with STEM careers and fostering a diverse workforce.
“The success of the SSA lies in its innovative approach to STEM education. By collaborating with schools, the initiative helps alleviate the pressures faced by educators and engages different school departments through project-based learning, making STEM education more appealing and inventive."
Some young people have now visited their local Newton Room three times over the years. They have explored how renewable energy works, how salmon are farmed, and how rockets are launched. They have also heard from some of the young people who work in these businesses.
Ms Fancey added: "The SSA has shown a way forward for STEM, joining up services, improving access and achieving great uptake. This in turn will ensure we have the workforce skills necessary to attract new companies in emerging industries and expand our existing supply chains."
The SSA believes that further investment from industry and the public sector will be key to unlocking Scotland's STEM potential and realising the growth of new industries while nurturing and retaining young talent.
“Joined up working between agencies and interested enterprises will ensure a greater uptake in STEM during the senior school years and onwards to apprenticeships and further education. Crucially, it’s also about ensuring every child has the same opportunity, recognising that we need to foster a diverse workforce by tackling misconceptions around STEM jobs.”
There are four permanent Newton Rooms in Thurso, Dingwall, Inverness and Fort William and one touring pop-up room. Each room has a dedicated STEM engagement officer working in the local community.
