News

11 May, 2023

Rutherglen pupils get taste of renewable energy engineering

Pupils from six primary schools across Rutherglen and Cambuslang have come together to take part in the FunSTEM programme which aims to inspire young people about careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

 

 

Children aged 10 – 12 from the local schools have been working on projects over the last few weeks in the classroom to create and market a product that generates energy sustainably.

 

The work culminated in an event at Stonelaw High School where pupils presented their ideas to STEM ambassadors before graduating as ‘Challenger Industrial Cadets’.

 

 

Pupils came up with a huge range of innovative ways of generating sustainable energy at the celebration and assessment day to a panel of volunteer assessors from the industry.

 

The programme, administered by the Engineering Development Trust, is funded through Clyde Gateway which is spearheading the regeneration of Rutherglen, Dalmarnock and Bridgeton. It was also supported by FES Support Services and Mace Group.

 

 

The programme included pupils from Bankhead, Burgh, Burnside, Calderwood, James Aiton and Spittal primary schools.

 

 

Natalie Philips, Education, Business and Community Growth Project Manager, Clyde Gateway said: “We know that green jobs are going to be a huge growth area in the coming years. We want kids in the Clyde Gateway area to have the opportunity to be renewable energy engineers for the day, so that they can grasp the opportunities of the future. By supporting whole school learning community renewable energy projects, we are not only fostering green skills and sustainable practices among young people, but also creating a brighter future for our planet by reducing our carbon footprint and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment.

 

“Seeing the enthusiasm of the pupils from across the area was infectious and has encouraged the Clyde Gateway team to redouble our efforts in striving for, and grasping the opportunities of, net zero.”

 

 

Brenda McLachlan, Head Teacher at Stonelaw High School, added: “It was a real privilege to host the pupils’ presentations and the graduation event. There were so many great and innovative ideas.

 

“STEM education provides our students with the tools to understand the world around them. By nurturing their curiosity we can help them prepare for the challenges of tomorrow and ultimately help to change our world.”