Cutting-edge STEM education brought to Badenoch and Strathspey

European renewable energy company Vattenfall is partnering with the Highland-based Science Skills Academy (SSA) to deliver specialist hands on, out-of-classroom learning to primary 6/7 and secondary 1/2 students in their own community.

SSA’s Pop-Up Newton Room, a mobile learning space inspired by the internationally acclaimed Norwegian Newton concept, will be delivering sessions for 215 students from Grantown Grammar School and four local primary schools during August and September.
The project is part of a unique industry and public sector collaboration for Highland.  

SSA, established and delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is working alongside industry partners to inspire 10-14 years olds about the opportunities STEM skills offer.

Emma Plato, STEM Engagement Manager at SSA, said: "The Pop-Up Newton Room gives students the chance to study science and tech in a practical and fun way. As well as hands-on access to latest kit, the sessions are also about sparking curiosity and showing young people the exciting range of possibilities that STEM careers offer."

With several onshore wind projects in its Scottish pipeline, including the Ourack project near Dava, Vattenfall is keen to maximise opportunities for local communities. The company has committed to creating 50 apprenticeships across its Scottish projects by 2030. Having previously conducted workshops at Grantown Grammar School, the partnership with SSA is another step in efforts to support the region's future workforce.

Alison Daugherty, Senior Project Manager at Vattenfall said: "We’ve been developing fossil free energy projects in the UK for over 15 years. The local supply chain and STEM education is a key focus for us as we move forward in Scotland. By partnering with SSA we can foster local talent and raise awareness about the critical role of STEM in Scotland’s future."

The Newton concept was developed in Norway and is now an international network of 45 Newton Rooms across 14 countries. SSA is proud to be part of this global community and has already reached more than 30,000 pupils, teachers and families in Highland to date. The five-week Pop-Up Newton Room in the Grantown YMCA community centre is being fully-funded by Vattenfall, and is delivering 15 school workshops. Schools participating are Grantown Grammar, Deshar Primary, Abernethy Primary, Grantown Primary and Carrbridge Primary.