Shetland pupils offered STEM insights

School pupils across Shetland are to be offered the chance to gain deeper insights into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) thanks to a collaboration between industry and the public sector.

Highland based Science Skills Academy (SSA), a project led by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), has teamed up with multi-national energy company Equinor to extend the roll out of pop-up Newton Rooms to Shetland, starting in the spring.

The Newton Room concept was created in Norway to complement STEM provision in schools and engage more young people in STEM activities. There is now an international network of 45 Newton Rooms facilities across 14 countries. 

This latest partnership between SSA and Equinor will help make the Shetland expansion the first full roll-out of Newton Rooms beyond the Highland region.

Over the next two years more than 1,000 Shetland pupils are expected to benefit from the project, which will also create a full-time equivalent job in the area.

Nine potential Newton Room locations have been identified across the area, taking in Unst, Yell, Mainland, Foula and Fair Isle.

Scott O’Hara, HIE’s senior STEM engagement officer for SSA, said:

“Newton Rooms are about sharing the best examples of STEM educational activity in a way that engages and inspires more young people to consider these subjects when choosing a future career. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for them to do so.

“We’re delighted to be bringing this exciting initiative to Shetland and look forward to working with Equinor, our partners and local schools in Shetland over the next couple of years to ensure a successful roll out.”

Camilla Salthe, senior vice president upstream at Equinor UK, said:

“We are proud to support the first Shetland mobile Newton Room and to assist its core operations in the Highlands and Islands. 

“As we continue our journey to net zero, encouraging an early interest in STEM subjects is critical, and exposure to new technology for young people will play a key role as we work to decarbonise our sector. 

“We look forward to seeing how the mobile Newton Room benefits the wider Shetland community and are delighted to be a key partner in this great programme for the region.”

Scotland’s first Newton Rooms were established in Highland by the SSA, a multi-partnered project initiated by HIE with £3m from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. This was in recognition of the growth in STEM career opportunities in the region in areas such as biosciences and renewable energy.

The success of Newton Rooms in Highland has attracted engagement and support from private sector companies. This has enabled the continuation of SSA and the wider roll-out of Newton Rooms.

Strengthening STEM skills in the workforce will enable more of the region’s young people to benefit from those opportunities and help encourage more employers to locate in the region.

In feedback from pupils who took part in existing Newton Room activities in Highland, more than 80% of them said the way they were taught was exciting and interesting, while 100% of teachers said their class had a positive, exciting and inspirational learning experience.