City region deal project information
Science Skills Academy (Pan Highland)
The Science Skills Academy (SSA) aims to transform the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in schools. It will increase the proportion of local young people who are able to take advantage of the growing opportunities in life sciences, renewable energy and digital technologies. The Project will deliver 5 Newton Rooms, Modules of activities based on a model devised and developed in Norway and STEM deliverers.
Newton Rooms
2 of the 5 Newton rooms are open in Thurso and Fort William. Work has commenced on the Dingwall Newton room and the remaining two will be in Inverness and On the West. At each Newton Room there will be local partnerships formed to make sure that community involvement and local requirements are prioritised within the framework of the SSA.
STEM Activities
The activities that will take place in the rooms are based on a Norwegian model aimed at stimulating interest in the STEM subjects and complement the school’s curriculum. The contract with the Norwegian suppliers (First Scandinavia) has been let which has allowed taster sessions to be delivered to over 1000 school children.
Staffing
A STEM Engagement Manager has been appointed and Engagement Officers for the Caithness and Lochaber. Recruitment has commenced for the Inverness STEM engagement officer.
Deal Funding £3 m Scottish Government
Project Lead Carol Gunn (Highlands and Islands Enterprise)