As the end of the academic year approaches, we take stock of the comprehensive education programme that has been developed and delivered by BEAR Scotland for schools in South East Scotland and beyond.

• 3,881 pupils in 90 schools engaged with – over 80% via virtual sessions (but that still means we reached over 650 pupils in person)
• 14 local authority areas were reached across Scotland

As well as developing and delivering bespoke programmes such as the ‘BEAR Cubs and BEAR Academy’ programme via DYW Live and ‘BEAR builder’ challenge to primary and secondary school pupils, we worked with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) co-ordinators and the Engineering Development Trust (EDT) to deliver virtual programmes that drive interest in STEM across age groups.

We were able to visit schools, bringing Gritters to primary schools who had named them at the beginning of the SE contract in 2020. We also ran a ‘Trunk not junk’ schools competition focused on getting the message out not to litter that resulted in some great campaign ideas. More here. 

Additionally, we have worked with schools such as Queensferry High and James Young High in Livingston to sponsor and support enterprise and STEM challenges.

Exceptional informal feedback was received from learners, class teachers and from the DYW Team.

Case study: St Margaret’s Work Placement Week 2022

In May 2022 we invited 12 senior students (s3-5) from St Margaret’s Academy, Livingston to take part in our BEAR Scotland Work Placement Week.

Students with an interest in engineering and construction-related careers got involved in a range of activities over the course of the week including a work-related team challenge.

Arlene Nicol, DYW West Lothian Project Liaison Officer, commented:

“It was fantastic to see how the students grew in confidence over the week and developed their skills. I was particularly impressed by just how much knowledge and understanding they gained about structures and just how enthusiastically they told us about the visit to the Forth Road Bridge and, in particular, the anchorage. It was plain to see just how much this influenced their final designs and structures!”