Four projects in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute will share a total of more than £100,000 from Education Scotland to help deliver inspirational teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)subjects.
Rothesay Joint Campus, Dunoon Grammar School, Port Ellen Primary and the Dunoon Digital Hub have all been awarded funding from the ‘Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Programme’.
This money will enable them to progress their individual projects equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to deliver high-quality, interdisciplinary STEM teaching to all learners.
The project set to receive the biggest cash injection in the area is the Dunoon Digital Hub, with £62,045 being awarded to enhance learning for 300 practitioners.
This will be done in a number of ways, including the appointment of a science teacher to increase learning provision and boost staff confidence, and training for secondary school technicians to develop skills to support STEM subjects in their schools.
Rothesay Joint Campus will also benefit from a boost of £20,141 to appoint an Engineer in Residence who will mentor 19 staff across the island cluster and reinvigorate the teaching of STEM subjects.
During this time the schools will also plan a three to five year sustainable strategy to enhance STEM education and develop skills and aspirations with pupils and their families.
On Islay, Port Ellen Primary School will receive £23,219 to build digital capacity on the island and create 60 confident digital practitioners, whilst at Dunoon Grammar £1,900 has been awarded to run a number of STEM related professional learning opportunities.
¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly said: “This is fantastic news. STEM subjects form an important part of our everyday lives and, as our young people grow, there will be an increased demand for industry professionals in these subjects.
“We are committed to providing the best start possible for our children and young people. By giving them with the opportunity to learn about STEM at first hand, it lets them see how what they are doing in the classroom can be applied to real life.
"I am keen to see these projects develop and our staff and pupils progress on their learning journeys.â€