Project Description

Industry: Organised by Salters Institute (with Heriot-Watt University & ExxonMobil, Fife Ethylene Plant, Mossmorran)
Programme: Salters Institute Festivals of Chemistry Programme  
Activity Type: Work Inspiration & Preparation / Sector Awareness / Site Visit
Businesses involved: Organised by Salters Institute (with Heriot-Watt University & ExxonMobil, Fife Ethylene Plant, Mossmorran) 
Name of School: Glenwood High School 

Glenwood High School partnered with the Salters Institute, Heriot-Watt University, and ExxonMobil (Fife Ethylene Plant, Mossmorran) to deliver a two-day Festivals of Chemistry experience for eight S3 Chemistry pupils. The programme blended classroom careers learning, university-level practical work, and an on-site industry visit—building technical skills, confidence, and clear insight into STEM career pathways. All participants reported a positive experience and increased motivation to pursue chemistry further. 

 

Objectives 

• Inspire young people by showing where classroom chemistry leads. 

• Build skills in practical laboratory work, safety, communication, and problem-solving. 

• Improve employability by connecting pupils with real workplaces and professionals. 

• Broaden awareness of routes into STEM (university and industry). 

 

Partners included 

Salters Institute – programme lead; provided classroom careers resources and coordinated Day 1. 

Heriot-Watt University – hosted Discovery Day with access to university-level laboratories and academic facilitators. 

ExxonMobil, Fife Ethylene Plant (Mossmorran) – hosted Day 2 site visit, showcasing large-scale industrial chemistry and diverse job roles. Contact: Kerry Myers. 

DYW Fife – brokerage and partnership support (employer–school link). 

Why employers got involved: to inspire future talent, strengthen the local skills pipeline, challenge misconceptions about industry, and demonstrate the breadth of STEM careers—while supporting community engagement and early talent attraction. 

 

Learners involved 

 Eight S3 pupils selected for their interest in Chemistry.

What we did 

Pre-learning (in class) 

Salters Institute online careers resources were used to spark curiosity about chemistry-related roles and labour-market pathways, preparing pupils to ask informed questions.  

Day 1 – Discovery Day at Heriot-Watt University 

Hands-on practicals in a fully equipped university lab (pupils successfully completed Advanced Higher-level practical work while in S3). 

Talks and Q&A with academics and chemical-industry professionals about routes, roles, and required skills. 

Day 2 – Industry visit to ExxonMobil, Fife Ethylene Plant 

• Guided tour and demonstrations showing chemistry at industrial scale. 

• Contextualisation of classroom learning (processes, safety, quality, and sustainability). 

• Direct interaction with engineers, technicians, and apprentices. 

• Outcomes and impact 

• Employability & career readiness 

• Greater confidence engaging with professionals and asking career-focused questions. 

• Clearer understanding of entry routes (university, apprenticeships, technician pathways).

• Improved awareness of workplace behaviours: safety, teamwork, communication, time management. 

• Technical & transferable skills 

• Laboratory technique and data handling in a professional setting. 

• Health & Safety and use of PPE. 

• Problem-solving, attention to detail, and resilience during practical tasks. 

 

Pupil Feedback 

“It was really good. Working in the lab was quite surreal. I loved it.”  

“Loved going round the site at Mossmorran — made me think that I could be here one day.” 

“It was so good to do all the practicals. I was deeply impressed with myself when I completed the Advanced Higher practical and I’m only S3.”