Project Description

Industry: STEM / Engineering

Partner Programme: Aerospace Kinross

Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Sector Awareness and Skills Development

Businesses involved: Aerospace Kinross

Name of School: Glenrothes High School

Glenrothes High School partnered with Aerospace Kinross to deliver a full day of immersive STEM activity for all S1 pupils. Organised through the school’s DYW Co-ordinator, the in-school event was designed to give young people practical insight into aerospace, engineering and technology while linking directly to the BGE curriculum.

Each S1 class took part in its own workshop, giving every pupil the chance to explore real-world STEM applications through hands-on activities and specialist equipment.

Collaborative Partners

Aerospace Kinross is a local organisation working in aviation, engineering and technology. The company has a strong interest in promoting STEM learning and encouraging young people to consider future careers in Scotland’s growing aerospace and engineering sectors.

The school’s DYW Co-ordinator worked with Aerospace Kinross to develop an activity that would support curriculum learning while giving pupils a memorable employer-led experience. The DYW Ambassador team also helped organise and support the visit, alongside class teachers and support staff.

Programme Aims

The STEM activity aimed to:

• Increase engagement with STEM subjects through practical learning
• Give pupils early insight into engineering and aerospace careers
• Build problem-solving, teamwork, communication and creative thinking
• Show how classroom STEM learning applies in the real world
• Inspire confidence and interest among pupils who may not usually engage with STEM

 

Activity Overview

Aerospace Kinross delivered six consecutive workshop periods across the day, one for each S1 class. Pupils took part in a series of interactive activities, including:

• Infrared investigation – exploring how infrared technology is used in aviation and engineering
• Engineering problem-solving task – encouraging teamwork, creativity and design thinking
• Dome planetarium experience – an immersive 360° session simulating space, flight and aerospace environments

 

The sessions were led by industry professionals, giving pupils authentic insight into STEM careers and the skills used in engineering and aerospace roles. The in-school format made the experience accessible to the full year group while minimising disruption to learning.

Pupil Feedback

The activity gave pupils a highly engaging introduction to STEM beyond the classroom. It helped:

• Increase interest in engineering and aerospace
• Build confidence through hands-on learning
• Strengthen links between school learning and industry
• Provide an exciting, shared experience for the whole S1 year group
• Feedback from pupils and ambassadors was very positive:

 

Rebekah, DYW Ambassador: “Being involved in another DYW activity was great, the planetarium was my favourite, and I know the S1 pupils really enjoyed watching the video.”

William, S1 pupil: “The dome planetarium felt like we were actually in space. It was amazing.”

Millie, S1 pupil: “I want to do this again, I did not want the period to end, it was so much fun.”