Tag: learning

Charity sparks passion for Maths with Masterclass Series

  • Aberdeen charity, TechFest, concluded their Masterclass series this weekend, designed to encourage, inspire and engage young people in the art and practice of mathematics.
  • The eight-part ‘Maths Masterclass’ series, held at the University of Aberdeen, offered S2 pupils across Scotland a chance to explore mathematics beyond the classroom.
  • The project, sponsored by Serica Energy, wrapped up with the ‘The Million Dollar Equation’ masterclass presented by Oxford Mathematician and Youtuber Dr Tom Crawford at the University of Aberdeen.
  • Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Mathematics is the heart of STEM, and our mission is to show it’s more than numbers, it unlocks ideas, fuels innovation, and solves real-world problems. But it’s not enough for young people to simply hear about what’s possible, we want them to experience it firsthand, ask the questions that matter, and help them become the next generation of STEM leaders.”

Aberdeen charity, TechFest, concluded their Masterclass series this weekend, aimed at encouraging, inspiring, and engaging young people in the art and practice of mathematics.

The eight-part series aimed at 13–14-year-olds, covered a huge range of mathematical areas and topics, including diverse applications such as art, cryptography, programming, modelling and knot theory.

Taking place on Saturday mornings during term time, all classes featured 2.5-hour interactive sessions led by various STEM lecturers and presenters.

Among the speakers were Youtuber Tom Rocks Maths, Professor Mirela Delibegovic and Professor Ben Martin from the University of Aberdeen and Upstream Business Manager at Enquest, Adrian McBurnie.

The topics highlighted how math shapes the real world, from predicting tennis match outcomes and securing online transactions through cryptography, to advancing life sciences, including drug discovery and diabetes research.

The programme was a partnership between TechFest and Serica Energy, a UK-based independent energy specialist, further continuing TechFest’s mission to host fun initiatives that make STEM education more engaging and inclusive to young people throughout the country.

The Maths Masterclass series saw 14 schools from Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire region take part. All students participating in the initiative had the chance to dive into each topic individually or in small groups, with guidance from the speaker and helpers to ensure accessibility for all.

The final masterclass, The Million Dollar Equation, was held at the University of Aberdeen by Oxford Mathematician and Youtuber Dr Tom Crawford which explores seven unsolved maths problems, each worth $1 million, from quantum mechanics to prime number patterns.

Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Our Maths Masterclasses are all about giving students real, personal connections with people who’ve been in their shoes, industry professionals who share their stories, their challenges, and the exciting paths they’ve taken in STEM.

“These sessions aren’t just university visits, they’re a chance to feel at home in an academic setting, to build the confidence to step into new opportunities, and to see that universities and careers in STEM aren’t just for ‘other people’, they’re for them.

“But more than anything, we want them to leave feeling inspired, capable, and excited about what lies ahead.”

The series encouraged students to take the opportunity to speak with a range of STEM figures and role models, learn about their career journey, challenges and find out the wide range of opportunities that are open to them with a career in STEM.

Students were invited to attend all eight masterclasses and provided with the opportunity to earn their CREST Discovery Day Award while completing the series.

Chris Kay, Chair of Serica’s Education outreach committee said: “We’re delighted to work with TechFest on the Maths Masterclasses, to help inspire young minds and prove that STEM learning can be both fun and engaging.

“The masterclasses offered opportunities for both teamwork and individual challenges, and it was great to see pupils growing in confidence as they worked with peers outside their usual friendship circles.

“This experience will not only help them build ambition but also equip them with valuable skills for their future careers.”

Over £4,900 a year for student carers

Extra money available to many in education

Carers in full and part-time education could be entitled to over £4,900 a year in financial support from Social Security Scotland.  

It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students at college or university in Scotland providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour. Research from Carers Trust Scotland shows student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies with a key reason being financial struggles.  

Together, Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance Supplement could provide over £4,900 a year to unpaid carers. 

Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, which was delivered by the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Unlike its predecessor, Carer Support Payment is available to many student carers in full-time education.   

Carer’s Allowance Supplement, only available in Scotland, is paid twice a year to people receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance. 
 
Students aged 16, 17 or 18 may be able to get Young Carer Grant if they aren’t eligible for Carer Support Payment. 

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Speaking to student carers and staff at Edinburgh College yesterday (Wednesday 19 March), Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “We worked with carers and support organisations in designing Carer Support Payment to ensure it worked better for the people who receive it. Extending Carer Support Payment to more carers in education is an example of doing just that. 

“I recognise the challenges many students face juggling their studies with caring responsibilities and hope the increased support available provides additional financial security and helps them to complete their course.”  

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Anna Vogt, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Edinburgh College said: “We are committed to supporting our student carers to be able to come to Edinburgh College and achieve their educational ambitions.

“We do this by individualising support for carers, engaging with carer organisations in our region and by designing systems that acknowledge our students have responsibilities and communities outside of college. 

“Colleges change lives and we are pleased that this new benefit will support more carers to think about becoming a student at any institution across Scotland.” 

Josh, a student at Edinburgh College, added: “The support from Edinburgh College has made a real difference to me and is very different from the support I received at school. It has been particularly helpful to be linked up with my local carer’s association – I didn’t know about them. Now I know about this new benefit, I’m going to explore a bit more about it.” 

The £4,900 a year calculation is based on a carer receiving a full year entitlement for Carer Support Payment (52 weeks) and Carer’s Allowance Supplement (a payment in June and then in December) at the 2025-26 rates coming into effect from 1 April 2025.      

Carers Trust Scotland works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. They estimate there are more than 30,000 students with caring responsibilities in Scotland. Student research report https://carers.org/downloads/resources-pdfs/young-adult-carers-at-college-and-university.pdf  

Edinburgh College: Part-time courses starting in August

Apply for a part time course starting in August 2025!

If you are looking to advance your career, explore a passion, or take the next step after school, experience Edinburgh College.

Our part time courses starting in August 2025 are now open for application, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with work and other commitments.

Edinburgh College’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert lecturers, and strong industry connections offer hands-on experience and skills for your future success.

Apply for a part time course starting in August 2025 on our website:

https://ow.ly/CUHU50Vak5b

#experienceedinburghcollege

#edinburghcollege

Holyrood committee to scrutinise changes to funding for post-school education and training

A Scottish Parliament Committee is to examine changes to the way that funding is provided for post-school education and skills training.

The Education, Children and Young People Committee has opened a call for views on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill introduces changes to funding arrangements for apprenticeships, work-based learning and training for employment.

Currently, some of the responsibilities for ensuring access to Scottish apprenticeships and work-based learning are held by Skills Development Scotland. However, under the proposals, the Scottish Funding Council would take responsibility for this.

The Bill also sets out changes to the procedures and governance of the Scottish Funding Council.

The Committee is keen to hear what Scotland’s colleges, universities, unions, training providers, employers and students make of the changes set out in the Bill.

The Committee’s call for views is open now and will run until 11 April 2025.

Douglas Ross, Convener of the Education, Children and Young People Committee said: “The structure of the post-school education and skills training landscape is critical to Scotland’s employers who are looking to recruit people who are ready to work.

“The changes in this Bill aim to improve the way that funding is provided for post-school education and skills training. Our Committee is keen to understand whether these objectives will be met.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in post-school education and training to share their views on these proposed changes.”

The Call for Views is available to respond to here: 

https://yourviews.parliament.scot/ecyp/tertiary-education-and-training-bill

Fundamental review needed of planning and resourcing of additional support for learning

The Scottish Government and councils must fundamentally rethink how they plan, fund and staff additional support for learning as part of core school education in Scotland.

Since legislation in 2004 to make additional support for learning (ASL) more inclusive, there has been an eight-fold increase in pupils recorded as receiving ASL; currently 40 per cent of Scottish pupils – or 285,000 children – receive ASL. Almost all support is now delivered in mainstream classrooms, and it has become an increasingly central part of what teachers do.

The Scottish Government failed to plan for the impacts of this inclusive approach, and poor data means it is not possible to determine the scale, complexity and nature of needs across Scotland. The Scottish Government and councils urgently need better information to understand pupils’ needs and appropriate level of resource to support them.

Existing measures show a wide gap in outcomes for pupils receiving additional support compared with other pupils, including being more likely to be absent or excluded from school. More appropriate ways of measuring the achievements of pupils who receive ASL are still to be developed.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government has failed to plan effectively for its inclusive approach to additional support for learning. Current gaps in data mean it is unclear whether all children’s right to have an education that fully develops their personality, talents and abilities is being met.

“The Scottish Government and councils urgently need better quality data to understand pupils’ additional support needs and the resources required to provide support to enable all pupils to reach their full potential.”

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Ruth MacLeod, Member of the Accounts Commission, said: “Councils and the Scottish Government must fundamentally rethink how additional support for learning is planned and provided as a core part of Scotland’s school education.

“This includes reviewing how mainstream and special education is provided to meet current and future additional support needs and demands.

“It is critical they work with pupils, parents and carers and staff throughout this process.”

COSLA’s Children and Young People Spokesperson, Councillor Tony Buchanan @antbuc1), has commented following report published today about Additional Support For Learning from the Auditor General and Accounts Commission.

The Auditor General and Accounts Commission published a briefing paper on additional support for learning (ASL) on 27th February 2025. It makes a series of recommendations to Scottish Government and Councils, touching on data, measuring the outcomes of children and young people with additional support needs, funding, workforce planning and school buildings.

The COSLA Children and Young People Board will discuss the briefing at their meeting on 7th March.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, said: “Local Government is fully committed to supporting all children and young people to learn and to providing opportunities so that they can realise their full potential. The briefing paper published by the Auditor General and Accounts Commission on additional support for learning is welcomed.

The COSLA Children and Young People Board will be updated next week, with an initial consideration of the recommendations. COSLA, alongside the Scottish Government, co-chair the Additional Support for Learning Project Board.

“There will be an opportunity for the project board to consider the recommendations fully when they meet next month and consider how these can inform their priorities.”

briefing_250227_additional_support_for_learningDownload

Scottish Schools explore real-world Maths with new programme

  • Aberdeen charity, TechFest, has launched its ‘Maths into Wind’ programme in celebration of mathematics and its real-world applications across Scottish schools.
  • ‘Maths into Wind’ is the latest programme in TechFest’s ‘Maths into’ series; an exciting initiative for S2-S4 students to witness firsthand how mathematical concepts taught in classrooms translate in industry context.
  • The project, sponsored by Stromar Offshore Wind Farm, kicked off with an event day in Fraserburgh, where schools could travel and experience the content in one day. A further format is also being delivered in Bucksburn Academy using a modular approach, allowing a longer term and tailored approach to suit pupils needs.
  • Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Maths is at the heart of innovation, and ‘Maths into Wind’ helps students across Scotland see its power in action. By exploring real-world applications and connecting with industry professionals, we’re inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.”

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TechFest, an Aberdeen-based charity, has launched ‘Maths into Wind’ to celebrate mathematics and showcase its practicality in the workplace.

The initiative, designed for S2-S4 secondary school students, kicked off with an event day in Fraserburgh, giving students the chance to engage with hands-on STEM experiences in just one day.

Sponsored by Stromar Offshore Wind Farm, the programme enabled students to explore the mechanics of electrical generation, compare energy sources and tasked them with real-world challenges like designing their own wind farm.

It was also made available in a six-week modular format in Bucksburn Academy, offering flexible learning for schools and pupils.

Both methods of delivery entailed interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations and practical calculations to explore energy concepts and the power of wind generation.

TechFest is a charity focused on making STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country whilst helping to connect STEM to various sectors and delivering a new generation of talent for the industry.

Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Our ‘Maths into Wind’ programme demonstrates how the skills students are learning in the classroom can be applied in an industry context.

“We want to use our industry connections to create real opportunities for students. By connecting them with professionals in the field, we’re not only making STEM more engaging, but also changing the status quo in STEM education.

“Together, we’re helping inspire the next generation to explore STEM and opening doors to exciting future career opportunities.”

The programme was sponsored by offshore wind farm, Stromar, as part of TechFest’s mission to host fun initiatives that make STEM education more engaging and inclusive in schools throughout the country.

Nicholas Ritchie, Project Director at Stromar, said: “We’re really excited to partner with TechFest on this mission to show students how maths applies in the real world and help them see its practical value.

“’Maths into Wind’ provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain hands-on industry experience while building their ambition and confidence as they take their first steps in their career.”

Jon Scally, teacher at Bucksburn Academy, said: “‘Maths into Wind’ has allowed our pupils to gain hands-on experience while deepening their understanding of wind energy.

“With the support of the team at TechFest, we’ve seen them grow in confidence and develop the skills they need to showcase their knowledge of the industry.”

The project-based learning programme is the second instalment in TechFest’s “Maths into” series, which aims to reduce barriers to STEM engagement and attainment across Scottish schools.

The ‘Maths into’ series also includes ‘Maths into the Energy Mix’ and the third instalment, ‘Maths into Hydrogen’ is set to be released later this year.

What have you discovered at a library recently? 

🤔

We’re excited to be launching the Scotland-wide Love Libraries campaign to celebrate our libraries and library staff.

Our libraries are at the heart of our communities.

Books are just the beginning – they also offer access to clubs and classes, literacy programmes, social groups and much more!

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💓
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Learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved:

> https://scottishlibraries.org/love-libraries/

#LoveLibraries

#FindYourNextChapter

Edinburgh College set to welcome prospective students during February Open Days

Edinburgh College is set to host four open days this month for those considering starting a course in August 2025.

At the open days, prospective students are invited to find out about the various courses they can apply for, meet curriculum teams, explore the College’s facilities, as well as experience first-hand what it’s like to study at Edinburgh College.

Midlothian Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Tuesday 18 February, Milton Road Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Wednesday 19 February, Sighthill Campus will be open from 4pm-7pm on Thursday 20 February, and Granton Campus will be open from 10am-1pm on Saturday 22 February.

Prospective students are invited to attend the open days to not only discuss course options, but also find out more about applications, funding options and the support available to them while studying at college.

The College offers a wide range of subjects within its faculties of Creative Industries, Construction and Engineering, Health, Wellbeing and Social Science, and Tourism, Hospitality and Business.

With beginner-level courses, pathways to university, short courses and continuous development courses, learners at any stage of their career or education journey will be able to find out about their possible next steps at these events.

Edinburgh College Principal, Audrey Cumberford, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming prospective students onto our campuses this February.

“Open Days are the perfect opportunity for those considering coming to college to not only find out about the wide-variety of courses that we offer, but also explore our campus facilities, and learn about the range of support available to them.

“I highly encourage anyone considering studying here to join us for the events.”

Attendees can drop in or book a place on subject-specific sessions.

For more information and to book a place at one of the open days, visit the Edinburgh College website.

Applications for courses starting in August 2025 are now open.

Scottish education innovator recognised in King’s Honours List

  • Helena Good founded education innovator not-for-profit Daydream Believers in 2019
  • For the last 20+ years, Helena has spearheaded partnerships with educators, employees and students to drive an innovative future workforce

Edinburgh-based Founder and Director of Scotland’s leading education innovator not-for-profit, Daydream Believers, Helena Good, has been recognised in the King’s Honours List and will receive an MBE for her services and commitment to championing innovation and entrepreneurship within education for young people following today’s announcement in the Birthday Honours List 2025.

Helena, originally from Newry in County Down, Northern Ireland, has lived in Edinburgh for over thirty years. Starting her career as a graphic designer, working for a variety of creative agencies across Scotland, it was as a graphic design lecturer for Edinburgh College that she found her passion for connecting educators, employees and students to drive change and innovation for those entering the workforce.

In 2019, Helena founded Daydream Believers which places creativity and curiosity at the heart of its work as key drivers for teachers and pupils to work together to unlock potential future skills.

Made up of ‘Dreamers and Doers’, and working with partners including Rockstar Games, LEGO and Skyscanner, Daydream Believers provides a free, ready to use, online resource bank for educators. The team also host interactive workshops with pupils and carry out training sessions for teachers.  

Since starting Daydream Believers, Helena and her team have worked with 27 local authorities and 95 schools, reached over 6,000 pupils and over 200 teachers to embed creative learning journeys within their lesson plans.

This not-for-profit business has also launched the first Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Creative Thinking Qualification in Scotland which focuses on solving real-world challenges and saw over 1,000 students sign-up in 2024

Helena Good, Founder and Director of Daydream Believers, said: “Receiving an MBE is an incredible honour and feels truly special not just for me, but also for the entire Daydream team and my own family.

“I’ve always been passionate about education and the role creativity plays in shaping resilient, innovative futures. Working with inspiring partners both in education and business and being part of the Daydream Believers team has been a privilege. Working together we are unlocking potential and empowering both educators and students to think differently.

“This recognition is a reminder of the amazing things we can achieve together, and I’m so excited for the journey ahead as we continue to dream big, collaborate, and make real change happen.”

The Daydream Believers concept and model has already caught the interest of an international audience with Helena having recently been part of setting up the inaugural Creative Thinking Festival in Sydney Australia. The Daydream team has also connected learners and educators across 125 countries.

Daydream’s concept was recognised by the HundrED Global Innovation Awards (October 2022) as being one of the top 100 most impactful and scalable education innovations to watch out for, while The British Interactive Media Association identified it as one of the top ten UK digital experiences that would help to shape the industry and inspire a generation of digital professionals.

Ollie Bray, Strategic Director for Education Scotland, who works with Daydream Believers, said: “We are delighted that Helena has been awarded an MBE for services to education.

“This prestigious honour is a reflection of her unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work, as well as the profound and lasting impact she has made on Scottish education. Helena’s infectious enthusiasm, coupled with her pioneering work in creativity and project-based learning, has transformed approaches in both primary and secondary schools across Scotland.

“This recognition is richly deserved, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Helena on this remarkable achievement.”

Helena’s personal accolades include being inducted into The College Development Network Hall of Fame in June 2021 for the positive impact she had as a lecturer to students and the community.

She was recognised as a TES UK Lecturer of the Year (2020) which made her the first-ever winner from a Scottish College and took home the Creative Edinburgh Leadership award (2019) for inspiring the next generation of creatives through mentoring, teaching and leadership.

Ruth Cochrane, Head of Future Skills at the Glasgow School of Art and a Director of Daydream Believers, said: “I’ve known Helena since 2019 when I was one of the many representatives from across the creative and educational spectrum that she convened around the common goal of changing how creativity is taught in schools.

“Helena was uniquely able to allow us to leave our competing agendas and egos at the door and work together around this shared mission; to dream big and reimagine what education could and should be.  Even more impressive than that, she is driving that vision into real change in the form of Daydream Believers. 

“Thousands of young people across Scotland have had their school experience changed by Helena’s vision, and I’ve been privileged to witness the transformative effect Daydream Believers has on everyone who engages with it. 

“Creative professionals have a meaningful way to contribute to the development of their future workforce, supporting teachers to rediscover their passion for the classroom and most importantly encouraging pupils to reengage with school and love learning.  

“It is a total privilege to work with Helena and call her a friend, and I’m so delighted that her achievements are being recognised in this way.”

The King’s Honours List, made up of the ranks of Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE), are awarded for prominent national or regional roles, and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity. Helena will be awarded her MBE in London in 2025, date to be confirmed.