Midlothian Pupils gaining valuable skills thanks to STEM Together programme
Pupils in Midlothian are participating in an innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme designed to build teamwork, problem‑solving and practical skills through hands‑on learning.
Three month project
The STEM Together project is being delivered in several Midlothian primary schools, offering pupils the opportunity to work with state‑of‑the‑art materials in interactive sessions.
Launch
The programme was launched today at Rosewell Primary with a combined session for pupils from both Rosewell and St Mathews primary schools.
Nil by Mouth
It is delivered by anti‑prejudice charity Nil by Mouth, as part of their remit to promote understanding, respect and collaboration between young people. STEM Together sessions can be delivered as part of P7 transition programmes or as individual or joint school sessions. Sessions can also be combined with Nil by Mouth’s free equality workshops.
Supporting transition
The project is aimed at supporting key transition stages and helping young people make meaningful connections between classroom learning and real‑world applications.
A Variety of challenges
Pupils work in small teams in 70‑minute sessions using kits, which include high‑quality components, tools and challenge packs. There is a strong emphasis on visual learning, collaboration and applied problem‑solving, with activities designed to appeal to a wide range of learning styles. In total, the programme provides access to 24 different STEM challenges, covering construction, hydraulics, conceptual thinking and team working.
Building a go-cart
One of the flagship activities involves designing, building and testing a go‑kart, allowing pupils to explore construction techniques, simple mechanisms such as wheels and axles, fastening systems like nuts and bolts, and creative problem‑solving strategies.
Promoting team work
Pupils are assigned specific roles within their teams to encourage participation and highlight the importance of working together to solve problems.
Funding
STEM Together is being offered free of charge to Midlothian schools thanks to external funding support by the HCI Skills Gateway via Edinburgh Napier University.
Several local schools benefitting
Midlothian Schools currently participating in current STEM Together project are:
- Rosewell Primary School
- St Matthews Primary School
- St David's Primary School
- Stobhill Primary School
- St Andrew's Primary School
- Cuiken Primary School
- Sacred Heart Primary School
Problem‑solving
David Scott from Nil by Mouth said:
“STEM Together is about much more than science and engineering. It’s about confidence, communication and teamwork. By giving young people the chance to learn through doing, we help them see how classroom learning connects to real‑world problem‑solving. Children who might not always shine in the classroom really come into their own when they’re working practically and as part of a team.”
Building confidence
Welcoming the programme, Cllr Ellen Scott, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education said:
“STEM Together offers young people in Midlothian a hands‑on way to develop important skills such as teamwork, problem‑solving and confidence. It supports our schools and also helps pupils prepare for the transition to secondary education in an engaging and inclusive way.”