New Bridges Built on Clyde

Two West Dunbartonshire schools have been building new friendships and skills thanks to a partnership between Nil by Mouth and BAE Systems.

Pupils and staff help launch the project at Scotsoun

Pupils from St Joseph’s and Edinbarnet primaries in Faiflay visited BAE’s Scotsoun yard to the launch the ‘STEM Together’ project aimed at young people from a wide range of backgrounds together to enhance skills linked to Science Technology, Engineering and Maths.

BAE have donated state of the art STEM kits to the charity to use with schools as part of its programme bringing children from different faiths, cultures and traditions together to better understand difference. The business is also offering use of STEM facility at its new £12 million Training Academy in Scotstoun for schools taking part in the programme as part of its commitment to widening opportunities for careers for as many people as possible. The charity have also been invited to present to BAE’S new apprentices during their induction week in August.

Edinbarnet and St Joseph’s will be moving into a new shared campus in the autumn and the event allowed children and staff moving into P7 at the time the opportunity to mix and work together in advance of doors opening.  The new campus will allow both schools to maintain their own unique curriculum and methods of learning as well as share enhanced gym halls and outdoor play facilities.

The project brings children from different schools together to solve problems as a team.

This year sees Nil by Mouth mark its 25th anniversary having been set up by Glasgow teenager Cara Henderson. Since then, it has worked with over 100,000 people in schools, workplaces and communities across Scotland.

Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to BAE Systems for it’s support with this programme and providing both the facility and equipment required to give the children from both schools such a wonderful experience. It was also great to see BAE staff come along to help the children use the equipment and encourage them with the tasks.  Alongside our work in the classroom programmes like this help children from different backgrounds and traditions develop teamwork skills and appreciate the different perspectives others bring to solving a problem. This will be an exciting few months for both school communities and we are delighted they both see value in working alongside our charity to help the children forge new, and deepen existing, friendships.

Phil Brown from BAE Systems said: ‘We were delighted to be able to support the admirable work carried out by Nil by Mouth. STEM outreach is an integral part of our new Applied Shipbuilding Academy and facilitating the development of young people through the STEM focused equipment aligns with our strategic vision. We look forward to a successful partnership during which the lives of the young people in our communities are positively influenced through enjoyable and enlightening experiences.”

Head Teacher of St Joseph’s Primary School Clare MacColl said: “I am very grateful to BAE and the Nil by Mouth charity for offering engaging and inspiring science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) lessons to our pupils. It was an amazing opportunity to share the learning experience with pupils from Edinbarnet who we will sharing the Faifley Campus with in August.”  

Head Teacher of Edinbarnet Primary School, Natalie Pollock, said: “Our pupils had a great time learning about the incredible possibilities the STEM subjects can offer. Not only did the children learn about amazing career opportunities, they had fun and made friends with pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School. I would like to thank Nil by Mouth and BAE for offering our children the opportunity to come together to learn about STEM and how this learning can lead to specific jobs.”