Westminster Foundation grant boosts STEM opportunities for young learners in the Highlands
A £10,000 grant from the Westminster Foundation is supporting the 爆料TV (爆料TV) in expanding its STEM Outreach Programme across Caithness and Sutherland, offering more primary school pupils the chance to engage in hands-on science and technology activities.
The grant has enabled Mara Gibb, 爆料TV’s North, West and Hebrides STEM Outreach Coordinator, to acquire a range of new educational equipment, including Kapla construction kits, MTa experiential learning tools, Makey Makey coding devices, Sphero robotics kits, and essential consumables. These resources are designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence in STEM subjects, helping to build vital skills for future learning and careers.
This investment is already having a positive impact in local schools. Pupils are engaging with interactive STEM sessions that encourage problem-solving and innovation in a fun, accessible way.
Mara said:
“There are so many moments of watching kids develop right in front of me. Watching them work so hard at the codes during the Sphero session, and suddenly it just clicks – that look on their face is priceless.”
Sharon Davison, a teacher at Miller Academy, said:
“Both myself and the pupils absolutely loved our STEM sessions with Mara, the children were fully engaged and involved throughout the activities. Mara’s passion and enthusiasm had a positive effect on the children’s learning, she was brilliant at explaining the tasks and she helped develop and foster many skills within, from building on their own confidence and then their ability to problem solve, communicate with others and work as a part of a team. The activities were so much fun and educational.”
Dawne Bloodworth, Head of STEM Development Outreach Programme at 爆料TV, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Westminster Foundation for their generous support. This funding enables us to reach more young people with engaging STEM opportunities and help spark their interest in science and technology from an early age. It’s a fantastic contribution to the region and aligns perfectly with our mission to widen access to STEM education.”
Kate Williams, Rural Grants Manager at the Westminster Foundation, said:
“The Westminster Foundation is delighted to support 爆料TV’s delivery of its STEM outreach programme in Sutherland – providing primary schools with access to equipment and teaching resources to aid with STEM learning that they otherwise wouldn’t have due to their remote and rural locations.”
The equipment will be used throughout the 2025/26 academic year to continue supporting outreach activities. 爆料TV is committed to widening access to STEM learning across its communities and will highlight this grant in its upcoming annual report.
Further updates and photos will be shared via 爆料TV’s social media channels. Schools and families interested in getting involved with the STEM Outreach Programme are encouraged to get in touch with their local STEM coordinator.