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Scottish science teachers have become the first to benefit from a new pilot programme designed to enhance technology and programming education for secondary school students.

Led by the UK’s synchrotron science facility, Diamond Light Source (DLS), in partnership with the Scottish Schools Education Resource Centre (SSERC), the programme aims to work with physics and technology teachers to provide skills and resources that can be incorporated into the classroom.

Dr David Price, public engagement officer at DLS, said: “We’re a real resource for scientists in the UK, but we also serve the needs of the wider education sector by providing tools and events, just like this one, that enhance teaching of the curriculum.

“Throughout the year, we welcome many students to the facility here in Oxfordshire. They meet scientists and engineers, and see first-hand what STEM careers look like. We think programmes like this one are a great way to reach more distant schools like these in Scotland. We would like to make this pilot into a national offer because it provides learning tools and skills directly to teachers, enabling us to reach and inspire even more young people around the UK.”

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is DLS’s pilot programme for teachers. It began earlier this year with teachers coming to the facility between 7 and 8 October.

Prior to their visit, the delegates took part in a series of webinar-based workshops in which they were introduced to the BBC’s MICRO: BIT technology, a mini computer that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks from powering robotics to performing musical compositions.

Price said: “Computing is a major area where there is currently a real skills shortage. So anything we can do to help support teaching to inspire youngsters, we’re keen to offer.”

Diamond’s Head of Communications, Isabelle Boscaro-Clarke added: “Teachers are critical because they enable science organisations to reach a large number of students. Many young people may not be able to visit the facility in person.”