The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Pupils collaborate to solve real-world issues at seminar
Pupils from across the north-east got the chance to present their ideas tackling real-world problems to industry professionals this week.
Youngsters from Robert Gordon’s College, Mackie Academy and The Gordon Schools participated in the Powering Futures project.
The youngsters took on problems ranging from excess food waste in schools, the lack of accessible EV charging points and online disinformation about climate change.
After 30 weeks the groups were challenged to present their solutions to the panellists – made up of industry representatives.
Fifth-year Mackie Academy pupil Amy Reid was part of the group tackling online disinformation.
Her group pitched a factchecking website, aimed at young people, that would publish the truth about climate change.
Amy found presenting in front of people she had never met, and in a new place, to be a “valuable experience”.
She said: “It was great to be a part of something that allowed us to meet pupils at other schools who had also done the Powering Futures course.
“It was nerve-racking, but a valuable experience.”
Ewan Wallace, head of environment and sustainability at Aberdeenshire Council, was one of the panellists at the event.
He said: “I was delighted to come along given the topic of environment and sustainability and looking at the changes that could be made in the future.
“And I’m always keen to hear what the younger people in society are thinking about it all.”
Ewan has even asked The Gordon Schools group to discuss their idea about transforming school food waste into fuel with his team.
Balmoral Group project engineer Lee Salisbury was also one of the event panellists. Lee, who volunteers at the Energy Institute Young Professionals Network, was left impressed by the level of detail included in the presentations.
He added: “It’s crazy, 30 weeks is short for realworld problems no one has solved. For them to come up here and be so positive and confident with these solutions is impressive.”
MSPs Kevin Stewart and Gillian Martin also attended the event to hear what the fifth and sixthyear pupils had to say.
Powering Futures brings young people closer to industries and the skills that will power the future.
The organisation runs the SCQF level 6 course in 43 schools across Scotland – with 643 secondary pupils taking part this year.
The pupils are given realworld problems from organisations like Scottish Water, Newsquest, and British Gas to choose from and are challenged to come up with a solution.