ScienceMentors@Castlebrae

This highly successful mentoring programme for senior phase high school students is part of the ongoing partnership between Edinburgh BioQuarter and Castlebrae Community Campus.

Science Mentors is hosted in the Castlebrae Superlab and open to all S4-6 pupils at Castlebrae Community Campus.

Staff and students from across Edinburgh BioQuarter share their expertise and experience with the young people of Castlebrae, as well as supporting them in their academic studies.

Science Buddies

We are always looking for ways to nurture longer term relationships between our scientists and young people.

It was this thinking that gave birth to Science Buddies in 2022. Scientists and other STEM professionals are paired with local primary schools to connect closely with them over the year.

The children, teachers and scientists work together to make a plan for the year which could involve ‘Science Class Take-Overs’, STEM Clubs, science weeks, science fairs – being their science best friend!

Curriculum-linked units

With a wealth of opportunities for enriching the young people’s education, we are collaborating with our local schools to create annual modules of work, embedded within the curriculum.

We have developed a cross-curricula module of work Zoom in on Zebrafish that sees local S1 pupils build their own smartphone microscopes which they use to explore zebrafish.

Summer Internship

In June 2016, following a visit from our neighbouring high school to the Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM), pupil Kelsey Wallace plucked up the courage to ask if there were any work opportunities over the summer.

This led to the establishment of an annual CRM Summer Internship – a four week long paid internship, offered each year to a 16+ pupil from Castlebrae Community High School motivated by science.

Student-led Workshops

Our connections with neighbouring communities offer a richly rewarding learning experience for students at The University of Edinburgh.

We offer opportunities for postgraduate students studying science communication and undergraduate biology students to design science workshops in partnership with one of our local schools.

Previous Activities

STEM CLUBS

We have a long history of working collaboratively with neighbouring primary schools, providing STEM Clubs. By involving STEM professionals and students, we aim to open children’s eyes to STEM related careers, building confidence and interest.

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CRAIGMILLAR COMMUNITY SCIENCE FESTIVAL

Held in partnership with The Community Alliance Trust at The White House Kitchen Community Cafe, young people in the community demonstrated science to Festival-goers alongside scientists from Edinburgh BioQuarter.

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