Over the 2024-25 academic year BEAR Scotland’s schools programme reached more than 10,000 learners from 257 primary and secondary schools, across 30 of the 32 local authority areas, helping to inspire the next generation of engineers educated in Scotland.

54% of participants took part in person, with over 5,500 learners from 110 schools visiting the Forth Bridges Contact and Education Centre at South Queensferry to participate in STEM engineering and bridges activities. The remaining 46% joined remotely, with over 4,600 learners from 147 schools logging on to join our STEM BEAR Cub engineering sessions via DYW Live – a national education platform supported by Developing the Young Workforce, Education Scotland and eSgoil.

Education Programme Manager Elaine Barrie said: “To encourage more high schools to take part in the programme, we opened bookings early and adopted a more targeted approach to raising awareness with high school teachers and DYW co-ordinators.

“The number of high schools taking part in person more than doubled, rising from 19 schools last year to 40 this year. This approach has been carried forward to 2025-26 and we are anticipating increased awareness of the programme and engagement with more than 40 high schools during the next academic year through continued outreach to DYW co-ordinators and teachers.”

The highest number of participating schools came from Fife, Falkirk and South Lanarkshire but there was also a promising rise in learner participation in the North West of Scotland compared to previous years. Almost 430 pupils from 12 schools across the Highlands, Stirling, and Argyll and Bute took part in the programme.

A standout moment came from Oban High School, where S5 and S6 engineering pupils took part in an interactive “Can You Cantilever?” workshop. Inspired by the nearby Connel Bridge the hands-on session gave students a taste of real-world engineering as they worked in teams to design and build cantilever structures within budget constraints.

Feedback from teachers and learners has been overwhelmingly positive with all teachers rating the visit as ‘exceptional’ or ‘very good’.

Teacher Testimonial

Earlston HS Teacher Feedback:

“The practical challenge was engaging and interesting for the pupils which helped them really develop their teamwork skills and ability to problem solve and work in various engineering roles in a project.

“Huge thank you. Every single pupil got a lot from this session. Would love to attend a future session.”