Education

A wide ranging education programme has been contributing to regeneration at Irvine Bay.

Alongside the physical regeneration of Irvine Bay, there is vital work taking place to help young people get involved and benefit from the renewal, and much of it is going on in our schools. Our education programme is closely linked with Curriculum for Excellence, helping young people learn by connecting learning with their other experiences.

As a result, young people in primary and secondary schools across Irvine Bay are getting involved in regeneration projects, contributing to local transformation and learning at the same time.

 

• Talk Science

  In 2014 a new education project was established at Irvine Bay by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, with support from Irvine Bay Regeneration Company. Talk Science @ Irvine Bay builds on the regeneration company’s previous education programme to reflect its new focus, and to help build interest in engineering and science as a career option.

  In addition to public events, a core element of the Talk Science @ Irvine Bay programme is dedicated to schools, with the aim of stimulating the aspirations of young people in the area. This involves an eclectic mix of free talks, lectures and workshops, organised by the RSE and delivered by some of the most eminent scientific experts in their various fields. The programme is continuing into 2015/16.

   

• Projects for excellence

  Education projects are a key element in the regeneration of Irvine Bay and their high standards and relevance have been widely recognised in the education sector.

  In 2009 the i sea initiative was awarded top prize in the Technology Teachers Association Award for Best Cross-Curricular Project. In 2011 The Kilwinning Tiling Project was named as runner-up in the Investors in Education category at the Ayrshire Business Awards.

  Other effective projects included the opportunity to win Irvine's bandstand as well as projects that will contribute to the refurbishment of Trinity Church - Trinity carvings, Trinity stained glass, Trinity weathervane. Teachers were introduced to the opportunities through a dedicated tour of the historic building.

  There’s plenty of evidence to show that young people learn best when there is a strong connection with the real world, so all our education projects are designed to help pupils cover the curriculum while also getting involved in local regeneration.