Pupils from Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy were given a rare opportunity to take a closer look at renewable energy thanks to an SSE community initiative.
A group of 75 S3 pupils took part in the two-day programme, where they participated in school-based learning in line with the school’s Science curriculum and also made a visit to SSE’s Griffin wind farm, south of Aberfeldy.
On the first day, the Griffin wind farm team hosted a practical activity in which the pupils were asked to design a wind farm, considering all constraints such as visual impact, environmental restrictions and wind speeds, and then present their findings.
The second day was spent at the wind farm with activities ranging from a tour around the site to an observation of an emergency rescue exercise. The pupils were even given the rare chance to go inside one of the turbines.
Lorna Libreri, Principle Teacher of Science at Breadalbane Academy said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn more about STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics] based careers and observe first-hand the future of wind power. Through learning in context they have developed a fuller understanding of the role of renewable energy.
“I would like to thank SSE and the staff involved for making this such an exciting and engaging event for our S3 pupils. We look forward to continued work with SSE as a partner in developing and delivering our Science curriculum.”
Laurie McAdam, S3 pupil at Breadalbane Academy has always been interested in a career in electrical engineering. He said: “For me, this has been a once in a lifetime experience to go inside a wind turbine and I was amazed with the electrical engineering involved in the wind turbine generators. I also learned a lot about wind power and about the factors that need to be considered when planning and constructing a wind farm.
“I‘m now keener than ever on a future in engineering and will work hard to achieve in my STEM subjects. I’d like to thank SSE for giving me this opportunity and perhaps I could even work for the company one day.”
Completed in early 2012, Griffin wind farm consists of 68 turbines and has a total capacity of 168.4MW. Through the Griffin community investment fund, which includes neighbouring Calliachar wind farm, SSE provides £392,500 per year to community initiatives and charitable projects in the Highland Perthshire area.