Latest news with #EastRenfrewshireCouncil
Scotsman
a day ago
- Science
- Scotsman
Virtual Reality Used to Tackle STEM Disengagement in Scottish Secondary Schools
In recent years, people with keen eyes on the educational landscape of Scotland have pointed out the decreasing number of students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). They have pointed out that students remain disengaged during the lectures of STEM subjects because it is hard for them to contemplate abstract concepts without visuals. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... To address their legitimate concerns and improve the learning experience of students, different bodies have taken revolutionary measures to introduce virtual reality (VR) based learning or teaching in schools across Scotland. In 2018, East Renfrewshire Council rolled out VR headsets for better learning across all 30 of its primary and secondary schools. Advocating the role of VR in tackling STEM disengagement in Scottish secondary schools. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Understanding the STEM Disengagement Problem in Scotland Secondary School Students at a Robotic Lab According to the report laid out by the Commission on School Reform in 2024, only 40.1% of S4 pupils in Scotland passed National 5 Maths, and even lower pass rates were observed in physics and computing science. This means that more than 50% of Scottish students are falling behind in STEM subjects. The report, titled "Broken STEM," formulated by the Commission on School Reform, also states that only 25.9% of S4 pupils passed biology and 21.6% passed applications of mathematics at National 5 level. These figures show the students' failure in grasping the concepts or ideas due to classical teaching pedagogies and old-fashioned learning practices. Posing a serious threat to Scotland's job market due to the decrease in the number of skilled professionals. How Virtual Reality is Revolutionising STEM Learning? Virtual reality is not just an entertainment technology useful for playing games like cricket and football with an immersive experience. Instead, it's a lifesaver for educationists like Dr. Gabriella Rodolic, who has published a paper on Virtual Reality in Education. It can be used to enhance and improve the STEM concepts learning for students. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad By simulating complex scientific processes, mathematical problems, and engineering scenarios. The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) launched a VR headset for construction learning students. It makes them visualise the construction sites and experience the process without leaving their classroom. It brings STEM subjects to life, enabling students to explore scenarios or environments like the inside of a wind turbine, a human cell, plantation seeds, the mechanism of robots, etc. All in all, it makes learning fun more than a boring transfer of ideas without any visual representation. If you, too, are working on educational dissertation topics related to the role of VR in addressing STEM disengagement among students. Then, consider working with modern pedagogies and educational technologies, sharing platforms like Essays UK and receive expert assistance in writing impact-making studies. Benefits of VR-Based Learning and Addressing STEM Disengagement Immersive Learning Experience for Students VR headsets provide an immersive learning experience to Scottish students in primary or secondary schools by bringing the actual picture of the idea in front of their eyes. For example, if children are learning the science behind plant reproduction. It will make them visualise or observe the whole process along with abstract words. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Increased Student Engagement in STEM Classrooms Students have very low attention spans, and boring traditional lectures about science and engineering without actual demonstrations fail to keep them hooked. But due to the VR headset, students actively participate in the lecture by being part of the process. Improved Memory Retention Among Students It is obvious that you are going to remember the things that you have observed through seeing and reading for longer. Then, the concepts or ideas just heard or read in your STEM Class. Virtual reality is helping students improve their memory in exams. Strong Skills Development Related to STEM Subjects The experience of doing practicals using VR, such as creating chemical solutions without real-world consequences. Helps in strong skills development, not only in concept development, as it happens in traditional teaching. Scottish Schools Leading The Way With VR Castlebrae High School: Introduced a VR system that makes students explore live construction sites to promote careers in construction. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad East Renfrewshire Council: One of the first councils in the UK to roll out VR headsets to all schools. They have invested £ 250,000 to provide over 900 ClassVR headsets to 30 primary and secondary schools. This initiative reported higher engagement and better retention among students. Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools: They have integrated VR into everyday lessons across various subjects, including Language, History, and RMPS. Resulting in better student engagement and learning experience, even when studying abstract STEM ideas. North Lanarkshire: It is home to Scotland's first fully immersive VR classroom, providing students with an opportunity to learn with fun and real-time examples. Conclusion
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Campaigners to challenge Eaglesham battery plant ruling
Mum-of-three Morag Hannan is worried about the possible fire risk from lithium-ion batteries as the 40-megawatt storage plant is set to be installed opposite her home on Glasgow Road. Alongside her husband Craig, they have raised a petition for judicial review against East Renfrewshire Council. The couple have launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the costs of the action, with almost £3,400 donated so far. Ms Hannan said she has 'many concerns about the safety risk as well as toxic fumes' from the site. She believes her family, and an elderly neighbour, would be forced to evacuate towards a fire, as there is no way out to the back of their properties. But they could become trapped if fire engines need to use a hydrant outside their driveway, the mum said. READ MORE: All the latest changes to Glasgow city centre streets explained GPC 1137 Ltd, a subsidiary of Apatura, had an initial bid refused by East Renfrewshire's planning committee last year, when councillors voiced concerns over fire risk, but a second application was later approved. After that decision, a reporter appointed by the Scottish Government rejected an appeal over the first plan. He found the proposal would lead to 'adverse visual effects in a greenbelt location'. Apatura wants to store surplus energy from the national grid in the batteries, which would then be returned when required. It has said the development will 'support the decarbonisation of the energy industry in the UK'. Judicial reviews focus on the process or legality of a decision, rather than the planning merits of the application. It is understood the review will centre on Cllr Paul Edlin, who the campaigners say was unable to vote at the second planning meeting following a complaint that he had 'prejudiced himself' with comments made about the project at a community council meeting. They believe this wasn't the case and Cllr Edlin faced 'undue pressure' not to attend the meeting, denying him an opportunity to 'partake in local democracy'. READ MORE: This is the plan for this iconic Glasgow city centre building Almost 3,700 people have signed a petition which calls for the decision to be overturned. Council officials are currently investigating the required legal steps and the cost of revoking permission, following a motion from Conservative councillors. They previously had a motion which pushed for revocation ruled incompetent. Ms Hannan said: 'The only remedy available to us is to take legal action ourselves and we are going to continue this fight until the decision is overturned.' East Renfrewshire Council is expected to defend its position. A spokesman said the authority is unable to comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings. Campaigners believe the case could be heard in September. The developers have previously said the application was 'accompanied by a suite of technical documents which demonstrate the proposal will not lead to significant adverse harm'. Ahead of the meeting where planning permission was granted, council officials reported the second application differed from the original as more information has been submitted on fire safety and a water tank is now proposed to be created underground.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
New £18.3m station near Glasgow takes huge step forward
The new rail link at Balgray will serve Barrhead and its growing communities. It will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow for work, education and leisure, while also improving access to local destinations like Dams to Darnley Country Park. Once complete, the station will feature two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, along with waiting shelters, ticket machines and secure cycle storage. Breaking ground on Balgray Station (Image: Supplied) Margaret Gibb, commercial director at Network Rail Scotland, said: 'Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the [[Barrhead]] area. 'The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park. 'It's exciting to see work begin on a project that also supports active travel, encouraging more walking and cycling too. 'We're proud to be part of a partnership delivering real change and long-term benefits for people in Barrhead and the surrounding area.' An 80-space car park at the station will include electric vehicle charging points, with new walkways linking the platforms directly to nearby housing developments and reservoir paths. A new bus turning circle and stop have already been delivered on Springfield Road by East Renfrewshire Council (ERC). READ NEXT: Family from near Glasgow gears up for Christmas in July The Balgray Station project, which is part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal, is being delivered by [[Network Rail]] in partnership with ERC, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting. Preparatory work and planning for the station began in October 2023, with the final proposal approved by the Glasgow City Region City Deal panel in September 2024. Construction will continue into next year, with the station expected to open to passengers in Autumn 2026. Councillor Owen O'Donnell, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'I'm delighted to see work start on the new Balgray station which will greatly improve transport links between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire with stations on the Neilston line - Williamwood, Whitecraigs and Patterton. 'Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow. "We're proud to be working with our partners on delivering this new station which is one of our biggest City Deal projects.'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ground broken on new £18m railway station in Scotland
The station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow for work, education and leisure, while also improving access to local destinations like the Dams to Darnley Country Park. Once complete, Balgray station will feature two platforms connected by a footbridge with lifts, along with waiting shelters, ticket machines and secure cycle storage. The project is part of the wider Glasgow City Region City Deal, which is focused on improving transport links, supporting economic growth and encouraging more sustainable development. It is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with East [[Renfrew]]shire Council, Transport Scotland, ScotRail and Story Contracting. READ MORE: Scottish Government intervene in Glasgow O2 ABC site plans 'Another significant step forward' for city centre transformation Margaret Gibb, commercial director at Network Rail Scotland, said: 'Breaking ground at Balgray is a major step forward in improving transport for the Barrhead area. The new station will make it easier for people to travel to and from Glasgow, and for locals and visitors to connect with places like Dams to Darnley Country Park. 'It's exciting to see work begin on a project that also supports active travel, encouraging more walking and cycling too. We're proud to be part of a partnership delivering real change and long-term benefits for people in Barrhead and the surrounding area.' An 80-space car park at the station will include electric vehicle charging points, with new walkways linking the platforms directly to nearby housing developments and reservoir paths. Artist's impression of the new Balgray station in Barrhead (Image: Network Rail Scotland) A new bus turning circle and stop have already been delivered on Springfield Road by East Renfrewshire Council. This aims to strengthen the town's travel network, making it easier for people to switch between walking, cycling, bus and rail. Councillor Owen O'Donnell, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'I'm delighted to see work start on the new Balgray station which will greatly improve transport links between Barrhead and other parts of East Renfrewshire with stations on the Neilston line - Williamwood, Whitecraigs and Patterton. 'Like many of our communities, Barrhead is growing, and this new station will also provide another route from the town into Glasgow. We're proud to be working with our partners on delivering this new station which is one of our biggest City Deal projects.' Preparatory work and planning for the station began in October 2023, with the final proposal approved by the Glasgow City Region City Deal panel in September 2024. Construction will continue into next year, with the station expected to open to passengers in Autumn 2026.
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lewis Capaldi locked in planning battle with neighbour at £1.6M pad weeks after emotional Glastonbury comeback
Read on to find out what the beloved singer has planned SOMEONE VIEW LOVED Lewis Capaldi locked in planning battle with neighbour at £1.6M pad weeks after emotional Glastonbury comeback Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEWIS Capaldi is locked in a battle over a new fence at his £1.6million mansion as neighbours reckon it will wreck their view. The Someone You Loved singer, 28, hopes to beef up privacy with a 6ft-high wooden barrier around the grounds of his farmhouse, near Glasgow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Lewis Capaldi wants to beef up security with a massive fence 4 Neighbours are opposed, claiming the borders are "oppressive" 4 They have objected to planning application 4 They said it the fence should be lowered "without delay" But resident Adam Dunwoodie has objected to the star's planning application claiming an existing fence has already had a 'significant adverse impact' on his home life. He said he understands Lewis's 'desire for security and privacy' but argued the height of the proposed partition would be 'oppressive'. In a letter to the council he claimed the current fence was too tall and too near his own pad and should be lowered 'without delay'. Mr Dunwoodie writes: 'Our concerns have been mirrored by every visitor to our property. The fence, as currently located, has a significant adverse impact on our daily lives. "Whilst we fully understand the applicant's desire for security and privacy, there are several significant factors we strongly oppose. 'The oppressive height of the fence, the proximity of the fence, the standard of finish and appearance and the lack of maintenance access to ground between the properties. "Our hope would be that approval should be rejected and that work to relocate and alter the height should be completed without delay. "If required, we would hope to engage in constructive discussion with the applicant.' We told how Lewis snapped up the pad in 2020 after superstar pal Ed Sheeran scoured property listings on his behalf. After moving in he complained it smelled of cigarette smoke and dogs but has embarked on an upgrade. Lewis Capaldi reveals he reached 20st & is on anti-psychotic medication after Glastonbury breakdown The music star recently won permission to construct a recording studio and last year built a triple garage for his car collection. He has also added a swimming pool, changing rooms, spa and sauna and hopes to add a sun room with glass windows and slate roof. Mr Dunwoodie insisted he was not opposed to the upgrades. He told East Renfrewshire Council: 'We do not object to any other construction work that has proceeded or is due to proceed as part of this or other applications.' The local authority is due to rule on the fence in due course. The row comes after Lewis made a triumphant return to Glastonbury last month after struggling to finish his set at the festival in 2023. He took time off after the previous performance was cut short due to a Tourette's flare-up. Now he has returned to the charts with single Survive and will perform at Glasgow's OVO Hydro and Aberdeen's P&J Live as part of a UK arena tour in September.
