Science teaching nomination for Moray depute head

A Moray teacher who admits to having been ‘terrible’ at science as a schoolgirl has been nominated for a prestigious award by an organisation which promotes the teaching of science and engineering.

Rachel Wolford is one of six finalists for the National STEM Learning Network’s ENTHUSE award.

The nomination is in recognition of the work she has done in developing an interest in science among pupils at Hythehill Primary School in Lossiemouth where she is depute head.

It also acknowledges the work Mrs Wolford had done in promoting STEM – an acronym for science, technology, engineering and maths – in other primary schools in the Lossiemouth area and across Moray.

All 320 children at Hythehill get lessons in science subjects or are involved in hands-on science-based classroom projects and last month the school had its second annual STEM Week.

Pupils enthusiastically attend a weekly after-school STEM club run by Mrs Wolford and she has also been heavily involved in a STEM transition project with Lossiemouth High School which helps to pave the way for primary pupils as they move into secondary education.

Yet at school, English and history were her favourite subjects.

“I was terrible at science,” she confessed. “Now I have a real passion for it.”

It was only two years ago that she decided to take part in a course at the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre in Fife which sparked her interest in science.

A few months later she was hooked after completing another course dedicated to the various scientific disciplines.

Her enthusiasm is infectious and as well as sharing it with pupils, she has been involved in STEM training for teaching colleagues in other schools across Moray.

Mrs Wolford will be attending the ENTHUSE awards ceremony which takes place in Manchester on May 12.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.