Here is a case study we received from Nicole Beattie, the Big Ideas programme lead teacher at Bannockburn High School, Stirling, which participated in the programme in 2019/20:

After reading about the Solutions for the Planet Big Ideas programme, I became instantly excited about running it in our school.

STEM is a vital part of our school curriculum and the Big Ideas programme has allowed our pupils to engage in exciting experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, alongside the school curriculum.

It has given our pupils a strong awareness of the sustainability issues we are facing in the 21st century. It has shown them that they CAN make a difference, but more importantly, through their involvement in the programme, my pupils have shown me that they WANT to make a difference!

Pupils have been given an insight into business enterprise through creating their own businesses. Working towards creating their business plan, developing, and marketing their Big Idea, has shown our pupils the importance of being responsible for their own work and taking ownership of it, in order to be the best they can be. Our school was provided with great resources and support throughout the year. The team at Solutions for the Planet are extremely friendly and have been a pleasure to work with.

Throughout the year we have been privileged to meet many inspiring business mentors.

Having the mentors out to the school to meet and work with our pupils has really inspired them and has allowed us to create many business network links with our school.

The challenges set in the lead up to the reginal finals have been fantastic, each week there has been lots of exciting and varied options for our pupils to choose from.

I am so proud of what my pupils have been able to achieve and the passion they have shown for their Big Ideas.

Overall, it has been an inspiring experience and I look forward to getting involved again next year.

If you are considering taking part in the programme, I would say absolutely, go for it!