- 18 September 2020
Sofia opens search for Teesside teacher champions
Sofia has today started its search for teachers in targeted secondary schools in Redcar and Marske-by-the-Sea, Teesside to help them encourage the next generation of offshore wind workers by becoming part of the "Sofia Champions for Wind" education careers initiative.
The schools have been selected as they are located closest to the project’s onshore electrical infrastructure. A new buried cable will be installed from the project’s landfall between Redcar and Marske-by-the-Sea to a new onshore converter station due to be constructed adjacent to the Wilton Complex, near the village of Lazenby. A further buried cable will be installed from the new converter station to the existing National Grid substation in Lackenby where power generated by the wind farm will enter the national grid.
The teachers will work as ‘Champions’ to develop, implement and share new curriculum materials with the aim of encouraging students in Key Stages 3 to 5 to consider the offshore wind sector for their future career. There is a diverse and fascinating range of careers in the growing sector and this programme aims to raise student awareness about all the various opportunities.
The initiative will cover two years, with the first focussing on developing and delivering the curriculum and the second on extending its outreach. Each school will receive a bursary to enable and support the programme, which supports the Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance.
Sofia will welcome creative and innovative proposals from teachers from any subject.
Examples of materials produced from earlier cohorts of teachers and schools that participated in earlier iterations of Champions for Wind can be viewed here. All materials produced by the new ‘Sofia Champions’ will need to be flexible enough to be taught remotely as well as in the classroom.
"Sofia Champions for Wind" is supported by education professionals who will provide virtual training sessions and access to existing information and resources to enhance the curriculum materials.
The schools being invited to take part are:
- Outwood Academy Bydales
- Outwood Academy Redcar
- Sacred Heart Catholic Secondary
- Rye Hills Academy
- Redcar & Cleveland College
To apply teachers can use this application form with the deadline for applications, 4 October 2020.
