Primary school projects

• First Chances Foundation

  The First Chances Foundation programme is an exciting new partnership between the University of St Andrews and Fife schools with funding support from the Robertson Trust. The aim of the programme is to support schools by raising pupils’ aspirations and attainment as well as helping them overcome any barriers they may face to Higher Education.

  The First Chances Foundation programme works with P7 to S2 pupils. Throughout the year pupils on the programme take part in a number of activities based both at St Andrews and in the local community. At the end of each school year, pupils will attend a residential summer school. Parents will also have the opportunity to attend showcase events as well as information sessions on the programme.

  Pupils who have successfully taken part in the First Chances Foundation programme will then have the opportunity to join the First Chances Project S3 to S6 programme, offering support right up to the point of entering higher education.

• Community projects

  Science festivals take place in communities throughout Fife and the Dundee area where visitors of all ages can participate in fun and interactive science activities. Our outreach team of student ambassadors offers the public hands-on sessions such as building Lego Mindstorm robots and launching rockets.

• Loan boxes

  As a spin-off to the Space School programme, loan boxes are provided to schools containing Lego Mindstorm and robotic kits. These can be loaned anywhere in Fife for use in either their lessons or after-school clubs which would not normally have access to such equipment.

• Science Camp

  Science Camp offers Primary 6 and 7 pupils an opportunity to gain a real insight into university life. Lasting two days with an overnight stay in University accommodation, pupils undertake a series of scientific activities. These include:

  • rock pool research
  • building and programming robots
  • chemistry experiments and explosions
  • Q&A with NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers
  • ‘Night in the Museum’ – exploring the University's natural history museum.