Teachers at the island’s private primary school are using toy bricks made by Lego to help teach children.

The project, which has been paid for by a legacy from a parent of a former Buchan pupil, aims to help children develop skills from an early age based on teaching methods in line with STEM education, a system for teaching represented by science, technology, engineering and maths.

The Buchan, which charges £12,750 a year to teach each pupil, is working with UK education technology specialists JTRS (Just The Right Solution), which uses a range of Lego products to teach children. But it’s not simply playing with Lego.

It is part of a package that provides lessons, activities and problem-solving tasks.

Initially, that includes imaginative play with the younger children but also extends to building, problem-solving, pattern recognition so ideas of symmetry, balance, shapes and sizes are explored.

For example, one class might try to engineer a bridge strong enough for their teacher to walk on.

Another class may research an animal and its ecosystem, and then build with Lego, planning out the design and creating.

The school will introduce the Lego lessons through the use of what teachers call ’the Buchan STEM studio’.

Buchan head Janet Billingsley-Evans said: ’It very much complements traditional teaching methods and, rather than explore individual subjects in isolation, allows young people to develop an even wider skillset by working together, compromising, creating and problem-solving. It is also proven that this type of education makes learning more fun and keeps children engaged, as well as developing resilience and resourcefulness.’

While the Buchan STEM studio is focused on science, technology, engineering and maths, it will also be integrated across other areas of the curriculum.

Mrs Billingsley-Evans added: ’STEM recognises the intertwined nature of education. Young people are naturally curious and introducing the STEM principles through the creation of the Buchan STEM studio, will allow for increased understanding, innovation and creativity.

’By encouraging them to collaborate on projects, we believe it will spark an interest and life-long love of the arts and sciences in our pupils from an early age and, ultimately, be relevant and connected to the real world.’

David Gregory, head of innovation for JTRS, spent seven years promoting Lego Education in the UK before joining JTRS in 2018.

He is now working with the Buchan on the project.

David, who is also a Lego Education Academy certified teacher trainer and a ’Lego Serious Play’ facilitator, said: ’One of the biggest challenges we face in schools is how we prepare our students for the rapidly changing, technological world of employment.

’The World Economic Forum states that 66% of students who are now entering into the education system, will eventually go into a job that doesn’t exist today. This presents a real challenge to schools who only employ a traditional style of learning.

’By delivering learning STEM learning studios, schools are providing the best opportunity to develop key 21st century skills such as creativity, critical-thinking and problem solving. The STEM dtudio at the Buchan will enable students to experiment, iterate and explore, through a hands-on learning experience.’

The head of external relations for King William’s College and The Buchan School, Kara Hughes-Jones, added: ’Projects such as this would simply not be possible without the generosity of our community so we are grateful to receive such kind donations. We look forward to seeing our pupils continue to thrive and benefit from an initiative that will enhance their learning and help inspire tomorrow’s scientists and engineers.’