Torness power station works with local schools to encourage children’s maths skills

EDF Energy’s Torness power station is taking part in an initiative called ‘Together We Count’ run by five local primary schools and a secondary school in a bid to improve children’s number skills and encourage them to use maths. Dunbar Primary, East Linton Primary, Innerwick Primary, Stenton Primary, West Barns Primary and Dunbar Grammar School are all taking part.

The youngsters are all being encouraged to take part in a quiz at Torness power station’s visitor centre called ‘Nuclear Numbers’ which asks them to look in detail at the information and exhibits on display and then fill in their answers, which are all maths related. Torness power station visitor centre manager Faith Scott said, “We are really pleased to be part of this initiative with these local schools and have already had a number of young visitors down to check it out. It is very important for young people to use maths as it really is useful in every day life and for some jobs we have here at the station, it is essential.”

The ‘Together We Count’ initiative was the brainchild of a local teacher at Dunbar Primary school, Lindsey Barley and there are many ways local children can get involved throughout the area. Mrs Barley commented, ‘Once again the local community have joined us as willing and enthusiastic partners in the children’s learning. Local shops, local and national businesses and a raft of voluntary organisations have come on board, not just with support but with some great ideas for improving basic numeracy skills. It is wonderful to see so many groups and individuals coming together to stimulate new ideas and initiatives that help develop these basic skills.’

The ‘Nuclear Numbers’ quiz will run until Sunday 19 January 2014 and there will be a small prize for those taking part.