LOCHGELLY High School was given a pre-festive season boost when representatives of a newcomer to the town's industrial scene visited the Station Road facility as part of their programme backing STEM subjects.

Wednesday saw some very important visitors welcomed to Lochgelly High.

J D Brookhart, Executive Director of the Johnson Foundation and Director of Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd, visited Scotland from Denver, Colorado, and was accompanied by Tom King, Talent Development Manager, following a donation from the Johnston Foundation to support developments in LHS STEM subjects.

This is an area very close to the school's hearts as Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd is a company specialising in semiconductor wafer fabrication technology, with a new facility based in The Avenue, Lochgelly.

Debbie Aitken, rector of Lochgelly High School, thanked the Johnson Foundation for their generous donation and said: “STEM very much continues to be an area of focus in Lochgelly High School.

"In 2019 we had some of the very best numeracy outcomes for our young people and we continually remind them of the importance of problem solving and creative skills necessary for employment in the local job market and beyond.

"Thanks to our partnership with Clas-SiC Wafer Fab Ltd, not only have we improved some of the Technology resources but there is potential for a number of students to secure a graduate apprenticeship with this local company.”

Adam Jackson, Principal Teacher DET and Employability, said during the tour: “It was fantastic to see our pupils getting the chance to share first-hand the impact that Clas-SiC's donation has had on their learning whilst preparing them for the world of work."

Tom King, of Clas-SiC Wafer Fab, said: “The work that LHS have committed to on the STEM programme is highly commendable and they should be applauded for their achievements.

"We at Clas-SiC are both proud and privileged to support them in this work and we hope to continue working with the LHS team over the next few years.”

Mr Brookhart and Mr King were welcomed into the school by Lochgelly High School pipers and they enjoyed a tour of the school before meeting Mrs Aitken and were involved in questioning some of the learners about their experience in STEM subjects which the youngsters enjoyed.