THEY are used to teaching their pupils reading, writing and arithmetic.

But ten teachers from schools across the region will soon be adding a fourth "R" to that list – renewables.

They have been recruited to become offshore wind champions for a careers education programme about the renewables industry.

Stephen Logan, ICT and business studies teacher at Malet Lambert school in east Hull, said: "It is crucial young people are aware of the career opportunities in the area.

"It will raise aspiration and ambition and give them the opportunity to see what they can do.

"The offshore wind and renewables industry could have a massive impact on this area and it could be their future career for a decade or 20 years."

The programme has been launched by Forewind, development partner for the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm zone, with the Humberside Engineering Training Association (Heta).

The teachers will develop resources relating to offshore wind power to use in the curriculum.

Mike Cargill, director of educational programmes at Heta, said: "The network approach is intended to provide a framework to support innovation and cross region school clusters.

"Throughout the whole process, a series of evaluation tasks will be carried out to measure the impact on teaching and learning."

The teachers have already attended a conference about the renewables industry and the opportunities it presents to pupils.

Forewind's general manager Lee Clarke said the teachers were chosen from schools close to where the first proposed offshore wind farms are planned to connect with the national grid.

Dr Clarke said: "It made sense for us to focus on the area around the onshore infrastructure for our first development – Dogger Bank Creyke Beck – to ensure the nearby community is aware of the potential opportunities offshore wind may bring.

"We hope it will boost the numbers of local young people interested in a career in the industry."

Teachers from Kelvin Hall, Withernsea High, Sir Henry Cooper, Cottingham High and Driffield schools have also joined the scheme.

Sarah Bone, deputy head teacher at Hessle High School, said: "I want to raise awareness and aspirations about what the industry can offer.

"The industry is facing problems that there aren't yet solutions for and our students could be the ones to come up with them.

"It is a really exciting opportunity for our students and hopefully it will be quite powerful in creating future jobs for the region."