Contest puts science in schools’ spotlight
Promoting engineering, maths and tech
Pupils from East Kilbride are among those from schools in Lanarkshire who are about to pit their wits in a competition in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The launch event for the Go4SET competition was held at the University of the West of Scotland and pupils got into the innovative spirit by taking part in two teambuilding activities – the Roller Coaster Challenge and Build a Balloon Chair.
Little did they know that, behind the laughter and excitement, they were already beginning to develop crucial project-planning, communication and teamwork skills.
The S2 pupils from Calderglen High School, Duncanrig Secondary and St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School will compete in the Go4SET competition in teams of six, working on an environmental project during which they will be mentored by experts from local companies.
The team producing the most innovative project and professional report will win the competition.
This annual competition encourages pupils to gain an understanding of how STEM is central to the world as we know it, giving an insight into the myriad of future careers they could take advantage of.
With predicted industry shortages of around 87,000 positions per year in STEM careers across the UK, it is vitally important that STEM is attractive and accessible to the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Go4SET is one effective way of providing young people with the experience of working with industry, helping to enthuse and inspire them to consider a STEM career.
Meg Wright, Scotland Director for competition-organisers EDT, said: “Go4SET encourages young pupils of today to be the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.
“It also helps them develop skills in team working, communication, report writing and problems solving – all essential skills in today’s world of work.”
The projects will be presented at a Celebration and Assessment Day in March, where the teams display their innovative solutions to guests from industry, government and their own families.
The young people will also find their interpersonal skills challenged as they are interviewed by a panel of experienced assessors, drawn from a variety of areas in the field of STEM. The winning team will be invited to the national final in June.
Companies supporting this year’s competition are RollsRoyce Plc, Carillion, Scottish Power, Scotland Transerv, EDF Energy, Micron Europe Ltd, FMC Technologies and Liberty Steel.
Viridor is the main sponsor of Go4SET across Scotland and Martin Grey, head of media relations and public affairs, said: “As Scotland’s leading recycling, renewable energy and sustainable waste partner, working with 96 per cent of local authorities, we are keen to encourage young people to get involved in energy management. Viridor are delighted to support the Go4SET programme across Scotland, challenging young people to think about their environment and future.
“Like Viridor, these young people are committed to their environment and conscious of how they utilise resources. I look forward to seeing the results when the pupils return to report their findings at the CAD events.”