Pupils from schools across Scotland have reached the end of a highly competitive ten-week scheme designed to launch them into stellar careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The Scottish National Final of the Go4SET Competition was held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Wednesday 5th June; World Environment Day. Pupils worked with industry mentors on real STE(A)M problems faced by their sponsor companies, producing their own original and innovative solutions.
The judges awarded the winning prize to Whitehill Secondary School as the judges deemed they successfully met every aspect of the project brief. The Pupil’s Choice award was awarded to St. Margaret’s High School who gained the most votes amongst their peers. Teams this year included S2 pupils from Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy High School in Fife, St. Margaret’s High School in North Lanarkshire, Meldrum Academy in Aberdeen, St. John Ogilvie High School in South Lanarkshire, Carnoustie High School in Dundee, Whitehill Secondary School in Glasgow and Gleniffer High School in West of Scotland.
Winning team (Whitehill Secondary School) with their teachers and mentors, and EDT CEO, Julie Feest.
Science Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“We want everyone to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and see how they impact our everyday lives, which the Go4SET teams have demonstrated with inspiring ingenuity, tackling real-world problems using their STEM knowledge and skills.
It was a privilege to meet and congratulate the teams competing in the Go4SET national final, fittingly held on World Environment Day, as more and more pupils display their passion and commitment to environmental issues.”
Viridor is the main sponsor of Go4SET across Scotland and Steven Don, Head of Local Authority Contracts Scotland, said:
“As Scotland’s leading recycling, renewable energy and sustainable waste partner working with 96% 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.”
MP Paul Sweeney congratulated the team in the U.K. Parliament and called for a debate in to discuss what steps should be taken to build on their work and ensure we protect our built environment. You can find a video of this by clicking here.
The organisations supporting this year’s teams are Devro, Liberty Steel, Leviton, Portakabin, Maxim Integrated, Stork, NCR, Glasgow City Council and Taylor and Fraser. Mentors from these companies gave up their time to volunteer their expert advice, guidance and support to the teams as they faced up against real-world STEM problems.
Helen Anderson, Scotland Director for competition-organisers EDT, said:
“Go4SET encourages young people of today to be the engineers and scientists of tomorrow. It also helps them develop skills in team working, communication, report writing and problem solving – all essential skills in today’s world of work”.
Go4SET is a national programme which is part of the Engineering Development Trust’s continuum of programmes aimed at stimulating young people’s interest in STEM at a key stage in their education. Click here to find out more about Go4SET.