News Release, 25 May 2023

Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme announces winners of STEM Education Programme

The Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme (GPFS) team has announced the phase one winners of its STEM Education Programme, which aims to inspire the next generation of original thinkers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Open to primary schools and youth groups from across the local scheme area, participants had the opportunity to learn more about the devastating effects of flooding and the wide variety of careers involved. The children worked together in groups, each taking on a different role, to research flood protection solutions before selecting the best option and presenting this to a panel of industry experts.

After impressing the judges with a collaborative approach, the Flood Protectors Group from Beancross Primary School scooped first place for a well-researched flood design which saw each team member playing a key role in the project’s success.

Miss Melville, Teacher at Beancross Primary School said: “We are delighted to have won this year’s GFPS STEM Education Programme. The competition encouraged the children to work closely together as a team and harness their creativity as well as helping to cultivate ambition for working in STEM-based curriculum.”

The two Highly Commended runners-up were the Rapid Rivers and Group D from St Frances Xavier’s Primary School who were also recognised for their entries. The judges really liked the Rapid Rivers’ special consideration of the local community and Group D’s excellent flood model.

Congratulating the winners, Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for Economic Development, said: “The GFPS STEM Education Programme aims to bridge the gap between school, higher education, and industry by helping to equip young people with the skills required to adapt and thrive in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.

“We received an incredibly high standard of submissions once again this year, which showed real teamwork, creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills. Well done to everyone who took part!”

Phase two of the STEM Education Programme, which includes free learning resources designed for secondary schools, has been demonstrated to local children at the 2023 Falkirk Science Festival this month.

If you have any additional questions about the STEM Education Programme, please contact grangemouthfps@falkirk.gov.uk.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

Picture caption 1: Winners - Miss Melville, Teacher at Beancross Primary School, Nicole Anderson, Flood Prevention Officer at Falkirk Council and Sharon Agnew, Senior Flooding Officer at Falkirk Council with the Flood Protectors Group.

Picture caption 2: Runners-up – Mrs Quinn, Teacher at St Frances Xavier’s Primary School, Sharon Agnew, Senior Flooding Officer at Falkirk Council and the Rapid Rivers.

Picture caption 3: Runners-up – Miss Quinn, Teacher at St Frances Xavier’s Primary School, Sharon Agnew, Senior Flooding Officer at Falkirk Council and Group D.

Notes to editors:

As the largest flood defence project in Scotland and one of the biggest in the United Kingdom, the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme was identified as the highest national priority given the potentially significant impacts for the community if an extreme flood event were to occur. While other parts of Scotland have been affected by flooding over the last five years, the Grangemouth area has fortunately avoided significant flooding. However, the town and surrounding communities are at risk of fluvial and coastal flooding impacts.
On completion, the scheme will protect 5,800 people, 2,650 homes, 330 businesses and road and rail infrastructure. It will also provide 28km (17 miles) of flood defence walls, embankments, the installation of flood gates, flow regulation measures and drainage work. The scheme will also include works at the entrance to the Port of Grangemouth and within the petrochemical complex.

Falkirk Council is determined to provide better protection for the town and surrounding areas and is working with its consultant Jacobs to design, plan and deliver the new flood defences.

Further information is available on www.grangemouthfloodscheme.com.

For more information please contact:
Julie Pirone
Communications and Stakeholder Manager, Jacobs
julie.pirone@jacobs.com
07711 446358

David Grindlay
Communications Team Leader, Falkirk Council

david.grindlay@falkirk.gov.uk
07803 898008

News Release, 25 May 2023

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Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme announces winners of STEM Education Programme

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