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News Release, 12 October 2023
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Grangemouth High School trials new GFPS STEM resources
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Students from Grangemouth High School recently took part in a special interdisciplinary STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) day, designed to bridge the gap between school, higher education, and industry.
The event saw 150 S1 students trial a series of free learning resources which were developed as part of the Grangemouth Flood Protection Scheme’s STEM Education Programme.
Aimed at secondary school students from across the GFPS scheme area, the free resources sup
port the teaching of STEM based subjects, equipping young people with the skillset required in this fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Throughout the day, students took part in five skills-based workshops centred around creativity, communication, collaboration, complex problem-solving and critical thinking. They also had the opportunity to hear from industry experts including archaeologists, engineers, environmental scientists, project managers and stakeholder engagement officers.
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Councillor Paul Garner, spokesperson for Economic Development, said: “We are extremely proud to support the skills development of young people through our STEM Education Programme.
“A career in STEM can open up a whole world of possibilities and the event at Grangemouth High School was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the wide range of jobs available.”
Developed in conjunction with Falkirk Council’s Children’s Services, the STEM Education Programme aims to inspire the next generation of original thinkers.
As part of phase one of the programme, local primary schools and youth groups were given the opportunity to learn more about the devastating effects of flooding and the wide variety of careers involved in solving flooding issues. The children then worked together in groups, each taking on a different role, to research flood protection solutions before selecting the best option and presenting to a panel of industry experts.
Click here to download the learning materials. If you have any additional questions about the STEM Education Programme, please contact grangemouthfps@falkirk.gov.uk.
Picture caption 1: Grangemouth High School's GFPS STEM day kicked off with an assembly presentation
Picture caption 2: Pupils at Grangemouth High School hone their creativity with the GFPS STEM activity
Picture caption 3: The GFPS team took pupils through the boardgame which showcases the various mitigations, risks, and successes of building flood defences
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.
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Further information is available on www.grangemouthfloodscheme.com.
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