South Lanarkshire’s science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) champions of the future have showcased their visions and creativity in a new competition.
Supported by recycling and waste management company, Viridor, S2 students from four schools in South Lanarkshire, completed a STEM project earlier this month, choosing from themes including Circular Economy, Tomorrow’s Tech Today and My School is an Island.
Viridor operates Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility, which diverts 300,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill every year and generates enough electricity to power more than 70,000 homes as part of the South Lanarkshire Council Partnership.
Students from Carluke High, Strathaven Academy, St John Ogilvie High and Trinity High schools participated in the competition.
Prizes awarded on the day included Best Overall for the most innovative and professional project, won by St John Ogilvie High, and the Sustainability Award, recognising the team that best incorporated sustainable values and thinking into their project, which was won by Trinity High.
As a result, St John Ogilvie High secured a place in the Scottish National Final this summer, supported by their mentor, Lorna Bennett from ORE Catapult.
The Industrial Cadets Bronze Project graduation day was held online as a celebration of all students’ achievements in the project which launched in March, during tight lockdown restrictions.
All students graduated at this event as Bronze Industrial Cadets.
As part of the project, students experienced a virtual site visit to Viridor’s Bargeddie Residual Waste Treatment Facility and Viridor’s Dunbar Energy Recovery Facility.
A student from Trinity High said this about the project: “It’s a great opportunity if you want to take a job in science, engineering or mathematics in the future.”
Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, attended the event and said: “Congratulations to both schools, St John Ogilvie High and Trinity High.
"Fantastic performances by both and it was wonderful to watch what the young people have done and the teachers and the other schools.
"Well done to all of you, and to the sponsor Viridor.”
Steven Don, head of local authority contracts Scotland, said: “Viridor is delighted to be part of a partnership which offers young people across the South Lanarkshire local authority area the opportunity to work on such an exciting project.
"The development of key skills and knowledge adds to the value of this important environmental project, and it is so important for Scotland to nurture an interest in sustainability which will hopefully lead the best and the brightest to seek careers in this sector."
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
