More than 70 pupils from across the North-east have been using their maths skills to tackle challenges in the oil and gas industry as part of Techfest’s ‘Maths in the Pipeline’ programme.
Maths in the Pipeline features three interactive events for secondary pupils throughout November and December, with the final taking place this week.
The programme is sponsored by BP, Chevron, Emerson and SPE Aberdeen Section.
Pupils from S3 and S4 worked together for a day of mathematical workshops and challenges whilst receiving first class advice and guidance from industry professionals throughout.
The programme introduced the global oil and gas industry before the competitive challenges started and then pupils put their maths skills to the test through a series of tasks.
Pupils were faced with a ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’ activity, prompting them to think about Geology in a mock scenario that industry experts could potentially face.
Pupils also developed their team work skills in ‘Installation Manager’, a game which provided an insight to risk management.
In addition to the practical tasks and games, the students had lessons in forecasting, processing, transportation and business presentation skills, highlighting the importance of theory and knowledge behind Maths in the Pipeline.
Managing director at TechFest, Sarah Chew, said: “The benefit of Maths in the Pipeline is it allows the pupils to understand that what they learn in the classroom is actually applied to industry. These challenges show the advantage to understanding a complex subject and how it can further your career in a variety of roles.
“With our sponsors offering insight into the world of oil and gas, pupils can see the value to persevering with such technical subjects and understand how maths can help solve challenges that engineers face every day.”
“Maths in the Pipeline is successful due to our industry sponsors and advisors; their continued support allows us to organise these events which can showcase the benefits such technical subjects have. It is thanks to our sponsors that TechFest is able to play such an important role in the development of pupils.”
Pupils from Portlethen Academy, Cults Academy, Northfield Academy, Bridge of Don Academy, Aberdeen Grammar School, Dyce Academy, Robert Gordon’s College and Fraserburgh Academy, Turriff Academy, Ellon Academy, St Margaret’s School for Girls, Kemnay Academy and Aboyne Academy all attended Maths in the Pipeline.
Each year, TechFest runs the highly popular TechFest Science Festival which attracts tens of thousands of children and adults to a series of STEM-based events in and around Aberdeen City and Shire, as well as a year-round programme of educational events for schools and young people.
For more information, please visit www.techfest.org.uk
