Robotics End of Year Update
Primary Robotics
Robotics Practice Day
The primary robotics program, now in its third year, concluded another successful season. On May 8th, pupils from Roselands Primary, Heron Hall, The Bedford School, St Edmunds College, and Presdales School participated in a build and practice day at St Edmunds College. The day involved workshops on fine-tuning builds, programming, and discussing tactics, preparing over 50 students across 18 teams for the finals.
Finals Competition Day
On June 24th, five schools with 18 teams competed in the VEX IQ robotics finals at St Edmunds College. The competition featured qualification matches followed by nine final runs. The Bedford School and Roselands Primary alliance won the title with a top score of 43 points, overcoming early challenges by refining their robot throughout the day. Special thanks to Kieran and Polina for refereeing.
Budding Year 6 Engineer Wins Local Award
Kimberly from Roselands Primary won the Hoddesdon Rotary Club's "What I Would Like to Be When I Grow Up" competition with her essay on becoming a civil engineer to make the world safer. Kimberly's essay earned her a special day out related to her ambition, and she received her award from the Mayor.
Secondary School STEM
MTA MACH Show Visit
On April 19th, twelve Year 12 and 13 students visited the MTA MACH show, thanks to an invitation from Danny Reed of the MTA and travel sponsorship from the Worshipful Company of Founders. The trip provided firsthand experience of various engineering sectors and insights from industry professionals.
INWED SheCanEngineer Day
On June 17th, students participated in the SheCanEngineer event, aimed at encouraging girls to pursue engineering careers. Workshops included designing a Mars rover and a commercial space station, and a panel debate on essential engineering skills.
Wren Before Wren Lecture
Four Founders Scholars attended the Wren Before Wren lecture on June 17th at Founders Hall. The lecture highlighted Sir Christopher Wren's architectural feats, inspiring the students.
Rotary Technology Tournament
John Warner School entered four teams in the Hoddesdon Rotary Club's Technology Tournament, tasked with creating a cable car. The teams performed well, with the advanced group showcasing their engineering and electronics skills.
Other Updates
Mr. Higham contributed to the Professional Teaching Institutes Design and Technology residential, delivering sessions on sustainability and creative design. The VEX EP event on July 1st prepared for the upcoming season's robotics events. Plans for the next academic year include expanding the Primary Robotics program and increasing participation in the VEX secondary school program.
Thank you to Stuart Higham for his continued hard work on the Robotics fellowship, supported by the Founders’ Brunel Fund.