CHILDREN from three schools in the area cleaned up at a regional Lego competition.
A team from Frenchay Primary School won both the innovation and overall awards at the Institute of Engineering and Technology First Lego League competition held at the Whirlpool factory in Yate in March.
Also picking up trophies were a team from Stanbridge Primary School, who won the robot design award, and Barley Close Primary School, who were judged to be the most improved team over the course of the event.
A total of 80 children from eight schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire took part in the event and also had a tour of the sponsors’ factory, where Hotpoint and Indesit tumble driers are made.
The aim of the annual competition is to promote science, engineering, maths and technology skills, teamwork and creativity.
This year’s theme was energy, and the teams were given a series of fast-paced challenges and games, using programmed autonomous Lego robots they had been working on in advance.
Whirlpool spokesperson Ian Moverley said: “It has been a jam-packed day and very inspiring to see the students working together to use their ingenuity and resourcefulness to programme their robots, solving real-world challenges around energy and fuel.”
As overall Champions Award winners, the Frenchay Primary team will take part in the contest’s national finals in Harrogate in April.
Frenchay teacher Hannah Price, who coached the team of Year 6 pupils, said: “This has been such a wonderful opportunity for the children to develop their STEM skills and experience life in the engineering world.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won the competition, which is down to the whole team’s dedication and hard work.”
Stanbridge’s team worked on coding for their robot to iron out some glitches during the day, and deputy head David Payne praised their “dedication and collaboration”.
He said: “Computing has become a cornerstone of our curriculum offer. It has empowered the children to develop 21st century skills that will support them in being successful adults and our computing lessons have become a treasured part of the school week for many children.”
Barley Close head teacher Jo Williams praised the team and teacher Lauren Coyne, who coached them for the tournament.
The tournament is open to teams of up to ten children aged 9 to 11, with at least two adult coaches. For more information about next year’s event email elle.roberts-nissen@consciouscomms.com.
