Robotics Team Win Regional Final

February 2016

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The Year 7 winning team from left: Shaye K, Lucas S and Aaron S

A team of Year 7 students have won first place in the North East Regional Final of the 'VEX IQ Robotics Competition'. They will now compete in the National Finals at the NEC in Birmingham. This prestigious final is being held as part of the 'Big Bang Science Fair', which runs from the 16-19th March 2016.

Year 7 students, who discovered a passion and flair for robotics whilst taking part in organised activities at our Transition Summer School, have been learning new skills in engineering, robotics and programming during STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) enrichment sessions. These sessions, which are run by Mr Lawton and Mr Stamp, form part of the Academy's commitment to driving forward STEM subjects. Students producing the most effective robot designs and programs were selected to represent the Academy in three teams competing in three separate challenges.

The competition, called "VEX IQ Bankshot Challenge' involved building robots that were capable of clearing balls from an arena, shooting them into scoring zones followed by the team successfully parking the robot on a ramp at the end. The three rounds consisted of a team alliance, solo driving and autonomous programming challenge.

The winning team, consisting of students, Shaye K, Lucas S and Aaron S, will travel to Birmingham for the final in March, sponsored by Derek Campbell of 'Thrift Energy', who will kindly be covering the cost of accommodation for the team.

Mr Lawton was extremely impressed by the way students conducted themselves at the regional competition. He said, "All participants gave 100% and represented the Academy in a very positive way. Team work is a vital aspect of this competition and all of our students did a great job in that and every other respect."

King James would like to thank Michael Nelson of "Go-Ahead Training' who organised and hosted the regional final, and "Thrift Energy' for their support in helping to provide our young people with such an excellent learning opportunity.

Vex Robotics Regionals 2016

A team of Year 7 students have won first place in the North East Regional Final of the 'VEX IQ Robotics Competition'. Gicing them the opportunity to compete in the National Finals at the NEC in Birmingham.