Our boys love robotics and putting their problem-solving, teamwork, engineering and coding skills to the test.
So, they were delighted when, thanks to a generous gift of ten VEX IQ systems from The Worshipful Company of Founders through Bedford Giving, a new competition between Bedford Prep School and Bedford Academy came about.*
With the pupils at both schools engaged in engineering and coding through their robotics clubs, it was time to put their skills to the test, which they did on their first fun challenge day earlier this month.
Mrs Dale told us, “It was a wonderfully collaborative event between the two schools, with pupils competing in combined pairs, sharing knowledge and learning from each other.”
After creating, coding and testing their robots, the pupils took part in a treasure hunt challenge, which required their robots to identify the colour of blocks and then take the correct action. In this case, collect red blocks and leave all other colours.
Our robotics boys enjoyed further challenges this week with a visit to St Edmunds school for a regional scrimmage with 17 teams from four schools.
The competition was a real test of the boys’ control and guidance skills. It also required great collaboration and shared strategy as they worked with pairs from other schools to score maximum points.
We are delighted that Jonathan Pugsley and Jack Efe Taylor did just that; working alongside a team from Roseline School, they ranked first in the heats and came first overall.
It was a brilliant competition for all, and our thanks go to the students fresh from the National Championships in America who not only ran the day but also encouraged, motivated and cheered on all the pupils, creating a wonderfully supportive event full of camaraderie.
*The ten robotics kits, five for each school, from The Worshipful Company of Founders allowed Bedford Academy to set up a new robotics club and Bedford Prep School to expand its existing club.
ABOUT BEDFORD GIVING
Bedford Giving Director Paul Kellet explains, “Bedford Giving is all about people, businesses, organisations, schools and funders coming together to kick start a range of transformational projects to help change the lives of children and young people.”
Please visit their website to find out more and how to get involved. They are currently looking for businesses to offer work experience placements and runners to support Bedford Giving at Bedford’s Running Festival in September.
