Many hands compete to make light work in school challenge
A TECHNOLOGY challenge thrown down to secondary students across Harrogate has seen them compete to create their own beacons of light.
The 18th annual tournament, hosted by the Rotary Club at St Aidan’s School, saw over 100 students compete in 27 teams from nine district schools.
The challenge subject had been kept a mystery until the day, with teams tasked with making their own flashing beacon lights out of basic tools such as card, wheels, string and drawing pins.
Coordinator David Russell said the challenge had combined a number of skills in a fun way, from innovation to team working, problem solving and communication.
Students were also marked on a written portfolio, presented to judges under test conditions.
“There was a real buzz in the room as they all got down to the task,” added fellow rotary supporter Graham Chilvers. “They were really quite challenged by it, and it used a real combination of skills.”
Students from schools across the district took part in the event including Ashville College, Harrogate Grammar, Harrogate High, King James’s, Nidderdale High, Ripon Grammar, Rossett, St Aidan’s and St John Fisher.
Nicholas Botterill, head of product design and engineering at St Aidan’s, said students gained much from the experience: “They get enormous amounts out of it. It really is a valuable experience for them, and I’m always astounded by what they achieve.”