A team of students from The King's School took part in the regional Robotics Challenge organised by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) on Saturday, March 9.
13 students from the school competed against 20 other teams from the South West in the event held at Bournemouth School for Girls.
The challenge was to raise funds, design a team brand, build and program industrial-sized robots for a field game, and improve teamwork skills.
They had received guidance from staff and developed STEM skills while gaining understanding of the importance of innovation and team collaboration.
The competition involved challenges including picking up and positioning plastic pixels with the robot, launching a paper aeroplane across the arena, navigating through a gate system, and finally, presenting their work to a panel of judges.
With their hard work and innovation, The King's School team won the Judge's Award and has advanced to the National Finals, set to take place in June at the University of Cambridge.
The teacher leading the project, Ivan Roulson, said: "The King's School team are grateful for the support of our sponsors: Applied Automation in Plymouth, Mantracourt Electronics Ltd, Stamps Coaches and Denhay Farms Ltd along with The King's School PTFA without whom the students wouldn't have got this far."
Headteacher Rob Gammon said: "I am delighted that our students had the chance to take part in such an exciting competition.
"Supported by a team of dedicated staff, the students have excelled and I am looking forward to seeing the team compete at the National Finals in Cambridge."
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