Monday 8th November, saw over 50 of our 5th and 6th Form Physics and D&T pupils taking part in our annual Engineering Challenge Day.
Groups were tasked with designing and building a scale model for a proposed UK Eco-Centre. Each team needed to think carefully to fulfil the brief which included describing how their centre would be fit for purpose as a hub to bring scientists, civic administrators, health authorities, the Environment Agency, transport agencies, energy providers and private industry to formulate the practical advice that the government will need to deliver on targets agreed at COP26. At the end of the day, each team gave a presentation to “bid” to build the centre, discussing environmental issues and costings. Alongside this challenge, each group also tested turbine blades which they had designed to drive a wind-powered vehicle within a wind tunnel.
Each team presented extremely well, demonstrating a good understanding of the Physics of their designs as well as great consideration as to how their structures would be environmentally friendly. Most groups also successfully designed turbine blades, with the quickest vehicle traversing the wind tunnel in an impressive 6.19 seconds.
All pupils are commended for their approach to these challenges, but the winning teams were as follows:
- 5th Form Competition - Team 1 (Hamish, Jenna, Lily, Dominic & Caspar)
- 6th Form Competition - Team 5 (Patrick, Heydar, Felix and CC)
- Overall Winners - 6th Form Team 5 (Patrick, Heydar, Felix and CC)
Angela Ashworth - Head of Physics