Ellesmere Hosts Institution of Engineering and Technology County Challenge

An exciting Engineering challenge, run in collaboration with the Institution of Engineering and Technology was hosted at Ellesmere College.

Schools from around the County entered teams of six students aged between 12 - 13 years to research, design and make prototype solutions to genuinely tough engineering problems.

This year teams had to code and produce two devices utilising the BBC Micro bit, a pocket-sized codeable computer with motion detection, a built-in compass and Bluetooth technology. The Challenge was to engineer a device to support Sir Ben Ainslie's Land Rover BAR team in the America's Cup races between sailing yachts.

Challenge Day Leader, Becky Cottrell said, "The day was fabulous, to see how innovative and creative the students were in performing the task and how they stretched themselves to produce devices within the challenge brief".

The Faraday Challenge is set up and run by a team of STEM professionals and it's an unbeatable opportunity to switch students on to the subjects they love.

Head of Physics, Amy Darrant, said "It's been a huge honour for us to host the regional heat this year, as we have attended so many well run events in the past. It gives a chance for the whole school to see what is happening not just the few that are selected to be on the team. It's been an exciting, enjoyable and inspirational day for all involved"

The overall winners Meole Brace won prizes and a trophy for their school.

The top three teams from across the UK get an all-expenses paid trip to the National Final in June each year to compete for a cash prize of up to £1,000 for their school.

14th November 2016  Back to News