More than 100 Isle of Wight students have taken part in the Island’s first-ever FIRST Tech Challenge robotics tournament, showcasing months of engineering, coding and problem-solving work.
Hosted by BAE Systems in Cowes, the regional competition brought together teams from 7 secondary schools following a 20-week programme in which students designed, built and programmed robots capable of completing a series of competitive challenges.
Schools taking part were St Catherine’s School, Medina College, Carisbrooke College, The Lionheart School, The Island Free School, Christ the King College and St George’s School.
The FIRST Tech Challenge is an internationally recognised programme that gives young people aged between 12 and 18 practical experience in engineering, software development and technical design, while also helping develop teamwork, communication and project management skills.
On competition day, each team put its robot through a series of technical challenges, with judges assessing both performance and innovation.
A combined alliance of St Catherine’s School and Carisbrooke College claimed overall victory, while Medina College and The Lionheart School finished as tournament finalists.
Medina College also received the Inspire Award – the competition’s highest honour – recognising excellence across robot design, performance, teamwork and community engagement.
Organisers said the standard of the competition was exceptionally high, with every team demonstrating professionalism, creativity and strong sportsmanship throughout the event.
One student taking part said:
“We don’t normally do things like this, but I’m having so much fun.”
A teacher from St Catherine’s School described the tournament as:
“Probably the highlight of my teaching career. The kids had such a great time.”
Throughout the programme, students were supported by industry mentors from BAE Systems, GKN, Gurit and Yokogawa, giving them an insight into careers within engineering and technology.
The event was delivered with support from the Isle of Wight Council and the Solent Careers Hub as part of wider efforts to encourage more young people into STEM subjects and careers.
Councillor Ros Freeman, chair of the council’s children’s services, education and skills committee, said:
“Congratulations to all the schools across the Island who took part in the first-ever Tech Challenge.
“The enthusiasm, talent and dedication shown by every team have been truly inspiring, with far too many achievements to mention individually. Special congratulations to those who earned the top honours – a fantastic accomplishment and a testament to your hard work and innovation.
“A sincere thank you to BAE Systems for hosting and supporting this challenge, providing such a valuable opportunity for young people to develop their skills, confidence and passion for technology and engineering.
“Well done to everyone involved, students, teachers, mentors, organisers and supporters. You have all played a part in making this inaugural event a great success.”
Events such as the FIRST Tech Challenge are designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, programmers and innovators while helping develop the skilled workforce needed by the Isle of Wight’s manufacturing and technology industries.
