01 Feb 2007
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2006 Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tounament
Over 1,000 students from around 100 schools in Lancashire and Cumbria gathered at ten regional venues to compete in the 2006 Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tournament earlier this month. From Preston to Carlisle, 270 teams of students, as well as some teacher teams, spent the best part of the day tackling a common ‘design and build’ task.
Each team was given an identical set of materials with which to work. Having considered a number of designs to satisfy the written criteria, the teams then set about building and demonstrating an apparatus to a panel of judges. From the outset a real buzz reigned at each of the regional centres, with noise levels increasing as the deadline for completing the task approached.
The judges then selected the winners and runners up in each of three categories - basic, intermediate and advanced - depending on the school year of the students concerned. The teacher teams were automatically entered in the advanced category. In their selection, the judges were considering the use of time and resources, team organisation and management, design analysis, design development, and then the skills, use of materials and final testing of the solution. Robert Dunn of the Rotary Club of Lytham St Anne’s and overall event organiser said: “I am delighted with the outcome of this year’s Tournament.
The response from the region’s schools was fantastic, with a record participation. Our partnership with BAE Systems as the title sponsor worked extremely well and we are already seeing great interest in the 2007 event.” Malcolm Adams, Head of Public Affairs for BAE Systems at Warton, said: “I attended the event held at Lytham St Annes and the excitement and enthusiasm shown by all the entrants was infectious. Michael Jack, MP for Fylde and the Mayor and Mayoress also attended and were equally impressed.
As a company, we are keen to seize every opportunity to excite young people about science, engineering and innovation – the fact that this event also teaches them communication skills, problem solving and teamwork is a bonus, and makes it an absolute winner in our eyes."
