Rotary has once more helped young students to appreciate the skill and value of technology, which could help them in the direction of a career in this field as one of the alternatives to some of the current over subscribed field of popular opportunities.
The picture shows a contestant team from Vandyke Upper School in Leighton Buzzard who, along with teams from Oakbank School and other Bedfordshire schools took part in the Rotary Technology Tournament early in March. This tournament was organised by eight Rotary Clubs in Luton and Central Bedfordshire, including the club of Leighton Linslade, and attracted over 130 students in teams from 12 schools in the county.
The teams, who were divided into three age groups, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced, were challenged this year to design and build a weight powered vehicle. The teams were asked to bring tools and glue to accompany the assortment of material provided in a starter pack which included pieces of wood, wheels and pulleys, wire, string, elastic bands, clips, pins, and card.
The teams were marked on the design and mobility of their creation and the completion of the task in the time allotted. Each team in turn demonstrated their vehicle to the Rotarian judges, all with appropriate skills of course, and the winners were announced.
All contestants were presented with certificates and team photographs after the judging. Trophies and framed photographs were awarded to the winners in each class and presented by Antony Aldridge who is the Major Projects Manager of the Luton Busway Project.
A Rotary spokesman said: “Samuel Whitbread College Clifton, Redborne Upper School Ampthill, and Manshead Upper School, Dunstable shared the awards but it must be said that generally the standard of construction was high as always.”
The annual event held at Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton, and has been organised locally for more than 10 years with a different challenge.
Schools are welcome to apply for information on next year’s Tournament by contacting John Halstead on halts@hotmail.com.