Reflection on the EEP Tomorrow’s Engineers UK Robotics Final
Earlier this month, the team set off for Belfast International airport on Thursday 14th March, accompanied by Miss Connolly, Mr Johnston and Mr Brogan. The team had done all final checks, programmed all robots to carry out their respective jobs and had practised their presentations to perfection. The hard work had now been done and so it was time to enjoy the trip and reap the benefits of their dedication to the competition.
The team flew to Birmingham International, arriving safely at 5pm before checking into their hotel and heading out for dinner. It was safe to say, Nando’s were very glad to see 13 hungry Cambridge Contrive Crew members walk through their door.
The team then wanted to go for a short stroll through the NEC grounds to stretch their legs, however this was found out to be a planned visit to the nearest Pokemon Go Gym. If the pupils didn’t play the game before they came on the trip, it was safe to say they had all now been converted. I think Mr Johnston can take credit for this conversion.
The pupils, along with the staff, then returned to the hotel for a quick debrief about the layout and plan for the competition day ahead. All heads to bed, ready to give the UK finals their best shot!
Competition Day!
It was an early start for the pupils, getting their wake-up call at 6.30am. What was even more impressive was the fact all the pupils were eager and ready to go for breakfast already. I wonder if this would have been the same if they had been heading off to school that morning?
The team ate breakfast, signed into the NEC and set-up their stand for the competition. It was now over to them. They competed in a series of tasks the same as the NI Finals. They performed well in their presentations, even drawing attention from LEGO representatives on the day, with their innovative re-design of the school crest.
The different events ran throughout the day, with the pupils also getting the opportunity to explore the Big Bang Fair in the NEC. It was safe to say some of the boys, including the big boys (Mr Brogan & Mr Johnston) were very excited to get so close to the Formula 1 cars.
The day ended at 3.30pm, with the final presentation taking place at 4.00pm. Unfortunately, the Cambridge Contrive Crew didn’t win any awards at the UK Finals, but they did their families, the school and themselves proud. They also left with a lot of new fresh ideas for next year.
The journey ended with a short flight back to Belfast International airport, arriving at 9.45pm. It had been a long, but extremely enjoyable few days for both the pupils and staff involved.
The journey is now over for this year, but they will return to defend their NI crown next year.
