Our talented Ryecroft Robotics team recently represented the school at the prestigious First Tech Challenge UK National Championships, competing in the ‘Into the Deep’ challenge on 26th and 27th June at the Copper Box Arena in Olympic Park.
Ten dedicated students made the journey to London to compete alongside 64 of the UK’s best robotics teams, showcasing the exceptional STEM talent we have here at Ryecroft.
Thank you Miss Merry, Mrs Jones and Mr Ellis for providing this opportunity for our students.
Day One: Presentations and Preparations
The first day focused on demonstrating our team’s comprehensive approach to robotics.
Our students presented to expert judges, covering every aspect of their remarkable journey:
- Robot Design and Construction: The team explained their innovative engineering solutions and the thought process behind their robot’s design
- Programming Excellence: Students showcased the sophisticated code that brings their robot to life
- Community Outreach: The team highlighted their social media presence and efforts to recruit and inspire the next generation of Ryecroft roboticists
- Partnerships and Fundraising: Our students discussed the valuable relationships they’ve built with sponsors and their creative fundraising initiatives
Following the presentations, the robot underwent rigorous inspection both on and off the competition pitch. The day concluded with friendly practice matches, allowing teams to test their machines and strategies in a supportive environment.
Day Two: The Competition Intensifies
The second day brought the main competition, with teams randomly divided into two divisions. Ryecroft Robotics found themselves in Division 2, ready to face the challenge head-on! The competition format created an exciting dynamic where teams formed new alliances for each match.
With two robots per alliance representing different schools, our students had to quickly adapt their strategies and communication skills to work effectively with various partner teams.
As the competition progressed, the highest-scoring teams earned the privilege of selecting their alliance partners for the elimination rounds.
These knockout matches added an extra layer of intensity, where a single loss meant the end of a team’s championship hopes.
Celebrating Success and Learning
While the team didn’t secure victory at the national level, their journey represents tremendous achievement. Competing among the top 64 teams in the country is a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrates the quality of STEM education and student dedication at Laurus Ryecroft.
The team’s success extends beyond this national competition – they previously earned the Motivate Award at regional level, recognising their gracious professionalism and positive impact on the robotics community.
Looking Forward
The Ryecroft Robotics team’s participation in the national championships represents more than just a competition – it’s a testament to our students’ technical skills, teamwork and perseverance. Their experience competing at the highest level will undoubtedly inspire them to continue pushing boundaries in STEM fields.
We’re incredibly proud of our ten student representatives who showcased the very best of Laurus Ryecroft on a national stage. Their dedication to robotics, community engagement and academic excellence exemplifies the values we champion here at Ryecroft.
The future looks promising for robotics at our school, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of innovative thinkers and problem-solvers!
Follow @Ryecroft_Robotics on Instagram to see more of their journey.