Rotary Technology Tournament inspires students in Scarborough

The event brought together teams of four students each from Graham School, Lady Lumley's School, Pinder School, and Scarborough College, challenging them to solve a previously unseen technology task under timed conditions.

The tournament featured three age categories: Foundation (11–14), Intermediate (15–16), and Advanced (16+), with tasks increasing in complexity for each level.

The basic task was to build a bridge before the entrance to a busy port.

Each bridge had a permanent roadway which had to be high enough to allow a barge pass underneath and then a bridge which could be raised to allow a sailing boat with a high mast to pass through.

Teams were required to design and build the roadway and bridge using just the materials supplied.

At the same time documenting their design process in a portfolio.

Each age category had a dedicated team of three judges keeping an eye on the progress of each team ensuring a rewarding and educational experience for all.

After a day of intense activity and teamwork each team demonstrated their models and proved that the roadways and bridges not only worked but could carry the test weight without collapsing!

All were successful and the judges had problems picking out the best designs and working models.

The winners emerged: Graham School won the Foundation Level, Lady Lumley's School took the Intermediate prize, and Scarborough College the Advanced Level.

Tony Graves, the Managing Director of Verder Ltd, presented a 3D printer, generously donated by his company, to Lady Lumley’s School which had the highest average points covering all its teams.

All participants received certificates, and successful students are now eligible to apply for a CREST Discovery Award.

The Rotary Club of Scarborough covered all event costs, ensuring free entry for school teams.

Andy Nattrass, the President Elect of the Rotary Club praised the students’ innovation, teamwork, and enthusiasm and invites schools, colleges, and youth groups interested in next year’s tournament to get in touch with the Rotary Club.

Andy said that he hoped that the experience would enhance the students’ education and problem solving and encourage some of them into looking into science and engineering as a profession.