Reepham High School success in Rotary Technology Tournament

A Year 9 team from Reepham High School was the overall winner in the 2016 Rotary Technology Tournament.
 

Concentration on the job in hand from the RHSC team that took “best overall” trophy. Photo: John Tym

 
Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, Norwich St Edmund and Reepham & District, the event was held on 11 March at the Hewett Academy in Norwich with 92 students from nine schools in and around Norwich taking part.
 
Pupils worked in teams of four to solve a simulated real-life practical problem. This year the task, sight unseen until the day, was based on producing a bridge with lifting sections, with older participants given a more complex brief.
 
After 30 minutes, in which time the teams had to organise their roles and produce design ideas, they had four hours to work with limited tools and materials to produce practical solutions to the problem.
 
As usual, the buzz of activity started almost immediately with a high level of co-operation evident between members of the various teams.
 
A feature of these tournaments is that young people respond so well when given the opportunity to innovate and think in a practical context, which was evident at the judging stage, where no two of the 23 teams’ models were the same.
 
The overall results were judged not only on the success of the final models, but also the design portfolios. The staff team’s model worked well, much to their relief.
 
The event was financially supported by a wide range of organisations, including the John Jarrold Trust, Terry Weston, KLM UK Engineering, Rotary District 1080, CAM Architects, Ridgeons, Catton Print and John Tym Photography & Framing.
 
In particular, every year the Norwich Engineering Society provides a grant and a number of the judges.
 
All participants received a certificate of attendance and there were trophies for the winners in each category.
 
Results
Foundation Level
1st: Hewett Academy 2; 2nd: Taverham High School 2; 3rd: Taverham Hall Prep. School
Intermediate Level
1st: Reepham High School 2; 2nd: Sprowston High School; 3rd: Langley School 1
Advanced Level
1st: Norwich School A; 2nd: Norwich School B
 
Overall winner: Reepham High School 1 (Year 9 RHSC students Phoebe Challinor, Chloe Hollis, Oscar Pittman and Harvey Stevens)
 
A new trophy and award, presented by inventor Terry Weston for the Most Promising Young Team, was won by Langley School Foundation Team.
 
David Riddle, Rotary Club of Norwich
 

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