Peterborough pupils are in a different league

The Year 5 pupils from Orton Wistow Primary School embraced the challenge of designing a robot that would complete a range of missions, linked to the theme of ‘Animal Allies.’

However, the only way they could get this to work, was to build all the Lego models themselves, programme the robot using engineering skills and complete a project linked to how humans and animals help each other.

This led to the creation of the ‘Wistow Whales.’ who put all their hard work into practise, at the Regional Heats, against 12 other primary schools.

The day was a HUGE success, and the Wistow Whales won two awards – the Core Values award for Teamwork, and the overall Champions Award, which meant they had to travel to the next stage of the competition last month.

After the success of winning the Regional Heats, held at Perkins Engines back in December, the Wistow Whales Lego Team ventured to Bristol for the UK and Ireland Finals on February 26, competing against 47 other schools from all over the UK, including both primary and secondary ages.

Throughout the day, they had to present their project to judging panels, compete in the robot matches, discuss with engineers their robot missions and design ideas, as well as continually being observed for their teamwork.

The day was non-stop and very intense, resulting in a few tired team members and teachers by the end!

Despite not winning overall, the team, yet again, did not come away empty handed. They were presented with the ‘Bechtel Award for Safety’ during the final awards ceremony, as their interview with Bechtel Engineers and their questionnaire answers stood out from the other competitors. A great achievement for the youngest team at the event!