FIRST LEGO League Bude 2024
Photos by Liam Morley Photography
Bude’s 3rd FIRST LEGO League regional competition took place earlier this Spring on 7th and 8th March 2024. Growing year on year, the event took place over 2 days and saw 19 local Robotics and Engineering teams come along to compete for a space at the UK National Finals and from there, a shot at the ‘Worlds’.
FIRST LEGO League (known as FLL) is the largest international STEM competition, and the team at Cognition Creative Learning, CIC (a Bude-based social enterprise) have been working hard to support and encourage take up in local primary and secondary schools.
FLL asks pupils aged 9-16 to build and program an autonomous LEGO robot to undertake 15 different missions, present an innovation project to a panel of judges and work together as a team to achieve the overall Champion’s Award which celebrates teams who achieve across the board; in the robot game, robot and program design, innovation project and Core Values (fun, teamwork, impact, inclusion, discovery and innovation). The theme this year was Masterpiece, with the question ‘How might we use technology to increase engagement in the arts?’.
Company Director, Briony Cole said “We’re incredibly proud of the growth in the region and loved welcoming over 200 young people, parents, coaches and teaching staff to Bude over our 2-day competition. What’s most striking is the increased skills and ability of the young engineers, product designers and programmers taking part. We’re starting to see children returning for their 2nd or 3rd season of FLL and to see the legacy and longevity of our efforts is incredibly rewarding.”
Mentoring and support sessions for local teachers and staff, as well as robot loans for local schools have ensured that access to the competition is not restricted. Cognition have worked closely with GCHQ Bude who have sponsored a number of teams to enter and who have supported training sessions in schools around the region. Cognition have worked in partnership with Cornwall Council (who host another Regional Heat at RNAS Culdrose) and who have also covered entry fees and robots for local schools. Bott Ltd sponsored teams from Bude Primary Academy who have entered 2 teams for the 3rd year running, winning the Innovation Project with their innovative take on ‘indoor surfing’.
“GCHQ Bude has taken great pleasure from being able to provide direct support to several of the participating school’s; teams. Any activity that encourages girls and boys to work in teams, solve challenges together and deliver their solutions in a practical way means they are developing the same skills that GCHQ staff apply every day in their work.” said their outreach officer.
Cornwall Women’s Fund sponsored an all-girls team ‘GirlSTEAM’ coached by Cognition staff member Kelly Williams. Winning day one of the competition, the team of girls ages 9-11 have grown in confidence, ability and critical thinking over the past 6 months and were thrilled to take home the trophy and the chance to attend the National Finals in April.
The two days were an absolute joy; full of enthusiasm, passion and an incredibly supportive atmosphere with veteran teams supporting rookies on their first FLL journey. The event would not have worked were it not for the competent, helpful and friendly team of volunteers who ranged from community members, Cornwall Council staff and STEM Ambassadors from the MET Office, Babcock, Avery and GCHQ Bude.
Company Director Sophie Calienda ends with; “We are honoured to be in a position where we can bring opportunities like these to even the most remote communities, ensuring that all children have access to exciting technology, can see engineering in action and have exposure to STEM careers and industry professionals. It is a pleasure to be in the centre of this fantastic collaboration which benefits so many children locally.”
Results are as follows:
Day 1
Champion’s Award GirlSTEAM
Innovation Project Bude Primary Academy (WaveRiders)
Robot Game Bude Home Ed Group
Robot Design Park School
Core Values Stratton Primary School
Team’s Team Sir James Smith School (2nd time winning this award)
Motivate Award (Embodying the FLL Values) Bude Primary Academy (EcoSpecs)
Rising All Stars (a rookie team who show great potential) Shebbear College
Day 2
Champion’s Award Chulmleigh Community College (Jam over Cream)
Innovation Project Holsworthy Primary School
Robot Game Braunton Academy (Team 1)
Robot Design Camelford Primary School
Core Values Braunton Academy (Team 2)
Team’s Team Braunton Academy (Team 1)
Rising All Stars (a rookie team who show great potential) Tregadillett Primary School
