The Woodlander

Woodlands Academy
VEX Robotics Challenge
Recently there was an opportunity to obtain a Vex Robotics kit worth nearly £500 (funded by RA Engineering and Vex
Robotics) and to get a team together to enter a robotics competition. Throughout the year we have had a number of science
challenges, and from the activities during National Science Week it was apparent that we have the talent in school to be able
to develop and test a robot worthy of taking part. We were not disappointed and a team of five roboteers were recruited.
Our Roboteers were Year 9 students Bradley Gough, Ryan Grimley, Reagan Roberts, James O’Donnell and Ryley Guild.
The students developed their roles, working together to overcome each difficulty as they constructed and amended the
design. There are many skills gained through the process of competitive robotics and the team would need to give a
presentation as well as make and develop the robot.
The students allocated the roles according to their skills. As well as building and developing the robot, the scheme helps
to improve communication, and students needed to write and present a record of the team’s development. The students
worked in the lab before school, at lunchtimes and after school every day for nearly a month, and ‘Peabody’ the Woodlands
Vex robot was ready!
The Vex Robotics Competition Day, in partnership with and funded by the
Royal Academy of Engineering and the Connecting STEM Teachers Project,
took place on 1st July 2015.
The team won nearly all of their matches on the way to gaining a place in the
final, against Stoke Park who were the host school. Dr Berry said “Sadly, we
did not win the final this year but we intend to learn from this, our first year
in the competition, and go on to do it all again!”
Mr Nangreave, who accompanied the group at the competition, said “Their creativity in solving problems using their robot
shows that they can all have great careers ahead of them as scientists or engineers.”
Bradley said “I enjoyed working as a team to modify the robot and to excel in the competition.”
Peer Mentors ready for action!
Each year a new group of Year 7 students apply for the much sought-after posts of Peer Mentors in their Houses. Following
the application process, the successful students attended a full day’s training with Miss Pearce and Miss Ellis.
Sonny Parsons said “The reason I would like to do this job is because when I started at secondary school I was feeling a
little nervous and I want to have the opportunity to share my experiences of starting the exciting new journey of secondary
school. It really isn’t that bad!” Liam Wood said “I think I would make a good Peer Mentor because I am reliable and
committed to working and trying hard. Although at times I am quiet, this may be good and make me approachable. I am
also a good listener, so if boys have any problems they could talk to me. I have settled well in Year Seven and I think this
would be helpful and a good example to the new boys. “
In September, as Year 8 students, they were on hand to welcome the new Year 7’s on their first day and they will continue to
be there to assist in any way they can throughout the coming year.
Photos of the Peer Mentors can be seen on the school’s website.
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