TECHNOLOGY TOURNAMENT
2018 Competition
The Rotary Technology Tournament, now in its 12th year, was again organised by the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, Norwich St Edmund and Reepham & District and was held on Friday 9 March at the Hewett Academy in Norwich. This year, 8 schools from Norwich and the surrounding area sent 80 students in 20 teams of 4.
We were pleased to welcome The Lord Mayor of Norwich, David Fullman, and his consort, and we express our thanks to the organisations who gave us financial and practical support (many of whom do so every year) to make such an event possible. As always, we thank the Hewett Academy for their hospitality in hosting us.
The task this year was to launch a ‘space capsule’ (represented by a paper cup and a ball) through a hoop and at least 3 metres into the air with a remote trigger using the simple materials supplied, such as wood, string, elastic bands etc. There were varying degrees of difficulty introduced into this task depending on the age of the team members. For instance, intermediate and advanced teams had to return the ‘capsule’ to earth by means of a parachute.
We were pleased to welcome The Lord Mayor of Norwich, David Fullman, and his consort, and we express our thanks to the organisations who gave us financial and practical support (many of whom do so every year) to make such an event possible. As always, we thank the Hewett Academy for their hospitality in hosting us.
The task this year was to launch a ‘space capsule’ (represented by a paper cup and a ball) through a hoop and at least 3 metres into the air with a remote trigger using the simple materials supplied, such as wood, string, elastic bands etc. There were varying degrees of difficulty introduced into this task depending on the age of the team members. For instance, intermediate and advanced teams had to return the ‘capsule’ to earth by means of a parachute.
It was very evident this year how well all of the team members worked together on the task and particularly encouraging to see the different solutions, some of them very innovative, indicating the amount of thought that had gone into the task.
All participating students received a certificate of attendance and there were trophies and cash prizes for the winners in each category. However, irrespective of winners, it is always very evident how much all of the participants get out of these tournaments, and that’s what it’s all about – helping in developing young people.
All participating students received a certificate of attendance and there were trophies and cash prizes for the winners in each category. However, irrespective of winners, it is always very evident how much all of the participants get out of these tournaments, and that’s what it’s all about – helping in developing young people.
2017 Competition
The Rotary Technology Tournament, now in it's 11th year and organised by the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, Norwich St Edmund and Reepham & District, was held on Friday 3rd March at the Hewett Academy in Norwich, courtesy of The Principal, Mr Tom Leverage. This year, over 100 young people, from 10 schools in and around Norwich, entered 27 teams in the competition.
Pupils worked in teams of four to solve a simulated real life practical problem. This year the task, sight unseen by the young people until the day, was to produce a 'pipeline' vehicle. This simple self-propelled unit was required to move along a piece of open pipe and move some materials within it. The vehicle then needed to be able to reverse to it's starting point. In addition, the 'advanced' teams' vehicle had to actually retrieve the material in the pipe and bring it back to the start point.
The teams had 30 minutes to organise their roles and produce design ideas, after which they had 4 hours to work with limited tools and materials to produce their practical solutions to the problem.
Pupils worked in teams of four to solve a simulated real life practical problem. This year the task, sight unseen by the young people until the day, was to produce a 'pipeline' vehicle. This simple self-propelled unit was required to move along a piece of open pipe and move some materials within it. The vehicle then needed to be able to reverse to it's starting point. In addition, the 'advanced' teams' vehicle had to actually retrieve the material in the pipe and bring it back to the start point.
The teams had 30 minutes to organise their roles and produce design ideas, after which they had 4 hours to work with limited tools and materials to produce their practical solutions to the problem.
As usual, the buzz of activity started almost immediately with a high level of cooperation 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. The 27 teams all managed to produce different solutions to the problem and there were several very clever design ideas employed to complete the task. The overall results were judged not only on the success of the final models but also the design portfolios. Two staff team’s models were also entered, with it has to be said, limited success!
We were pleased to welcome The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Marion Maxwell, The Sherriff of Norwich, Mr Richard Marks and his consort, Maeve Marks to the event. We are also grateful that a range of organisations offer financial aid and support to make such an event possible. In particular, every year The Norwich Engineering Society provides a grant and a number of the judges.
All participating young people received a certificate of attendance, plus there were trophies for the winners in each category.
We were pleased to welcome The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Marion Maxwell, The Sherriff of Norwich, Mr Richard Marks and his consort, Maeve Marks to the event. We are also grateful that a range of organisations offer financial aid and support to make such an event possible. In particular, every year The Norwich Engineering Society provides a grant and a number of the judges.
All participating young people received a certificate of attendance, plus there were trophies for the winners in each category.
Results - Foundation Level
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1st - The Norwich School
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2nd - Gresham Prep School
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3rd - Reepham High F3
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Results - Intermediate Level
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1st Norwich School
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2nd - Norwich School
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3rd - The Langley School
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Results - Advanced
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1st - Notre Dame
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2nd Taverham
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3rd - Norwich School A2
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Terry Weston Award for Best Newcomers
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Best Overall Team
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Langley F1
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Sprowston Int. 2
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The Rotary Clubs of Norwich, Norwich St Edmunds and Reepham & District are very pleased to have support for the Rotary Technology Tournament from the following organisations and individuals:
The John Jarrold Trust, Norwich engineering Society, Terry Weston - Inventor, KLM Engineering, Rotary District 1080, CAM Architects, Catton Print and John Tym Photography and Framing.
Many thanks to Rotarians David Riddle, Andy De'Ath and Colin Rymill for organising and judging, and Vice-President Kevin Reynolds for Presenting prizes on behalf of Norwich Rotary Club
The John Jarrold Trust, Norwich engineering Society, Terry Weston - Inventor, KLM Engineering, Rotary District 1080, CAM Architects, Catton Print and John Tym Photography and Framing.
Many thanks to Rotarians David Riddle, Andy De'Ath and Colin Rymill for organising and judging, and Vice-President Kevin Reynolds for Presenting prizes on behalf of Norwich Rotary Club
2016 Competition
For the tenth year in succession, The Rotary Technology Tournament, organised by the Rotary Clubs of Norwich, Norwich St Edmund and Reepham & District, was held on 11th March at the Hewett Academy in Norwich, courtesy of The Principal, Mr Tom Leverage. 92 young people from 9 schools in and around Norwich took part. Pupils worked in teams of four to solve a simulated real life practical problem. This year the task, sight unseen by the young people 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 4 hours to work with limited tools and materials to produce their practical solutions to the problem.
As usual, the buzz of activity started almost immediately with a high level of cooperation 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!
It was pleasing that The Lord Mayor of Norwich, The Sheriff of Norwich and the Sheriff’s Consort were able to visit the event. We are also grateful that a range of organisations offer financial aid and support to make such an event possible. In particular, every year The Norwich Engineering Society provides a grant and a number of the judges.
All participating young people received a certificate of attendance, plus 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
A new trophy and award, presented by Mr Terry Weston, an inventor, for The Most Promising Young Team was won by Langley School Foundation Team. Overall winner as decided by our chief judge was Reepham High School 1.
David Riddle - Rotary Club of Norwich Organiser
It was pleasing that The Lord Mayor of Norwich, The Sheriff of Norwich and the Sheriff’s Consort were able to visit the event. We are also grateful that a range of organisations offer financial aid and support to make such an event possible. In particular, every year The Norwich Engineering Society provides a grant and a number of the judges.
All participating young people received a certificate of attendance, plus 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
A new trophy and award, presented by Mr Terry Weston, an inventor, for The Most Promising Young Team was won by Langley School Foundation Team. Overall winner as decided by our chief judge was Reepham High School 1.
David Riddle - Rotary Club of Norwich Organiser
2014/2015 Competition
I was fortunate to be invited to see the Rotary Technology Tournament held at The Hewett School near Norwich.
There were seven schools participating which gave a total of 80 students in teams of four they had to plan and construct a device that had to carry a package across an imaginary river filled with crocodiles! This was to simulate the kind of problem that might be encountered by the Rotary organisation delivering ShelterBoxes to remote areas. The participants, working at Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced levels, with very simple tools and materials, were given limited time to complete the task. The judges all had a background in engineering. There were varying skills amongst the competitors, however the teachers also ‘had a go’ but certainly didn’t live up to the quality of work of the winning students!
There were seven schools participating which gave a total of 80 students in teams of four they had to plan and construct a device that had to carry a package across an imaginary river filled with crocodiles! This was to simulate the kind of problem that might be encountered by the Rotary organisation delivering ShelterBoxes to remote areas. The participants, working at Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced levels, with very simple tools and materials, were given limited time to complete the task. The judges all had a background in engineering. There were varying skills amongst the competitors, however the teachers also ‘had a go’ but certainly didn’t live up to the quality of work of the winning students!
The Tournament was graced by the Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Judith
Lubbock, The Sheriff of Norwich & His Lady Mr & Mrs William Armstrong
who enjoyed going around & talking to the students.
The event was sponsored by: the John Jarrold Trust, Norwich Engineering Society, Terry Weston, Inventor, KLM Engineering Rotary District 1080, CAM Architects and John Tym Photography &Framing. Rotary Technology Tournaments are, via the British Science Association, accredited make CREST Discovery Awards to the participants.
It was a long and interesting day and I would recommend all Rotarians to take the trouble to see such an event for themselves to see young people being involved in constructive learning , which goes for all our Youth Services competitions. The winning schools were: Foundation Level: The Hewett School 1; Intermediate Level: Langley School; Advanced Level: Norwich School 1. Langley School Intermediate Team were deemed to be the overall winners
The organisation for this event was tremendous and I cannot say enough in regard to the work that David Riddle, Alan Longmuir and Paul Smith put in to make this the success that it was. The three clubs involved were Norwich, Norwich St Edmund and Reepham & District.
Peter Senior - Youth Services Chair 2014/15
The event was sponsored by: the John Jarrold Trust, Norwich Engineering Society, Terry Weston, Inventor, KLM Engineering Rotary District 1080, CAM Architects and John Tym Photography &Framing. Rotary Technology Tournaments are, via the British Science Association, accredited make CREST Discovery Awards to the participants.
It was a long and interesting day and I would recommend all Rotarians to take the trouble to see such an event for themselves to see young people being involved in constructive learning , which goes for all our Youth Services competitions. The winning schools were: Foundation Level: The Hewett School 1; Intermediate Level: Langley School; Advanced Level: Norwich School 1. Langley School Intermediate Team were deemed to be the overall winners
The organisation for this event was tremendous and I cannot say enough in regard to the work that David Riddle, Alan Longmuir and Paul Smith put in to make this the success that it was. The three clubs involved were Norwich, Norwich St Edmund and Reepham & District.
Peter Senior - Youth Services Chair 2014/15