24 May 2024
Mr Paul Rickard, Head of Science
The spirit of innovation and intellectual curiosity was palpable at our third annual STEM Solutions Competition on Thursday 23 May. This highly anticipated event, organised and run by Woldingham’s dedicated STEM Society members, saw our students and others from local schools Caterham, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Warlingham engaged in fierce, yet friendly, competition.
Each team comprised four Lower Sixth students, eager to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths. A series of challenging question rounds tested participants' knowledge, quick-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
One of the evening’s highlights was the engineering challenge, which tasked the teams with constructing the longest possible marble run using only straws. This not only tested their engineering skills and creativity but also underscored the importance of teamwork and problem-solving under pressure.
Adding another dimension to the competition, each team was required to deliver a five-minute presentation on ‘The Future of Space Governance’. We were honoured to welcome Flight Lieutenant Jase Greenwood from the UK Space Command as our guest. Flt Lt Greenwood not only judged the presentations but also delivered a captivating keynote speech on the governance of space. His insights gave students a deeper understanding of the complexities and importance of space governance in the modern world.
The evening was a resounding success, filled with moments of intense concentration, collaborative effort, and inspiring displays of scientific communication. Our team of Hattie C, Anna M, Jessica I, and Keira M came a very respectable second. Congratulations to Sevenoaks School, whose team emerged victorious after a closely fought competition. Their win is a testament to their hard work, innovative thinking, and exceptional teamwork.
I would like to extend my thanks to the members of our STEM Society. Their meticulous planning and enthusiasm were instrumental in creating such a vibrant and enjoyable event. Their efforts have once again demonstrated the importance of fostering a community where young minds can challenge themselves and each other, pushing the boundaries of their knowledge and skills. It is events like these that inspire future scientists, engineers, and technologists, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the years to come.
