On Monday 14th July Woodham Academy hosted a Primary School VEX IQ Robotics Challenge competition.
Michael Nelson, Head of Technology at Woodham Academy, had previously delivered an assembly to primary schools across Newton Aycliffe, with a clear message of how engineering in the 21st century is so different to 100 years ago.
Michael then supported the schools in building and programming their own school robots and then invited them to Woodham for a finals evening. The schools had to bring their robots and compete against the other schools in a range of robot challenges.
The schools involved in the finals were Vane Road, Byerley Park, Chilton, Aycliffe Village and Woodham Burn.
Michael clearly understands the importance of providing students and teachers with an understanding of the world of work and specifically routes into engineering and manufacturing careers. He added, “I’ve really enjoyed working with primary staff and students in building their own robots.
The project has inspired students and teachers with activities they wouldn’t normally have access to. This has definitely enabled students to access the world of STEM, especially engineering.”
Robot Wars at Woodham
![Robot Wars at Woodham](https://www.newtonnews.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/prim-robotics.jpg)