Luton & Beds Rotary Technology Tournament

For many years Rotary Clubs in the UK have run an annual Technology Tournament designed both to stimulate the interest of students in design and technology and to improve their personal skills and team building to meet the needs of industry.

The tournament is designed for students in three categories: Foundation students aged 7-9 years, Intermediate students aged 10-11 years and Advanced students aged from 12 years up to 18. Teams are assessed by Rotarian judges and particular attention is paid to team working, portfolio development which includes drawings and explanation of how the model will work, building and testing of the finished model in accordance with strict guidelines laid down by the tournament organisers. The event concludes with the winners in each category being presented with a shield and each team member receiving a certificate. A keynote speech is given by a specialist working in the area relevant to the design project for that year.

It should be noted that this tournament is a STEM approved event. The term STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is used to address education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve competitiveness in science and technology development.

This year the tournament is again well attended with a total of 42 teams comprising 22 foundation,12 intermediate and 8 advanced students in competition to be held, as before, at Stopsley Baptist Church, Luton on Thursday 8th March.

Chris Smith
Dunstable Rotary Club