Students compete in the 11th Rotary Technology Tournament

Organised by York’s three Rotary Clubs, the brightest sparks from the region’s schools worked against the clock to demonstrate their inventive and engineering skills.

The competition on Tuesday attracted 52 teams from 20 schools in the York area who were tasked with designing a weight-powered vehicle, capable of powering itself up a slope.

David Hopton, a member of York Vikings Rotary Club, said: “Each team of four had to construct a small vehicle. They were given bits of wood and equipment.

“It had to be powered by a weight, which would lower, creating forward movement and climb a small slope.” He said the point of the competition was to stimulate team work and “translate concepts into reality”.

“It was quite remarkable, regardless of age, how well they did.”

Andrew Rogerson, Rotary project coordinator, said: “Attracting 52 teams is a considerable achievement and shows how the reputation of this annual Rotary event has really caught the imagination of schools in the city.

“Most of the appropriate York schools have entered one or more teams. The great thing is that no preparation or homework is necessary so the pupils were all playing on a level pitch.”

The Tournament costs are met by sponsorship from the Shepherd Building Group, the University of York, Dayfield Graphics and the NRM.

Winning Teams

Foundation Age (11-13)
1  Vale School, Brigg
2  Lady Lumley’s, Pickering
3  Fulford School, York

Intermediate (13-16)
1  Fulford School, York
2  Millthorpe School, York
3  Tadcaster Grammar

Sixth Form Category
1 Lady Lumley’s, Pickering
2 Easingwold School
3 Bootham School, York

Lady Lumleys School, Pickering:  Dan, Callum, Chris and Tyler get stuck in

Bootham School: Liam, Fred, August and Kishori begin their task

Woldgate School, Pocklington: Nicola, Jessica, Paige and Matthew tackle the problem

Joseph Rowntree School: William and Katie show judge Frank Paterson their ideas