PUPILS from schools in York and beyond are being challenged to show their design, practical engineering and construction skills in the York Rotary Technology Tournament.

The event, jointly organised by York city’s three Rotary clubs, is being held on February 19, 9am to 3.15pm, and entries from schools are now being accepted. Entrance to the event is limited to pupils, staff, judges and organisers.

Technology tournaments such as this one are run by Rotary clubs throughout the UK and are formulated to test students’ design and technology skills. They work in teams of four in three age sectors - foundation, intermediate and advanced.

Bringing their own tools, which they would use in their normal school technology lessons, they are given a brief on the day to design and build a ‘construction’ in a set time (usually four hours) and, after this, demonstrate the workings of the item to the judges.

Marks are awarded on the success of their construction and also on a ‘script’ which they compile during the project detailing how they approached the task, the design and how they built it. Certificates are awarded to the top teams in each age sector. VIPs from Rotary, schools and the York City Civic Party are due to attend.

The York area tournament is held at Portakabin's International head office in Huntington.

The event requires no prior preparation by school staff or students and is free to enter. All materials and running costs are borne by York’s three Rotary Clubs.

So far, teams representing All Saints RC School, Archbishop Holgate, The Mount School and Millthorpe School have registered to take part in the tournament.

Further details and an application form can be found on the York City Rotary Club website: http://www.yorkrotary.co.uk/technology-tournament/4589151258, and schools are encouraged to enter as soon as possible or email Trevor Woodward, York Rotary Technology Tournament chair at: ttinfo@yorkrotary.co.uk

Rotary in York consists of York Rotary Cub, Rotary York Ainsty and York Vikings Rotary Club.