Durham High School’s She Can Code Society Prepares for National Robotics Finals!

Gearing Up for Glory: Durham High School’s She Can Code Society Competes in National Robotics Finals

As the anticipation builds, talented students from across Great Britain are preparing for the exciting finals of the FIRST LEGO League UK National Competition! This year, the She Can Code Society from Durham High School has distinguished itself by securing a coveted spot at the finals, set to take place this Saturday, April 25, at the Harrogate Convention Centre. Their journey to this prestigious event began back in March when they clinched the overall prize at the regional round.

The Team and Their Robot

The She Can Code Society, comprised of six ambitious 14-year-olds, is gearing up to showcase their remarkable creation, a robot named ‘Flo’. Inspired by the pioneering female geologist Florence Bascom, Flo will take on a series of challenging missions that require precision and creativity. From collecting artifacts to operating submersibles, the competition promises to test the limits of their ingenuity and teamwork.

A Theme Rooted in History

This year’s competition theme, ‘Unearthed’, focuses on archaeology, history, and cultural preservation. The highlight for the Durham High team is their Innovation Challenge project—the Crobotic Crab. Designed to traverse extreme terrains, this claw-like robot aims to assist archaeologists in reaching unapproachable excavation sites. The students will have the opportunity to present their innovative solution to a panel of judges on Saturday, showcasing not just their technical skills but also their creativity and problem-solving capabilities.

Voices of Inspiration

The students shared their excitement about the competition:

• Carola Elin Kaizer expressed her enthusiasm for overcoming challenges, stating: "The robot doesn’t always do what you want it to, so overcoming the challenges has brought us all together."

• Ginny Ashcroft highlighted the social aspect of the competition, saying, "I’ve made more friends with different year groups doing the competition. I’ve recently started coding and I’m enjoying that."

• Kate Gowan reflected on her growth, noting: "I really enjoyed it last year. It challenged me, and I’d never done coding before. It made me want to take part again this year."

• Robyn Morris emphasized her aspirations in computer science: "This competition has really helped me realize that."

Promoting STEM and Teamwork

This remarkable competition is not just about the robots; it’s about nurturing skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), programming, and collaboration. Students aged nine to 16 work in teams to engage in practical engineering tasks, thus equipping them for future challenges in tech and innovation.

Rebecca Turner, Head of Computing at Durham High, has played a crucial role in mentoring the students. Her dedication was recognized when she received the Team Coach Award at the regional round in Gateshead.

A Commitment to Empowerment

Michelle Hill, headmistress at Durham High School, praised the initiative: "It’s wonderful to see how so many girls are taking part in our robotics co-curricular clubs and are being inspired to pursue careers in computing. Success in this competition has ignited their passion for the subject further, and we’ll be cheering them on this Saturday."

With their hard work and dedication, the She Can Code Society exemplifies the potential of young innovators. As they embark on this thrilling journey, their story stands as a testament to the power of teamwork, innovation, and female empowerment in the world of technology. Good luck to the team as they aim for greatness on their quest at the FIRST LEGO League UK National Final!