Barry Comprehensive School

Barry Comprehensive School's Technology Department took eight pupils to Treforest for the Engineering Team Challenge, where they were set a realistic design problem to solve. The pupils competing were Caelum Davies, Michael Harvey, Joshua Cowley, Luke James, Asah Hartland, Joe-Louis Snooks, Lewis Doughty and Connor Westall, and between them achieved an impressive 1 st and a 2 nd amongst the school groups taking part.

Competitor Luke James wrote the following report about his experience.

“When we first got there, I was amazed at how big the University was. We were all given sheets with information about what we going to do, as well as our names, school and a team letter. Mine was K. Then we were told about exactly what engineers do, and Jane Hutt (AM) also gave a speech. After that we were taken into the room where we would be doing the challenge. We were given snacks and a drink and sat together with the pupils from other schools in our team groups. Soon after the challenge was announced: we would be making a model of a four-storey building out of straws, small dowel cylinders and elastic bands in only an hour and three-quarters! When the challenge started we decided to go for a triangular shaped building. About an hour and a half later we had only made one storey! So with the help of one of the engineers from competition sponsor ARUP, we hurriedly put together the rest of the building. First there was a strength test, our building held 11 weights, which was 4 th place, as the leading team's held 28 weights. But the contest was not over yet because the buildings were to be judged on things like teamwork and originality. After the strength test we went to the canteen to eat before taking a tour of the Civil Engineering Department. During the hour we learnt amazing things. It took over 100 tonnes to crack a small concrete block! After the tour we headed down to see who had won. The third and second place teams were announced and then first – Team K! I was really happy as I grabbed my prize (£35!!!!!) and had a photo taken. It was a day I will never forget and I met some new people too!”

Photos - The Engineering Challenge in progress