Magherafelt High School team scoops national LEGO award

The eight year 10s impressed judges with their team work

Supported by their teacher Mrs Chambers, the group of eight year 10s, won the Core Values Award - one of just four awards given out at yesterday’s (Sunday) final in Bristol.

Karla Mitchell, Mark McCullagh, Ellen Smith, Ryan Harkness, Hollie Jones, Ewan Bolton, Zach Ferson and Craig Hegarty, can now represent the UK and Ireland at the European Open Championships in Denmark in May and the International FLL Open Championships in Bath, England in June.

Mrs Chambers said the High School’s team impressed judges with their outstanding demonstration of teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

“It’s fantastic, “ she told the Mail. “It’s such a great opportunity for them.

“This award is truly well deserved as the team have worked extremely hard to prepare themselves for the competition. Their dedication and commitment has been outstanding over the past six months.”

Mrs Chambers said the contest, for which they had to design and build a robot out of LEGO, was a great introduction to STEM subjects.

While praising the students’ outstanding win, she has also thanked the team’s sponsors Caterpillar (NI) Ltd and to Northern Ireland Electricity Networks for funding their travel to the final.

Karla Mitchell, Mark McCullagh, Ellen Smith, Ryan Harkness, Hollie Jones, Ewan Bolton, Zach Ferson and Craig Hegarty were delighted with their win

Commending the school students, Mid Ulster District Council chair Trevor Wilson said: “They are not only a credit to themselves, but the to whole Mid Ulster community. It’s a tremendous achievement, well done.”