Articles
Earlier this term L5 Technology pupils took part in the Young Engineers Royal Navy Challenge "Operation Clean Sweep". The girls were set the task of designing and manufacturing a small water craft which had not only to negotiate a water course, but also cut the tethers from floating mines and tow a stricken vessel (another model). The School entered three teams into the competition and were lucky enough to have all the teams' design proposals accepted and put through to the finals.
Once the designs were accepted the tricky build began. With only three weeks to complete, the teams were really up against it, but after many late nights and much panicking, three rather good vessels were completed with power to the propellers, steering and mine cutting mechanics!
The Challenge day itself began with an 0815 start at HMS Sultan in Portsmouth: some final tinkering and then it was competition time. In addition to the boat challenge the Royal Navy had put together many minor competitions and technology-based activities for the pupils which our girls enjoyed. Two of our craft — Nemo and Sink or Swim—unfortunately sustained minor water damage, affecting their electronics, but the Jolly Roger was a terrific success and was the first and one of the few vessels to complete the course and cut some mines!