Ayrshire College was buzzing with excitement on Friday 16 January as it welcomed pupils and teachers from across the region for the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge regional tournament.
The FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge is an international programme designed to bring science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to life for young people aged 9 to 16. Delivered in the UK and Ireland by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the competition helps pupils develop confidence, teamwork and creative problem‑solving skills while experiencing real‑world engineering and technology in action.
This year, six schools took part in the regional heat:
- Holmston Primary School
- Doonfoot Primary School
- St Andrew’s RC Secondary School
- Hyndland Secondary School
- Woodfarm High School
- The High School of Glasgow
Each team arrived ready to put months of preparation into action. Before the event, pupils had designed, built and programmed their own autonomous LEGO® robots. This year’s theme, “Unearthed”, encouraged participants to explore how we uncover the past and use that knowledge to shape the future.
On the day, teams competed in a series of robot missions, earning points for precision and performance. They also delivered project presentations showcasing their research, teamwork and innovative thinking.
Award Winners
- Robot Performance: Hyndland Secondary School
- Robot Design: Holmston Primary School – Lego Lords
- Project Award: Doonfoot Primary School – Archaeolokids
- Core Values: Doonfoot Primary School – Archaeologists
Overall Champion Award: Hyndland Secondary School
The event was supported by GE apprentices, who offered technical advice, guidance and encouragement throughout the day. Having been involved for several years, the apprentices once again played a vital role in creating a positive and collaborative environment. They also presented the GE Teamwork Award to St Andrew’s Secondary School – “Eyekonic”, recognising the team’s exceptional collaboration and spirit.
Ged Freel, Head of Learning and Skills for Engineering and Science at Ayrshire College, said:
We’re delighted to be part of this event which encourages young people to consider careers in engineering and technology. It helps them develop confidence, problem‑solving, teamwork and STEM skills, and it’s great to meet the engineers of the future.
By hosting the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge, Ayrshire College continues to strengthen partnerships with schools and industry while playing an active role in inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators.