Competition
The UK’s most epic STEM enrichment programme for young people*. We're not building robots, we're building the future.
*as voted by robots
Secondary
A robotics challenge that packs a punch. Supported by an industry mentor, young people aged 12-18 design, build and compete with a robot to take on a global challenge.
Students occupy diverse roles linked to careers so they can think, operate and collaborate as innovators, developing technical knowledge and life skills whilst broadening their understanding of STEM education and career pathways.
Teams of up to 15 young people meet weekly for a couple of hours in school or as an after-school club. The provider will support schools, SEND and alternative providers to make STEM education and careers accessible and inclusive.
Access to resources and session plans are provided via an e-learning platform from September. Pre-season, September to December, content includes:
In December, FIRST UK's Champion Organisation's, within each of their regional hubs provide access to a game field for a scrimmage (practice event) and then host regional qualifying tournaments in the spring term.
Industry partners, universities and local STEM hubs provide mentors and event volunteers. FIRST UK intend to operate up to 15 hubs UK-wide with capacity for around 400 participating schools.
Capacity
Recommended minimum of 5 participants, competition maximum of 15 team members.
Cost
A nominal commitment fee of £299 provides access to the programme, e-learning platform, tournaments, individual learner accreditation and team awards. Charity bursaries for robotics kits and other grants supporting participation including travel and supply cover are available subject to eligibility.
Duration
Deliver flexibly to suit you; weekly for 1 to 2 hours as an after school club, or within curriculum optimised for KS3 & KS4 (GCSE Engineering, D&T or Computer Science). The programme is usually spread over 2 terms (typically Sep to Mar ahead of events). Delivery can be compressed into other delivery models e.g. holiday clubs and intense multi-day builds.
Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
Planning - Setting goals and designing routes to achieve them
Creativity - Using imagination and generating new ideas
Leadership - Supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal
Listening - Receiving, retaining and processing information
Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges
Speaking - Transmitting information or ideas
Adapting - Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals
Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal
What the teachers sayLog in to write a testimonialWe would love to read all about your time with this experience!
Secondary
Learn to code a drone, overcome challenges, discover how engineers work and how you could use drones in the future!
