First^® Lego^® League Challenge is a global competition for young people aged 9 to 16, run in the UK by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The First® Lego® League Challenge tournament hosted by London Gatwick at its new STEM centre took place on Thursday 8th February. Eight teams of students, ages ranging from 9-16 from schools across the South East, took on the MASTERPIECESM challenge with the ultimate aim of scooping the prestigious accolade of Regional Champions.

The event was supported by many STEM Ambassadors officiating as referees and judges who ensured the teams did everything by the rule book; coding their robots correctly to complete the infamous practical mat challenges on time whilst encouraging the students to be inclusive, creative, and confident in their approach to this celebrated challenge.

This year’s theme celebrates the roles STEM skills play in the arts and the participating teams were asked on the day to design and build a wearable piece of art made entirely of Lego^® during their breaks from competing. London Gatwick’s engineering apprentices were on hand to judge the ‘Wearable’ designer pieces on the Gatwick Catwalk and the students were credibly fashionable and creative in their designs from extravant hats and neclaces to time travel vests.

This year’s results were extremely close and the title of Regional Tournament Champions was awarded to 'the STEMinists' from Uckfield College, who were presented their trophy by London Gatwick's Head of Engineering Steve Kelso. The team has also won a behind-the-scenes tour of the airport as well as their ticket to the national finals taking place on 20 April 2024 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

There were also accolades, yes all made from Lego^® for:

• Innovation Project – Cheam High School
• Core Values – Durrington High School
• Robot Design – Reigate School
• Robot Game – Reigate St Mary’s Prep School
• ‘Gatwick Values’ Consistency Award – Dunottar School
• Coach Award – Cheam High School
• Best Wearable Art – Durrington High School

We thank this year’s participating schools and their teachers and congratulate all on their amazing achievements: Cheam High School, Dunottar School, Durrington High School, Reigate School, Reigate St Mary’s Prepatory School, Uckfield Community Technology College (two teams) and Windlesham House School