This year’s game has asked students to design and build a robot, no larger than 18” x 18” x 18” that is able to gather acorn-shaped game elements named Tribals. Collaboration is key as teams are paired with a randomly selected partner for each of the qualification matches before entering into a selection process before final elimination matches take place.

The day was organised by Mr Higham with help from Mr Bolton and Mrs D’Ath who ensured the event was all set and ready to go across the course of Friday evening. The competition was judged and refereed by several ex-John Warner students and competitors who kindly returned to offer their expertise to ensure the day ran smoothly. A special mention must go to students, Zara Martin and Tegan Martin, who turned up to volunteer even though they weren’t competing!

The competition was hotly contested with many innovatively designed robots shooting, pinging and catapulting tribals back and forth all day. The John Warner teams had a mixed day with Jack Davies in Year 9 almost topping the leaderboard but sadly losing out in the final qualification match. He did, however, make it through to the semi-final partnered with our Year 10 team of Max Marino, Harrison Shey and Harry Rumley, before his robot unfortunately disconnected at a vital moment, causing them to lose out on the final 57-53.

It was a great atmosphere with 16 teams (the furthest coming from Stowe!) all working exceptionally well together. We weren't the strongest teams on the day, but our students learned a great deal and have big plans for the next round in a couple of weeks. Mr Higham would like to thank Jamie and Mike for judging for the day as well as SMC UK who provided two additional engineers to help judge steam log books.