Prep Robot Wars

Kilgraston girls in Lower Third have taken part in an all-day robotics masterclass led by experts from the computer giant IBM.

Working in small teams with a dedicated leader, the girls were introduced to the hi-tech world of robots and given sight of what a future career in engineering might involve.

Prep school teacher, Susie Lockett, said: “The girls worked in teams to build their robots before learning a new piece of computer software in order to programme the robots.

“They were obviously engaged with the activities and worked with enthusiasm throughout the day.

“The series of increasingly difficult challenges allowed the girls to take their learning forward step by step.

“The culmination of the day was a ‘robot war’ with the last robot standing as the winner. This was an amusing end to a fantastic day.”

The masterclass led by IBM’s Grant Wooler and his team follows the opening of a new £1 million state-of-the-art science centre at the school.

The new facility which opened earlier this month, has also hosted its first lecture for the public. Teachers, pupils and visitors heard a thought provoking talk on the ‘Circular Economy’ by Colin Webster of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

The charity believes science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are crucial subjects in helping young people to understand their place within a bigger, interconnected world.

Unveiling the Foundation’s latest research, Mr Webster called on his audience to grow the economy on a finite planet by regenerating and reusing materials and energy.

Using mobile phones as an example, the leading researcher said modern society was wasteful, explaining that although 95 per cent of devices could be recycled, just nine per cent are currently reprocessed.

The talk was the first in a series of lectures and events to mark the academic year 2013-14, which has been dedicated to the theme of ‘Society and Society’.