Cardinal Langley RC High School crowned winners of Raytheon Quadcopter Challenge regional final

Following a close fought contest, one of the three teams from Cardinal Langley High School was crowned winner

Pupils from Cardinal Langley RC High School were crowned winners of the fifth annual Raytheon Quadcopter Challenge regional final on Monday (14 October).

Under the theme of ‘Technology around the World’, over 80 teams of pupils and cadets participated in the UK-wide challenge, which teaches pupils how to build a fully-functioning, four-bladed, multi-rotor, remotely piloted air system - commonly known as a quadcopter. Pupils then compete in a series of challenging flying tasks that test skills including accuracy, innovation and agility.

Each region across the UK was assigned a different country around which to theme their quadcopters. All five teams from the Manchester schools from were tasked with technology from China, and teams were also assessed on the creativity of their designs.

Team members at the regional final also had to give a 10 minute presentation to explain their Chinese-inspired design process, and how they managed their project.

Raytheon STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassadors mentored the teams throughout the competition, visiting schools, hosting workshops and guiding pupils on how to improve the aerodynamics and control of the quadcopters.

Following a close fought contest, one of the three teams from Cardinal Langley High School was crowned winner, and will compete in the grand final at RAF Cosford Museum in November representing the Manchester region.

James Hogg, Teacher of Design and Technology at Cardinal Langley RC High School said: “This was a fantastic and exciting event that allowed the students to create and learn about drones and how they are built. Thank you for all the teams who took part, it was a very close competition and all the students displayed excellent STEM skills.

“Good luck to the winning team who will go on to represent Manchester at the national finals taking place at RAF Cosford Museum.”  

Raytheon’s Manchester STEM lead, Paul Swinfield added: “Congratulations to Cardinal Langley High School, and all who took part. Like many other STEM ambassadors, I got involved to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, mathematicians and teachers.

“It’s fantastic how this competition has grown from a pilot in Essex to a national competition with more than 400 students taking part each year.

“Events like this are so important to encourage young people to take part and learn new skills, and to have the opportunity ask questions about future careers and jobs within the STEM field.”