Derby Grammar School’s (DGS) First Tech Challenge team, 1Degreesoffreedom, has once again proven their excellence, securing the prestigious Inspire Award at the First Tech Challenge UK regional event held at Sheffield Hallam University. This marks the second consecutive year the team has received this honour.
The Inspire Award is the highest award presented at the First Tech Challenge, recognising teams that exemplify the spirit of the competition through outstanding leadership, innovation, teamwork, and community outreach. It celebrates teams that not only excel in robotics design and performance, but also inspire others through their passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
“We are incredibly proud of the team and their remarkable achievement,” said Mr John Speight, Head of Computing. “Their dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit truly embody the values of our school and the First Tech Challenge programme. To win the Inspire Award for the second year in a row is a testament to their hard work and commitment.”
This victory earns DGS a coveted spot in the National Finals, where they will compete against the top robotics teams from across the UK. Furthermore, DGS is one of only 12 teams to qualify for the International Finals, which will be held in London this June. At the International Finals, they will face off against some of the world’s most talented young engineers.
The First Tech Challenge is a challenging and engaging competition where teams design, build, and programme robots to tackle complex engineering obstacles. The program focuses on developing critical problem-solving, innovation, and teamwork skills in students.
The First Tech Challenge is a robotics competition for students in years 7–12. Teams design, build, programme, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format. Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles while realising the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team.
We wish them the best of luck in the next round and can’t wait to see how they get on!