Ysgol Brynhyfryd

RAYTHEON'S quadcopter challenge has taken off in Wales, with success for a Vale of Clwyd school.

Now in its fourth year, the challenge teaches school pupils how to build and fly fully operational quadcopters.

Last week, almost 50 school pupils took part in a unique aerial contest as part of Raytheon’s annual ‘Quadcopter Challenge’.

The contest saw Raytheon ambassadors teach local pupils how to build and fly a fully operational, remotely piloted quadcopter before going on to compete in a series of intricate flying challenges designed to test speed, agility and accuracy.

Contestants were also assessed on their creativity and engineering skill, with Ysgol Brynhyfryd’s Team Green Arrow taking the victory in the Broughton contest.

They beat the challenges from Connah's Quay High School, Hawarden High School, St Richard Gwyn High School, Ysgol Bryn Alyn and Ysgol Clywedog.

The competition is running nationwide, taking in eight regions and 40 schools ahead of a grand final in Birmingham.

The effort reflects Raytheon’s commitment to promoting STEM subjects to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers.

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood said: “Congratulations to Ysgol Brynhyfryd on triumphing in the Flintshire regional finals of the Raytheon Quadcopter Challenge 2018 and well done to all the schools who took part.

“Giving all young people an opportunity to build things is so important and the skills these pupils learn as they design, build and fly their own Quadcopter will last a lifetime.

"Thanks to Raytheon for championing STEM skills in Wales and beyond.”

Some 250 STEM ambassadors from Raytheon are involved in this year’s challenge, either co-ordinating the competition, visiting schools or teaching the teams.

Aerospace and defence company Raytheon launched the competition in 2015 with teams competing from a single school in Harlow, and the demand from schools to compete has seen it grow every year.

Ysgol Brynhyfryd will now compete against other regional champions at the national final on December 12 in Birmingham.