Bede's Triumph at The UK Space Design Competition

Published by Bede's Senior School on Tuesday 30th of November 2021

The UK Space Design Competition, like many events, went digital last year and it was with real excitement that Bede’s were able to invite schools to compete in-person once again on Saturday 6 November.

Five schools came to Bede’s, including a science club from North London that struggled with public transport and in one case their parents even drove them down, which shows the level of enthusiasm for the event! The six schools were competing in three teams, with Bede’s and the students from the science club in London forming Da Vinci Meccanica.

Following technical briefings, the teams began working at around 10am on the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a space settlement in cyclic orbit between Earth and Mars for 1000 business travellers in the year 2052. The buzz in the workrooms was terrific to observe and it was clear that all the teams were really enjoying working.

Lunch came around all too soon and teams were dragged, with a degree of reluctance, from their work to grab something to eat, before returning to continue on their presentations. The teams were given some late observations on their proposals by the ‘Red Team’, who took an overall view and gave minor direction to enable the teams to make improvements prior to the hand-in at 5:30pm and then to supper.

After supper, the teams gathered in the Recital Room to present their proposals to the judges - they had 20 minutes for this, followed by a 10 minute Q&A. The judges then disappeared to make their deliberations.

The judges returned and made observations about all the presentations and the Da Vinci team was praised in particular for including a number of innovative ideas and setting their proposal firmly in the future. Additionally, the judges were most impressed by how well the team handled questions on their presentation - they had clearly researched their ideas and knew their proposal well. And the verdict was… Da Vinci won! Bede’s are now looking forward to attending the UK final next March in Imperial College.

Bill Richards, Maths Teacher and Activities Director at Bede’s comments, “We are so proud of our pupils for showing the highest level of innovation and professionalism that I can remember in a Regional. Their victory was very well deserved.”