Three Fortismere Robotics teams were entered on Wednesday 16^th November 2016 at the East Barnet Vex Regionals.  Two teams entered for VEX IQ (Key Stage 3) and one team entered for the first time in VEX EDR (Key Stages 4 and 5).

It was a very long day and it was well worth it – two Fortismere teams out of the three gained places to the UK National final.  What was really impressive was the VEX EDR team’s game play and strategy - it was outstanding – remodifying the robot and reprogramming on the fly to play to our strength in an alliance with an East Barnet team to beat last year’s National Champions (The John Warner School) was a wonderful achievement! As it was our first time, we were out resourced by all the other teams and inexperienced, but our EDR team showed true resilience in the face of adversity and were exceptional.

Vex IQ winners were Fortismere and East Barnet

Vex EDR winners were Fortismere and East Barnet

The atmosphere between the schools, East Barnet, The John Warner School, Henrietta Barnet, and Grieg City, in sharing each other's experiences and knowledge between them, made the day very welcoming, friendly, productive and collegial.

The FSA funding and support has been an essential element in resourcing and encouraging the students (and myself) to participate in one of the most prestigious Robotics  competitions in the world – and now with the taste of success, the students have their sights set on the World final.

If you would like more information or would like to sponsor the Robotics teams or know of any businesses or organisations that would like to sponsor t-shirts or advertise on the robots themselves please contact Mr Yakup myakup@fortismere.org.uk