It was a weekend to remember at St Christopher School in Letchworth Garden City, as our robotics teams dominated the floor, securing a dual victory and a place in the national finals.

In a display of technical skill and tactical teamwork, two of our flagship teams triumphed in the hotly contested tournament. We are incredibly proud to congratulate Rian (Year 9), Tina (Year 8), Amit (Year 8), and Xavier (Year 9), as well as our second winning alliance of  Year 9 pupils, Arhaant, Aarush, and Aarvick.

The Road to Nationals
After competing for several hours in a number of challenging heats, our two teams secured the day’s highest record of 225 points in a tense final pairing. By clinching first and second place on Saturday, both teams have officially secured their places at the National Finals in Telford this March. Their success is a testament to the long hours spent in the lab, iterating designs and refining code. Watching our students collaborate under pressure to solve complex engineering challenges was a highlight for staff and spectators alike.

Excellence in STEAM
At John Lyon Robotics is a core component of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programme. By blending rigorous academic theory with hands-on application, we prepare our students to be the innovators of tomorrow. Led by Mr. Daniel Simons, Head of Year 11 and Chemistry teacher, our STEAM provision goes beyond the curriculum to test engineering and competitive mindsets on the circuit.

“Success in Vex Robotics requires a unique blend of mechanical engineering, computer science, and strategic communication, skills that are central to our educational ethos,” says Mr. Simons. “Robotics demands a high level of commitment, and we are extremely proud of our teams’ continued success as a reflection of their dedication.”

1 of 120: A Culture of Opportunity
Robotics is a cornerstone of our expansive co-curricular provision. It is one of the 120 clubs offered each term, ensuring every pupil has the space to pursue their passions and explore new opportunities to socialise and develop new skills. While pupils partake in a minimum of two clubs per term, Robotics remains one of our most popular choices as careers in engineering and automation remain in high demand.

Looking Ahead: From Telford to Iowa
We look forward to cheering on both teams as they head to Telford to represent John Lyon at the Nationals. This victory is the latest in a series of success, as the teams recently qualified for the US Open, which will take them to Council Bluffs, Iowa later this year.