Two students who helped take Bradford Grammar School’s LEGO robotics team to international success in Florida are celebrating impressive GCSE results.
Alex R and Joseph D were part of The Incredilegos – the UK champion LEGO robotics team who, in June, represented the country against 96 teams from across the world.
The competition, the FIRST® LEGO® League International Invitational, challenged students to design, build and program LEGO robots to complete real-world themed missions, while also presenting innovative solutions to expert judges from STEM industries.
Just weeks after returning from the USA – where the BGS team was nominated for three awards and placed second globally in the Innovation category – Joseph and Alex have collected mostly grade 9s in their GCSEs.
Alex, 15, of Ilkley, who will take A Level Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at BGS Sixth Form, achieved eight grade 9s, one grade 8, one 7 and one 6.
He said: “I feel really happy with these results and knowing that all the hard work revising paid off.
“Being part of LEGO Robotics has opened up opportunities and sparked my passion for computing and problem solving. I’d love to go on to study software or engineering in the future.”
Joseph, 16, of Otley, intends to take Chemistry, Biology and Maths at A Level, and is considering a future in Natural Sciences or Chemistry. He also gained eight grade 9s alongside one 8 and one 7.
He said: “I’m really pleased. It’s been great fun at BGS. I’ve made some great friends, and the teachers have been amazing.
“Being part of The Incredilegos gave me a taste of working through complex problems in a team, which I know will be valuable for my future in science.”
Headmaster Dr Simon Hinchliffe said: “Alex and Joseph’s achievements show how academic study and co-curricular activities work hand in hand. Success in clubs such as LEGO Robotics helps pupils develop vital STEM skills – problem solving, collaboration and creativity – that enhance their learning and prepare them for the future.”
“Alex and Joseph’s achievements show how academic study and co-curricular activities work hand in hand. Success in clubs such as LEGO Robotics helps pupils develop vital STEM skills – problem solving, collaboration and creativity – that enhance their learning and prepare them for the future.”