Kilmarnock Academy pupils crowned champions at the National Quadcopter challenge
Four young people from Kilmarnock Academy - Robbie, Nathan, Matthew and Lucas - have won £10,000 for their school at the UK finals of the RTX Quadcopter Challenge in London.
This year the event celebrated its 10-year anniversary, where a new record was reached - 112 teams and 500 students participating.
After an exceptionally tough competition, held at London’s historic Honourable Artillery Company, Team KAPPA came out on top.
This year’s theme focussed on community and how students can invent ways to support causes that matter to them and their communities. Ideas ranged from supporting the NHS, food scarcity, and wildlife rescue.
Participants were mentored by leading STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals from across the RTX businesses Raytheon UK, Collins Aerospace, and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Team KAPPA stood out for showing exemplar teamwork and innovative solutions to support policework and theft prevention in their community.
To mark the competition’s tenth year, Kilmarnock Academy were awarded £10,000 to support and enhance STEM education.
Winning team member, Robbie shared: “It’s amazing to win the Quadcopter Challenge, it has inspired me to be an engineer.”
David Rose, Head Teacher of Kilmarnock Academy, said: “Our team were outstanding from start to finish, picking up some heavy silverware and an even heavier cheque of £10,000 for the school’s STEM fund! A big thank you to Collins Aerospace for their support and funding the travel and accommodation, as well as to Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Lindsay for taking the team to London.”
Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People said: "What an amazing opportunity for our young people to compete against some of the brightest minds in the UK. Last year Kilmarnock Academy won The Best Engineered Drone and this year they have gone one better and lifted the overall title, which is incredible.
"Congratulations to the team and the whole school, everyone is so proud of your achievements."
Read more about the Quadcopter Final.
Notes to editors
About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, they push the limits of technology and science to redefine how they connect and protect the world.
RTX’s businesses have been investing in the UK for more than 100 years. Their UK operations include Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon UK. They support hundreds of jobs in every region of the UK and have a strong presence across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and cover over 30 locations.