On 15^th June our year 7 water rocket scientists headed off to the National Physics Laboratories in Teddington, Middlesex to take part in the annual Water Rocket Challenge. Competing alongside many other schools, from across the country, we were outsmarted by superior technology!  Undeterred we entered our own unique designs and watched as one gently bounced and somersaulted across the field into the distance. Its grace and unusual style caught the eye of the judges who awarded us a special trophy, the first of its kind, called the ‘Barnes Wallis Trophy of Rocketry’! You might recognize the name.  Sir Barnes Neville Wallis is best known for inventing the bouncing bomb used by the RAF in the “Dambusters” raid during World War II. The team were not concerned, a trophy is a trophy and it is now proudly on display in the science area. The team; Angel McClair, Isaac Lucia, Lee Willis, Matt Willit, Alex Dodd, Nosa Ediae and Dominik Kozma can be seen holding their trophy. Their beaming smiles an indication of the fun had by all. Our eighth team member, Joseph Thomas, attended the club throughout the term but, unfortunately, was unable to attend the competition day. A huge thank you to Andrew Young our science technician for all his support and engineering guidance, and for driving us safely around the dreaded M25!

Matt Willitt (Year 7) said: ‘The Water Rocket competition was great; we had a fantastic day. We fired a lot of water rockets and we had a BBQ. They had an army helicopter there that we could sit in and press all the buttons. Best of all we won a special prize: The Barnes Wallis Award for the bounciest rocket.’

Alex Dodd (Year7) comment: ‘It was a fantastic day and has taught me a lot about the aerodynamics of rockets. A truly brilliant and worthwhile experience.‘

Legend for photo: Phoenix Knight Team from left to right: Lee Willis, Matt Willit, Issac Lucia, Angel McClair holding the trophy, Dominik Kozma, Alex Dodd, Nosa Ediae holding the Year 7 mascot Nigel.

 Mary Tripp, Science Teacher