Last week, our Year 8 students took on an exciting Design & Technology challenge — to design, build, and test their very own Mars Rovers!

Over a two-hour session, C7 was transformed into the surface of Mars, complete with craters, rocks, and rugged terrain ready to test the students’ engineering skills. Working in teams, the students began by researching NASA’s Mars missions and discussing what makes a rover successful.

Each group then created a team name, logo, and flag to represent their mission before moving on to the hands-on building stage. Using a variety of components — including wires, batteries, motors, wheels, switches, and copper rods for axles — the teams carefully assembled their rovers, troubleshooting and problem-solving as they went.

The room was buzzing with creativity and collaboration as students divided tasks, shared ideas, and worked together to bring their rovers to life. Once complete, it was time for the big test — could their rovers conquer the “Martian” terrain?

There were cheers, laughter, and a few tense moments as the rovers set off across the surface of Mars. Every team showed fantastic teamwork and perseverance, celebrating both their successes and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Well done, Year 8 — you truly reached for the stars!

Overall winners were in 8 Oak – Team Icklefort – Please come and find Mrs Hanbury in the D&T office for your prize.