On Wednesday the 13th of March, 10 Westholme students from year 8 to year 11 entered the first Lego league competition. This was our first year attending in Bradford. The competition consisted of 3 challenges: The Robot challenge, The Innovation Project and team building.

 The robot challenged consisted of set tasks (previously given out). We had to design and code a Lego robot to complete these tasks. Doing so would gain us points, we each had three attempts and whoever got the most points in one of their three attempts would win that branch of the competition. On our 3rd and final attempt, we managed to score 269 points which placed us second overall.

The 2nd Challenge was the innovation project. This year’s innovation project was to explore how technology could be used to connect other people and their hobbies. For our idea this year we decided to create an app which displayed all the co-curricular clubs that were on offer at our school.  Although we were unsuccessful in this category, our presentation received high praise, with some constructive feedback for us to work on next year.

The teambuilding section brought an unforeseen challenge as we were uninformed of this section prior to the competition. During this challenge, we had to attempt to build the tallest paper tower possible using 5 sheets of paper in 7 minutes. This was done to test our collaborative skills and ability to work under pressure as a team.

To conclude we left Bradford university with our chins held up high due to the valuable learning experiences encountered throughout the day. All in all, the competition was an exciting and unique experience that we have benefitted greatly from.

In the third of our amazing overseas half-term trips, students in Years 9-12 took a flight across the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful landscapes of Canada! Flying from Heathrow airport, they safely arrived in Toronto to enjoy what was to be a fantastic trip as they headed to the resort to unpack and unwind after a long days travel.

 

Despite what proved to be very chilly conditions indeed, students took to the slopes with enthusiasm and the usual Westholme spirit and determination. There was plenty to enjoy for all abilities and experience levels and it was great to see everyone making the most of what was a fantastic opportunity. Either side of time spent on the slopes there were lots of different activities to keep everyone busy, organised by chief instigator Mr Barnett and his side crew of staff who had also travelled along with the group to keep everyone out of trouble! The trip was fortunately timed with the Superbowl, which students were able to watch in the hotel after a long day on the slopes.

 

Of course, there was also the infamous Wally Hat, which has made plenty of appearances on previous Westholme ski trips...initially being awarded to Lewis as the first wally of the trip! The food was also superb, and much needed after burning lots of calories outside plowing through plenty of fresh layers of snow each day. Canada's specialty Maple Syrup and pancakes was a staple of most students breakfast throughout.

 

It was great to see students improving in their skill levels as the trip progressed, and challenging themselves to reach new heights on the mountain. The scenery was breathtaking with some of the views of the surrounding mountain ranges from the peaks being simply stunning. After what had been a brilliant trip, with all students being well behaved and luckily staying injury free, they braved what proved to be -20 degree weather to enjoy a final days skiing. Just to cap off the trip with a satisfying end, Mr Galloway was declared the final wally of the trip to the amusement of everyone!

 

Finally, everyone packed their bags and said a fond farewell to the resort and landed safely back on home soil having made lots of new memories, friends and experiences. It was a great way to spend the half-term and turned out to be an extremely enjoyable trip!