Cornwall FIRST Lego League

Kernow Koders

This year hundreds of pupils from across Cornwall put their coding and engineering skills to the test. They were all involved in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Around 450 primary school pupils took part in this year’s Regional Final. All pupils used robots they had built and programmed to complete a series of timed missions.

This year’s theme focused on archaeology, and the event was hosted at RNAS Culdrose in Helston. Pupils took part in two full days of teamwork, problem solving, and technical thinking. A huge congratulations to teams from Bishop Bronescombe School in St Austell, Porthleven School, and Camborne’s Trevithick Learning Academy, who went to compete in Harrogate last week for the finals.

This competition is designed to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) skills. It gives pupils a clear insight into what engineering can achieve. Schools received LEGO kits in September, giving them months to prepare. They plan, test ideas, and build confidence before the final event. On the day they were challenged to complete as many missions as possible in a three‑minute window. This needed accuracy, creativity, and resilience.

Staff shared how valuable the experience was. A teacher from Porthleven School said the programme had strengthened pupils’ coding skills. She also saw improvements in teamwork. Her team included pupils from different classes. She said it helped them build confidence by working together.

St Newlyn East School also took part and Mrs Carter who won the Coach award and is still wearing her medal with pride.

One of their pupils said,

"It was a great experience because you can learn and still have fun." - Edith

Janine Bisson from Cornwall Council said the competition is so much more than Lego robotics.

"The robots do not always work as planned, so pupils learn to keep trying. They learn to solve problems and support each other along the way." - Janine Bisson

Janine has been involve in the organisation of the FIRST LEGO League for many years. She has seen first‑hand how children’s confidence grows and how their communication skills improve.

We know that the impact of the FIRST LEGO League goes far beyond competition day. Research shows that pupils who take part are more likely to develop long‑term interest in STEM. Taking part in the competition also helps them build communication, resilience, and collaboration skills. These skills continue to develop in later education and can influence future career choices.

We are grateful to RNAS Culdrose for hosting the event during a very busy time. Our thanks go to Cdr Matt Turfrey and his team. Their support helped create a memorable experience for Cornwall’s young people.

FIRST LEGO League: A Story of Inspiration

FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge is a global program. It helps young people explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Young people learn by doing hands-on activities and building robots.

In the UK, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) runs the program. The Education Business Partnership (EBP) are the regional partners who deliver FLL in Cornwall.

Each season has a real-world theme. This year’s theme is UNEARTHED. Teams design, build, and code a robot to explore a dig site. The robot uncovers artifacts and reveals stories from past civilizations.

Teams are also asked to complete an Innovation Project. They research a problem faced by archaeologists and suggest a solution. Points are awarded based on FLL rules, and winners are chosen from these scores.

The challenge is open to young people aged 9 to 16. Coaches and mentors support the teams. Most teams come from schools, but some are from community groups or home-educated families.

The regional finals take place at RNAS Culdrose. EBP works with Royal Navy staff, STEM Ambassadors, and local volunteers to run the event.

Last year, 580 young people in Cornwall joined the SUBMERGED season and 48 teams reached the regional final. Three teams went on to the national finals in Harrogate:

• The Bishop Bronescombe LEGO League Girls
• The Darite Marine Marvels
• The Jelly Friends from Penpol School

Jelly Friends earned a special invitation to represent Cornwall at an international open contest in the USA. Their teacher, Jacob Woolcock, went with them to support the team.

"It’s a real way for children to learn more about who they are and build life skills that just can’t be taught during normal school subjects." – Jacob Woolcock (Jelly Friends Teacher)

Teachers across Cornwall shared their thoughts on last season. They highlighted the powerful impact it had on pupils, schools, and communities. Their feedback tells a story of growth, inclusion, and inspiration.

Team Work and Problems Solving

Many teachers praised FLL. Sharing how it encourages teamwork and creative thinking. Pupils learn to work together and solve problems.

"It encourages teamwork, problem solving and creativity in a really exciting and fun way." – Teacher

"Teamwork, new skills, lasting impact work with year groups and the ability to make real world connections." – Teacher

Confidence and speaking

FLL gives pupils the chance to shine in ways not always seen in the classroom. Teachers noted improvements in confidence, speaking, and leadership.

"The children have flourished. The work on LEGO coding and the project has enabled them to explore and hone self-skills such as strength teamwork and speaking." – Teacher

"The pupils grow in confidence and enjoy the responsibility and independence of directing their own project ideas and robot design." – Teacher

Real-World STEM Connections

Teachers said that FLL helps pupils see how STEM is used in real jobs. The challenge sparked interest in coding, robots, and building.

"Learning about lots of STEM careers and activities, having fun, teamwork, building speaking and speaking skills." – Teacher

"STEM understanding, team working, coding – great event for students across all walks of life." – Teacher

Inclusion and Belonging

FLL is fun and open to everyone. Girls and boys from different backgrounds. Pupils with special educational needs, and those who find schools challenging learn with Lego.

"It really is the show of my year. Especially as LEGO attracts children from all backgrounds, it's wonderful to be able to include everyone." – Teacher

"The children that took part love it and look forward to March. It really helps with teamwork, especially the boys who have to work with the girls." – Teacher

Acknowledgements and Final Thoughts

The Royal Navy, Industry sponsors/volunteers and the EBP team work hard to make this event happen. A big thank you to everyone who helps make FIRST LEGO League a success.

Special thanks to Janine Bisson, George Slater, and Gavin Beresford for their time and dedication. EBP act as the first point of contact for schools and seek funding to ensure all can take part.

Here is a final thought from George Slater (EBP Education Project Manager):

“This will be my fourth season supporting delivery of FIRST LEGO League in Cornwall. And while the challenge themes of SUPERPOWERED, MASTERPIECE, SUBMERGED and UNEARTHED created unique experiences, some aspects are consistent year on year".

"Young people who participate in FIRST LEGO League grow by developing STEM skills, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, collaboration, confidence, communication, character and core values. It is a privilege to be part of this work, and I can’t wait to meet our new teams as the season gets underway”.

For more information contact: ebp@cornwall.gov.uk

Local Businesses: Helping Young People in Cornwall Explore STEM

FIRST LEGO League Challenge is part of a global program. It helps young people learn about science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). They learn by building robots and solving problems as a team.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) leads the program in the UK. The Education Business Partnership (EBP) support IET and run the program in Cornwall.

Each year, the regional finals take place at RNAS Culdrose. EBP works with Royal Navy staff, STEM Ambassadors, and local volunteers to run the event. Schools bring their robots and projects to compete in this busy exciting experience. At the end of each day judges score their work to find the winners.

EBP is reaching out to local businesses to ask for your help. You can support the program through sponsorship or volunteering.

Why Sponsorship Matters

By supporting this event, you’re investing in the next generation of engineers, coders, and creators. Sponsorship helps with costs, event delivery and gives business brand visibility.

Sponsorship has three main purposes:

• Support teams with the cost of robotics equipment and registration fees.
• Assist with travel costs and through season support to help teams in need.
• Contribute to regional finals event to create a celebration of STEM.

Why Volunteering Matters

Voluntary support is also a key element:

• Staff can support teams through the season with expert advice and encouragement.
• Staff can act as referees or judges at the regional final (full training provided).
• Staff can host a STEM activity at the regional final.

The regional final is a great way to volunteer and make a difference. As a non-profit, all money goes straight to helping young people. It gives them skills and confidence for the future.

Huge thanks to Watson Marlow for their support last season!

Many thanks to Watson Marlow, who have sponsored FIRST LEGO League for several years. Last season, they helped two new school teams. Mylor Bridge Community Primary School and Halwin School. They covered the cost of equipment and registration costs.

“It's a fantastic event for pupils to be part of. It encourages teamwork, problem solving and creativity in a really exciting and engaging way. As a teacher, it is great to see pupils shine in ways you aren't always able to see in the classroom. I am the new head of our school and, having participated at my last school, I was incredibly keen to get the children here involved. I am passionate about providing children with opportunities beyond the classroom and this is one of the very best examples of this.

The impact of the team element of this has a really positive impact going beyond the scope of the competition itself. Pupils dealing with the real-life frustrations and working out how to manage them is also incredibly valuable. We had a robot sponsored by Watson Marlow, without this we would not have been able to participate.” - Headteacher Mylor Bridge Community Primary School

“Important to give children in a small school experiences and STEM opportunities. Ongoing impact will be confidence, teamwork, having fun. Loved everything about the day. Best part – watching the children’s faces when they were getting a trophy. We liked all the practical activities that children could join in with.” - Headteacher at Halwin School

Watson Marlow also sent two engineers to the regional finals. They acted as judges for the innovation project. This showed pupils that their ideas matter and that STEM role models are there to support them.

Huge thanks to Soroptimist International St Austell and District club for their support last season!

Soroptimist International St Austell & District club help girls take part in the FIRST LEGO League Challenge in Cornwall. They give money to all-girl teams in their area so schools and groups can join.

Last season, SUBMERGED, Soroptimist International St Austell & District club supported six teams. One of these teams, the BB LEGO League Girls from Bishop Bronescombe School, reached the national final.

Soroptimist International St Austell & District club members also helped at the regional final. They acted as judges for the Innovation Project and supported the event.

This year, Soroptimist International St Austell & District club is helping four teams:

• Sandy Hill Academy

• Bishop Bronescombe School

• Charlestown Primary School

• Tywardreath School

Their support gives girls the chance to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun and creative way.

Want to get involved?
Contact Cornwall EBP to learn more and support this exciting program. ebp@cornwall.gov.uk