First Lego League Story of Inspiration

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