On March 20th, 2024, the prestigious Royal Holloway Campus played host to the finals of the annual SATRO Problem Solving Competition. Among the eager participants were five talented Year 12 students from Wilson’s, who had earned their spot in the final after an impressive showing at the qualifying heat, held at St. Philomena's School back in January. The day commenced with a captivating tour of the Royal Holloway buildings, which have served as backdrops for various TV shows and films. Energized by the grandeur of their surroundings, the team embarked on the main challenge of the day: constructing a device capable of lifting Lego bricks from the floor to the tabletop and illuminating a light bulb simultaneously, using only a limited selection of materials provided, including cardboard, foil, string, and cotton reels.

The pressure was palpable as the clock ticked away during the intense 90-minute time limit. Demonstrating impressive ingenuity and teamwork, our students rose to the occasion, brainstorming, designing, and building their contraption with precision and creativity. They aimed for bonus points by making the best use of the materials provided, showcasing not only their problem-solving skills but also their efficiency and resourcefulness.

During the judging phase, our team's device performed well, and was awarded third place in the Key Stage 5 category—a well-deserved placement.

Congratulations to our team of Year 12 students for their performance, and a heartfelt thanks to all involved in making this memorable experience possible. Here's to many more achievements and successes in the future!