Following their success in the regional finals of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge (UKROC) back in April, we are now incredibly proud to celebrate our Lower Sixth Rocketry Team's achievement in the National Final, held on 25 June at the Buckminster Gliding Club in Leicestershire.

The UKROC National Final is the culmination of a months-long STEM competition that saw over 1,600 schoolchildren participate in nine regional events held across the UK. Regional finalists then compete to secure a spot at the International Final at this year's Farnborough International Airshow in July.

In the competition, teams were required to build a rocket able to fly to exactly 750ft in the air, while spending between 36 and 39 seconds from launch to touchdown. The rocket must also carry a fragile payload—in this case, a single raw egg—with any cracks appearing in the shell during flight resulting in instant disqualification. Our students developed their rocket design across the year, using computer software and physical testing methods to assess the vehicles' stability.

On the day, battling unpredictable weather, WHSB’s Team Champagne SuperNova scored impressively on their initial flight and subsequently achieved full marks during their presentation to a panel of aerospace experts. Their flawless presentation vaulted them into the final "fly-off" round of the competition. After adapting their rocket on the spot with a superbly calculated engineering adjustment, they secured second place nationally, resulting in the presentation of a certificate and trophy, £200 for future school projects, and an exclusive visit to an Airbus facility.

We congratulate both of our rocketry teams for their achievements in this prestigious national competition. We are immensely proud of WHSB's Team SuperNova, our national runners-up: Edward, Logan, Nova, Liza, Sam, and Riley. This is an outstanding feat, and one of which our School community is exceptionally delighted. With thanks to Mr Dalby, Head of Physics, for facilitating the School's entry into the competition and for his dedication to preparing our teams for success. Our thanks also to Mr Hudson for accompanying and supporting the pupils on the day.