STUDENTS put their thinking caps on to tackle a series of challenges in Rotary-sponsored technology tournaments held in Bournemouth and Poole.

Around 230 young people from schools across the area put their engineering, design, technology and science skills to the test at the two events.

The Poole event, held at Parkstone Grammar School, is now in its seventh year while Bournemouth’s tournament at the Bournemouth Collegiate School was held for the fourth time.

The event was supported by BAE Systems of Christchurch, Marden Edwards of Wimborne and Aerotek Aviation Engineering of Poole and students also heard a careers’ talk from a team from the Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

The task involved the design, construction and testing of a model vehicle to travel along, and move debris along a pipeline, all within a specific time frame.

The complexity of the task increased from foundation level, through intermediate level to advanced level.

Tournament team leader David Chrichton of Bournemouth Rotary said: “This was a very positive day, with a large number of teenagers engaging in solving engineering and design problems. Enthusiasm was in abundance, and we look forward to holding the tournament again next year.”

The Mayor of Poole Cllr Xena Dion added: “It is really encouraging to see that Rotary organises such an interesting event which gives such a great opportunity for students to develop their skills in both practical work and team building in the key science and technology field.”

At Bournemouth the winners were Twynham School in the advanced section, The Grange School in intermediate and Ringwood School in foundation.

A combined team from Poole Grammar School and Bournemouth and Poole College won the advanced section in Poole with a team from Lytchett Minster School and St Aldhelm’s Academy coming out on top in the intermediate competition. Parkstone Grammar and Swanage School teamed up to win the foundation category.