STUDENTS from Bishop Perowne CE College have put their engineering skills to the test for The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Faraday challenge day.

The Year 7 students spent a day working in teams against the clock to solve real-life engineering problems based on the BBC micro:bit, a small, programmable tool designed to introduce young people to the world of coding.

It can be used to create anything from games and animations, to apps and scrolling stories and aims to inspire digital creativity and develop a new generation of tech pioneers.

The winning team received a trophy, £10 Amazon voucher, an IET Faraday watch and a goody bag from Bosch UK.

The day took place on Friday, January 29.

The school is competing against other schools in the region and the team of students that develop the best engineering solution will not only win a trophy but will also go on to compete in the national final where they could win £1,000 for their school.

A total of 129 schools up and down the country are taking part in an IET Faraday challenge day.

Holly Margerison, IET Faraday education manager, said: “Students who take part in the Faraday challenge days this year will learn how to code and programme their own BBC micro:bit in a very practical environment.

"There is huge demand for new engineers and technicians and we’re confident that this challenges young people’s perceptions of engineers and inspires a new generation with digital technology.”

Mark Pollard, headteacher at Bishop Perowne CE College, added: “Through our school motto of Endeavour Forever we encourage students to think about their futures and strive to be the best they can be.

"Being able to take part in fantastic hands-on events like the Faraday challenge day really helps us fulfil this by giving students a feel for a potential future career path and I know that all students thoroughly enjoyed being part of the competition.”