• Woodlands School runners-up after successful launch of rockets
• South Basildon and East Thurrock students could be the next generation of rocket scientists
MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Stephen Metcalfe MP has congratulated local pupils from Woodlands School on reaching the final of the UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge which took place at Stow Maries Aerodrome on Wednesday.
Two teams from Woodlands School made it to the final following tough competition and impressive rocket launches.
As part of the competition, the teams from Woodlands School created their own 65 centimetre rocket, complete with an engine and detonator. Their challenge was to build a rocket that had a clear take-off, achieve the highest possible altitude and land its crew – a hard-boiled egg – back safely to the ground, without the egg cracking.
The competition, now in its ninth year, encourages 11-18 year olds to learn more about maths and science and discover exciting future career opportunities in engineering.
Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “Congratulations to Woodlands School on reaching the National Rocketry Final. The UK Aerospace Youth Rocketry Challenge is a great way to encourage our next generation of engineers and scientists and give them hands-on experience. I was delighted to see Woodlands in this year’s final and I hope to see both Woodlands School and other South Basildon and East Thurrock schools compete in next year’s competition.”
