• Pupils from Old Hutton Primary School have been introduced to VEX Robotics, an educational scheme giving them the opportunity to build and programme their own robots
  • VEX Robotics is part of National Grid's successful community investment work in Old Hutton
  • National Grid's work to upgrade the substation in Old Hutton will be complete by the end of March this year

Pupils at Old Hutton Primary School have been given an important mission: to build their very own robot army!

National Grid, which is working to upgrade its substation in the area, set the children the exciting task, which will help to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects and nurture their knowledge of engineering in a fun way.

Each year group was given its own robotics design kit containing motors, wheels, gears and cogs by an engineer from Vex Robotics. Working as a team, they then built and programmed their own robot, learning the basics of robotics design and programming as they went along.

Ms Andrea Walker, Old Hutton Primary School's Headteacher, said:

"The children have had a fantastic day and it was great to see them getting stuck into the tasks. Seeing their accomplishment in building the robots was very rewarding and I would like to congratulate them on their tremendous efforts.

"We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to participate in the VEX Robotics programme and I would like to thank National Grid and VEX for working with us on this; we are extremely grateful."

Old Hutton Primary School will keep the robotics kits, meaning the school can provide future generations of pupils with the opportunity to built their own fleet of droids.

Peter Beverley, National Grid's Project Manager, said:

"We're always looking for new and exciting ways to give something back to the local communities we work in and have thoroughly enjoyed working with Old Hutton Primary School to bring them this special experience.

"VEX Robotics has not only provided pupils with a fun and interactive day of learning but a lasting legacy, as the school will hold onto the design kits and use them again over the coming years."

National Grid is set to complete its work to upgrade its substation in Old Hutton by the end of March this year. The upgrade will enable the substation to operate more efficiently, ensuring more people across the UK have power at the flick of a switch.

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