Today marked the official launch of the Year 9 British Army Engineering Challenge at The JCB Academy, an exciting employer-led programme designed to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and engineering thinking.
Learners were introduced to a series of practical challenges they will complete over the coming weeks, including bridge engineering, coding, Morse code communication using micro:bits, and autonomous drone programming. These activities will build towards a high-pressure Grand Final, judged by British Army personnel, where communication, preparation, and precision will be tested through a silent engineering challenge.
The British Army will be working closely with learners throughout the programme, delivering engagement sessions focused on teamwork, leadership, and communication, before returning to host and judge the Grand Final.
This challenge gives learners access to experiences far beyond a typical classroom, combining engineering, technology, and character development, while reflecting the standards expected in real-world engineering and defence environments.
We look forward to seeing Year 9 learners develop their skills, confidence, and teamwork as the challenge unfolds, supporting our mission of Changing lives by developing the engineers and business leaders of the future.
