Battle of the Bridges 2020
The Battle of the Bridges competition came to a spectacular close this week for the Year 9 Design & Engineering Technology (DET) students who entered the competition after designing and building balsa wood models during the first five weeks of term, in a remote learning environment. The student designs were prepared to the same rules and guidelines that Aurecon, an Australian engineering, design and advisory company, use for their well-known international competition and the standard of student submissions this year were exceptional, producing some outstanding results.
Operating within the International Baccalaureate framework, the engineering-based unit requires students to explore the design process beginning with a design brief and then investigate the engineering principles and bridge design concepts before developing their own concept and model. Through this process, students refine their ideas down to the best concept and establish the most efficient and effective use of the limited materials in their construction.
Culminating in the annual St John’s Battle of the Bridges competition, each bridge is assessed by an expert judging panel before being put to the ultimate test and the winning designs declared. Congratulations to Harry Freeman for taking out the Innovation Award with his impressive curved arch suspension bridge, Aaron Smith for receiving the Engineering Award for a well-made design, Rhys Cleveland was awarded the Encouragement Award for his creative bridge design, and Elliana Slebos received the Year 9 DET Award, Efficiency Award and the Strength Award for her outstanding and record-breaking design. Receiving the overall first place All-Rounder Award, Elliana set a new benchmark for future DET engineering students to aspire to.
Well done to all the participants on their efforts and bridge designs and special thanks to the judging panel; parent of the College Mr David Arnold, Old Collegian Mr Jason McGavin (class of 2011), and College staff Mr Yugeindran Nair and Mr Andrew Landroth.
