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How Many Students Does it Take to Work a Lightbulb?
South Essex Colleges Group helps Rotary Club with a local school competition.

South Essex Colleges Group attended an event hosted by Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock where local schools competed against one another at The London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury.

The challenge was to use the available materials, with the soldering irons provided by South Essex Colleges Group to create a Flashing Beacon with a functioning circuit and LEDs. Thames Park Secondary, The Hathaway Academy, St Clere’s and Gable Hall School attended the event and tensions were high. IOT Development Manager, Simon Parker said: “We’re giving back to the community of Thurrock with the Rotary Club. We’re encouraging year 10s and 11s into engineering and electronics.”

Rotarian, Steven Quigley said: “I’m delighted about the event. I really had no idea how the students would approach it. I didn’t want them to be bored. I didn’t want them to think it was too easy. They all seem engaged, and they were all very polite, young intelligent people.”

The victory went to Gable School for demonstrating the most successful flashing beacon. Simon concluded: “It’s been interesting to see them come in with enthusiasm, really listening and really taking part. They’ve all been so well behaved, so responsive and interested in what they’re doing.”