2 April 2025
Local school pupils from across Scotland recently had an exciting opportunity to put their STEM skills to the test at one of the world’s largest STEM competitions, hosted by Fife College.
The College’s Kirkcaldy Campus played host to the regional heat of the global FIRST LEGO League Challenge 2025, bringing together teams of young people from schools, local groups, and organisations from all over Scotland to compete in the event.
This year's competition marked the third consecutive year of the event at Fife College. Teams from various locations – including Dunfermline, Leven, Cupar, Glasgow, Falkirk, and Edinburgh – came together to tackle the challenge of designing, building, and programming autonomous robots to complete a series of missions based on the theme of this year’s competition: Submerged.
Teams used creative thinking and Lego technology to explore the layers of the ocean, bringing their ideas and solutions to the surface as they aimed to “sea” into the future. The event encouraged innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving while inspiring young people to consider future careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
With prizes awarded for robot performance, teamwork, and innovative solutions, the competition celebrated both creativity and technical ability, helping to develop essential skills in areas like coding, engineering design, and research.
A total of eight trophies were awarded during the event, with the Legoriders/Robokidz team from Glasgow securing two awards, including the overall winner's title. As a result, they will advance to the next heat of the competition in Harrogate in May.
The FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a key part of Fife College’s School STEM Workshop Programme, which offers pupils hands-on learning experiences across various subjects, including crystal growing, coding clubs, and forensic science. Facilitated by the College’s experienced lecturers in state-of-the-art facilities, these workshops provide a valuable opportunity for young people to engage with STEM subjects in practical and interactive ways.
Yvonne Bayne, Health & Life Sciences Partnerships Manager (Industry Engagement) at Fife College, said:
“Congratulations to all the teams who took part in this year’s FIRST LEGO League Challenge. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and innovation from young people from across the country.
“At Fife College, we are committed to supporting STEM education and helping to bridge the STEM skills gap. By providing engaging, hands-on experiences like the FIRST LEGO League, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and tech professionals.”