Sandringham School visit WRTC HQ

Sandringham School amateur radio club in Hertfordshire was invited to the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) headquarters in Wyboston Lakes on Wednesday 8 July.

The prestigious event is taking part in East Anglia this week – the first time the event has been held in the UK. As part of the week-long activities, the pupils were invited to learn about the event and receive an introduction into the contesting side of wireless communication.

The students, ranging from year seven through to sixth form, were given the chance to ‘get on the air’ themselves and operated special event station ‘GB26WRTC’ and were all excited to make a QSO with an operator in Cyprus.

The school’s Executive Headteacher, Alan Gray said: “Events like WRTC are a brilliant opportunity for students to see amateur radio in a new setting, outside of the school club. The hobby offers many different features, and competition is just one of them – it may even inspire them to take part in contests themselves.”

RSGB Youth Champion for Schools Sophie Bourne, M9LBW will be starting university herself in September and spoke with the students about her journey into amateur radio. She also spoke about how it can complement their interest in STEM subjects.

Sophie, age 19, said: “It was brilliant to be able to speak with students about amateur radio. I’ve learnt so much whilst studying for my licence that I may not otherwise have come across until degree level, so it’s a great opportunity to get ahead.”

Alan is the club’s lead at the school and said it’s a delight to see the interest students show in the subject. Not only does the club offer hands-on learning in STEM subjects, but the students also use the QSOs to practise their language skills when making international contacts.

Category: School Zone stories