KCLMS Pre-Season Catchup
The Volcanix Team · Pre-season catch-up
As we count down the days until BioBuzz’s kick-off, here are three things we have done in order to prepare for the new season.
1. Reviewing our team roster
As a specialist sixth form with a two-year programme, retaining FTC specific knowledge across year groups can be a challenge. Therefore, we have changed our structure to ensure half of our team consists of new Year 12 students. Additionally, with an expanded cohort of over 100 highly talented STEM enthusiasts, we have a talent base with which we can form a team which can not only perform but define the next generation of the UK region. Whilst our newest members have yet to be confirmed, we are confident that they will be able to learn, design, build, code, and compete at the highest levels.
However, one challenge remains: limited funding. Within the new team roster, all team members will also dedicate time towards reaching outwards towards other sponsors and schools alike, in order to fund and spread the passion of the team.
2. Upskilling our existing team members
In the months since our last update, we’ve analysed the best performers in international events such as the European Premier Event and spoken with many members of those teams in order to gain insights into how top teams perform. Furthermore, we are in the process of deepening CAD and programming skills through courses including LearnJavaforFTC and FRC Design, as well as having members familiarise themselves with advanced topics like Pedro Pathing 3.0, which will be the backbone of a robust robot.
3. Starting new teams
Whilst the final details are yet to be confirmed, the team is proud to suggest that the South East region may be seeing new FTC teams, which will receive mentoring, support, and specialist advice from us. Whilst we are already extremely optimistic about our team’s future, we would encourage readers to be equally enthusiastic about the future of our soon-to-be announced mentees.
The Pre-Season in Numbers
Where the Money Goes
Funding is the constraint named above, and it is the reason every member of the new roster will spend time approaching sponsors and schools. Sponsorship pays for parts, competition entry fees and outreach.
We publish our books rather than summarising them, so every transaction is listed in full with what it was for.
Thank You
Our thanks to the sponsors backing the team into this season: King’s College London and Record Financial Group at Tensor tier, and Apian and Oshen at Matrix tier.
If your company wants to help fund the season, the tiers start under £100 and our books are public. Sponsor the team →
What’s Next
Three things are still to be confirmed, and each will get its own update once they are: our newest team members, the new South East teams we will be mentoring, and BioBuzz kick-off itself.