Robotics at SuMS

Surrey Maths School Robotics Club Competes in FIRST Tech Challenge UK with Support from ACCU 

At SuMS we are proud to support our Robotics Club as the team competes in this year’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) UK, an international STEM competition that challenges students to design, build, and program a robot to complete a series of complex engineering tasks. 

The team is made up of 15 Y12 and Y13 students, who work collaboratively across mechanical design, electronics, programming, and project management. Students take responsibility for the entire engineering process - from initial concept and CAD modelling to testing, iteration, and competition performance. 

Engineering, Teamwork, and Real-World Skills 

Participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge provides students with invaluable hands-on experience that complements their academic studies in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Throughout the season, the team applies theoretical knowledge to real engineering challenges, developing skills in: 

• Mechanical design and structural analysis 
• Precision assembly and tolerance control 
• Software development and autonomous control 
• Collaboration, communication, and time management 

This project-based approach closely mirrors professional engineering practice and helps prepare students for future study and careers in STEM disciplines. 

Industry Support from Accu 

To support the technical demands of the competition, Surrey Maths School is grateful for the sponsorship of Accu, a UK-based supplier of precision engineering components. Accu provides high-quality fasteners and specialist hardware used across a wide range of industries, including robotics, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. 

Accu’s sponsorship enables the team to access reliable, industry-standard components that go beyond the contents of the standard FTC starter kit. These parts play an important role in ensuring the robot is robust, accurate, and capable of withstanding repeated use throughout the competition. 

Students benefit directly from working with professional-grade components, gaining a deeper understanding of how precision hardware influences performance, safety, and reliability in real engineering systems. 

More information about Accu and their engineering components can be found at https://www.accu.co.uk/. 

Learning Beyond the Competition 

Beyond the technical aspects, the Robotics Club also develops students’ experience in outreach, fundraising, and professional communication. Team members are involved in securing sponsorship, documenting their work, and representing the school within the wider FIRST community. 

As part of this process, students gain insight into how industry partnerships support engineering projects and innovation - an important lesson that extends well beyond the competition itself. 

Looking Ahead 

As the FIRST Tech Challenge UK season continues, Surrey Maths School’s Robotics Club remains focused on refining its robot, improving performance, and learning from each stage of the competition. The school is grateful for the continued support of partners such as Accu, whose sponsorship helps make these opportunities possible. 

Robotics Club Fundraising Lead: Jayson Burdis (Year 13)