An international adventure of innovation, teamwork and unforgettable experiences! Six pupils from St. Teresa’s Catholic Primary School in Hartlepool embarked on the adventure of a lifetime this May, travelling to Dallas, Texas, to compete in the prestigious VEX IQ World Championships - the largest robotics competition in the world.
The journey began on 10th May 2025, with the team flying from Newcastle to London before making their way across the Atlantic to the Lone Star State. The pupils known as ‘Teresa’s Tech Team,’ were invited to represent the UK at the world championships due to their incredible performance after joining the season so late, leaving them not long to design and build a robot!
Once in Dallas, the team faced tough competition, joining 420 teams from around the globe in their age category alone. Over the course of the three-day event, the pupils worked collaboratively and strategically with international teams - some of whom didn’t speak English - demonstrating remarkable resilience, adaptability, and communication skills. One of the pupils' favourite moments was taking part in a souvenir swap, exchanging tokens with teams from other countries and forging new friendships through shared enthusiasm.
While the scale of the event was initially overwhelming, the pupils quickly rose to the occasion, describing it as a truly “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. Alongside the excitement of the competition, the team also enjoyed a taste of American culture with a visit to a Texas Rangers baseball game, adding a memorable sporting moment to their already action-packed trip.
Mr Ellis, the robotics lead at St. Teresa’s and who accompanied the pupils on the trip, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the way our pupils represented the school, the region, and the UK on a global stage. Their determination, teamwork and positivity throughout the experience were outstanding. This is the kind of opportunity that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
The entire Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust joins St. Teresa’s in celebrating this phenomenal achievement. These young innovators have not only showcased their technical talents but also embodied the Trust’s values of confidence, resilience and ambition.
