Portsmouth High School Junior pupils were celebrating their first place win as they were put through their paces at the annual IBM Xplore IT competition on Friday 20 June.

A team of 6 Year 5 pupils competed against 12 teams from local schools at the IBM offices in Hursley. The challenges were all designed to test teamwork, communication and time keeping. All the skills the girls would need if they were to work for IBM or another big organisation.

The girls took part in six challenges during the competition; including a mock village council where the girls had to buy and sell properties; a timed tower building activity and an egg drop. The compartment they made in which they had to store their egg was so strong the egg inside didn’t break even when it was stood on by one of the IBM staff.

Susan Essex; IT Co-ordinator at the school said; “The girls thoroughly enjoyed the day and worked incredibly well as a team. The activities that they took part in really challenged them and tested different skills and they did very well to come first.”