Blott Matthews 20/21 Essay Challenge

A. Competition Requirements

This is a competition for first year sixth form / Year 12 students (individually or 2 together) requiring the preparation of an Essay in the form of an Engineering Report on one of the following projects :

  • The Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) used in the Apollo Moon landings
  • 5G Telecommunication Networks
  • Crossrail
  • The Milau Viaduct in southern France

The Report should describe in outline the purpose and general functioning of the project, identify the key engineering challenges facing the project and the solutions to them. Limitations in the technology deployed should be discussed in brief. Simple calculations and diagrams may be included to support the Report.

Reports should not exceed 6,000 words but that is an absolute maximum noting that quality not quantity will be a key criteria in judging the competition. Diagrams and calculations may be included in addition.

B. Prize Structure

First prize £200
Second prize £100
Third prizes (2) £50

Prizes are subject to the competition criteria being met in the opinion of the judges.

C. Closing Date

Reports must be received by 26 March 2021.

Submission is by email to the BMC mailbox :

‘bmc@blottmatthews.com’

Participants are requested to notify their participation by email before 30 November 2020.

D. Judging

Richard Blott and Charles Matthews will judge the competition assisted by experts as they consider necessary.

E. Announcement of results

Winners will be announced on 23 April 2021.

F. General Rules

These may be found on the BMC website ‘www.blottmatthews.com’