The groups worked together intensively, starting this task before Christmas, which involved many after school meetings, lunchtimes and late-night Zoom meetings, including some over mid-term—with one of the winning team members joining from Dubai and another from Spain. Their dedication and teamwork was truly remarkable.

After pitching their 15 minute presentation in the morning the teams had a nervous wait over lunch while the judges deliberated. We were delighted when they announced that two St. Mary’s teams made it into the final, with the other just missing out!

The final was even more nerve-wracking, as they had to present in front of a packed hall with over 150 of their peers and approximately 40 adults. However, professionalism and confidence were the order of the day, and after 15 minutes of deliberation, St. Mary’s as Team 3 emerged as the well-deserved winners!

Their victory secured £500 for the school and an incredible VIP box experience to watch the Belfast Giants.

Even more impressively, the Henderson Group were so impressed that they have invited us to present to their Board of Directors—an incredible opportunity for our students.

A huge thank you to Mrs Johnston, who dedicated her lunchtimes and after-school hours to help prepare the teams.