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Learning takes pole position in F1 in Schools

Newcastle University Business School played host to nine schools from across the North East for the regional final of the UK National F1 in Schools competition. Winners from three regional schools will now go onto compete at the national event, with the winners going forward to the World Finals of this global initiative.

Over 80 children and young people from schools across the North East took part in the multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged nine to 19 deployed CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race, miniature gas-powered balsa wood F1 cars.

Prizes were awarded to the teams that demonstrated a range of capabilities including fastest car, innovative thinking, and perseverance. However only the three overall winners, Red Kite Racing from Emmanuel College in Gateshead, Volitorial from George Stephenson High School in Killingworth, and Zenith Racing from Whitburn Church of England Academy, were awarded 1stplace in their class and will represent the region at the national finals.

Emily Miller, from Emmanuel College, said: “It is fantastic to win and we are really looking forward to the national finals, we have all learned so much by taking part in the competition. I was responsible for the sponsorship and it taught me how to communicate better and also about design and engineering.”

The F1 in Schools competition allows children to design, build and race model cars and inspires students to use IT to learn about a range of topics including physics, aerodynamics, design, and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative and exciting way.

Commenting on the standard of entries from the region at the event, Dave Howes, Director of Communications and Events at F1 in Schools, said: “I was really impressed with the standard of entries and quality of work at this year’s event, we had some really good returning teams and some excellent rookies. It will be a tough call for the judges at the final!

“This is one of 10 regional finals leading to the national final at the Big Bang Science and Engineering fair in Birmingham next month, at this event the teams that will represent the UK in the global final will be selected.”

The competition links closely with the research of Professor Pooran Wynarczyk, of Newcastle University Business School, into women within innovation, supporting the notion that females are as capable as males to excel in scientific, engineering and mathematical environments and that positive role models enhance routes to success.

Reflecting on the competition Professor Wynarczyk, said: “We were delighted to host the North East Regional Finals of the Challenge this year at the Business School. By doing so we aimed to raise the profile and showcase the positive impact of this unique global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiative on the future education and career aspirations amongst young people in the North East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Newcastle University Business School .