TALENTED young designers from Upper Wharfedale School showed their mettle when they took on teams from much larger schools at an international STEM competition involving the designing and building of a model F1 racing car.
Two teams from the Threshfield school took part in the North West regional final of the F1 in Schools competition held at the University of Bolton in February with one team DSMC Speedsilver, named overall winner, and regional champions for North West England, securing a place in the national final held last month at the Magna Centre in Rotherham.
The competition centres around the designing and building of the fastest model F1 car. Teams also have to show good skills in project management, fund-raising, financial management and verbal presentation as well show detailed understanding of aerodynamics and engineering.
Andy Marston, the schools’ curriculum leader for technology, said while the team did not win the national final, it had been a fantastic experience for the students who were determined to build on their success and return to the competition again next year.
“They had two days of intense competition, where they explained the engineering and development of their car, the enterprise and financial management, their team identity and pit display and of course they raced their car.
“In the racing they were only nine hundredths behind the fastest car, but such is the intensity of the competition, that left them in 19th place – very creditable given there were 63 mostly sixth form teams in total.
“Whilst we didn’t win a place at the world finals in Singapore the team received very positive feedback and are determined to return next year and build on this success.”
In the regional contest, DSMC Speedsilver was joined by Q Racing, a team of Upper Wharfedale year three girls. The team had the fastest car on the track in their entry level category and were faster than even some of the professional class teams; a fantastic result, said Mr Marston.
Mr Marston added the school was very grateful for the support of local businesses including diving and underwater services company, DSMC; AQWA and JN Bentley, Tarmac, Guyson, Landrover Experience, and also Essex based Ooznest, which provided the CNC router used to machine the cars.
“Their support has not only contributed to the success of these teams but also enhanced the learning and opportunities for every member of our school,” he said.
Source: Upper Wharfedale School success in F1 in Schools championships | Craven Herald
