Supporting a local team
We are delighted to have been able to support the ‘F1 in Schools’ Cyclone Racing Team from Wilmington Grammar for Boys and congratulate them on their recent success in the competition.
The F1 in Schools competition offers a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related subjects in a fun and exciting way. It is hoped that this will enable them to develop an informed view about careers in engineering, Formula One, Science, marketing and technology. The competition is held at regional, national and international levels, with finalists competing at the World Finals for the Bernie Ecclestone World Champions Trophy.
A team consists of 6 students working to design and manufacture a model F1 car in compliance with a strict set of rules and regulations set by the International Rules Committee, just as in Formula One™. The model is then raced down a 20 m straight. The students are required to take a strategic, business approach to the project, preparing a business plan, developing a budget and raising sponsorship by collaborating with industry and creating business links, which is how Kenard Engineering became involved.
Back in January visitors from the school were able to take a tour of our manufacturing site in Dartford. The Cyclone Racing team then provided the drawings from which Kenard Engineering machined part of the wheels for their model car.
The Cyclone Racing team achieved an outstanding result at the London and South East regional final, winning the award for ‘Best Team Identity’ and placing second overall against 26 other teams, taking them through the UK National competition. Held alongside the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, the National finals consisted of the best teams in the country looking to progress through to this year’s World Finals in Singapore in September. It is therefore testament to the tremendous talent and efforts of the Cyclone Racing Team that they achieved an outstanding result, placing 2nd overall in the UK and earning their place to represent England at an international level.
Kenard Engineering is pleased to have been able, on this occasion, to support the students as the promotion and adoption of STEM subjects are integral to the future success of the UK manufacturing industry and businesses like ours. Tackling skills shortages must be a priority and by engaging with young people in the strategically important STEM subjects through real world experience is one of the best ways to demonstrate the rich and varied careers that are available in this sector.
Good luck to the Cyclone Racing Team for September!
Read more:
- What is STEM? www.nationalstemcentre.org.uk
- Find out more about F1 in schools – www.f1inschools.co.uk