Six students from The King’s School showcased their STEM skills when they took part in the regional round of the F1 in Schools competition on Wednesday, February 21.

The event at the Bristol and Bath Science Park brought together teams of students from 21 other schools in the South West, showing off the work they had done.

Sidmouth Herald: Team Kraken at the regional finalsF1 in Schools was developed to introduce pupils to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by challenging them to create a miniature F1 racing car, working as a team. To do this, they need to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, media skills and financial strategy.

The teams also have to produce an enterprise portfolio, a design portfolio, rendered photos of their car’s design and a pit display, and give a five-minute presentation to the judges.

Sidmouth Herald: Team Kraken with their display board

The King’s School group were Team Kraken: Joel Roulson (Team Captain), Jason Cadman, Jonathan Hill, Barney Greifenberg, Luke Parkyn and Max Roberts. They didn’t get through to the next stage of the competition, but taking part in the challenge and the regional final was a major achievement for them. They had also been successful in securing sponsorship from a range of outside organisations to support the costs of the project.

One of the staff leading the project, Tim Penberthy, said: “This has been a huge undertaking by our students, and they have risen to the task, and this was evidenced on the day by the quality of what they have produced. It was the first year that The King’s School has entered this competition and we are extremely pleased with our performance on the day - the students were a credit to the school.”

Rob Gammon, Headteacher, said: “I am immensely proud of the work undertaken by the students as part of the F1 in Schools programme.  This is an amazing opportunity for students passionate about STEM to develop a significant range of skills and knowledge that would otherwise be hard to do. 

“Our school’s core purpose is to provide these personal development opportunities for students and I am proud that the students engaged so well. This is an experience they will never forget. I am also grateful to the staff that have used their expertise, and given up a significant amount of time, to support and guide these students in an area they are passionate about.”