Essex school reaches World Finals of F1 in Schools Championship
August 31 2011
An Essex school is pleased to have won a place in the World Finals of the Formula One in Schools challenge. St John Payne School in Chelmsford beat nearly 1000 students for the second year running to regain the UK National Champions title, and now their team, called “Dynamic”, will be competing in the World Finals in Malaysia having also secured sponsorship support from BAE Systems’ Chelmsford-based Advanced Technology Centre.
F1 in Schools is the largest Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project in the world and the competition takes place in over 30 different countries, with over 9 million students participating worldwide. Teams of students aged 9 to 19 compete to design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature gas powered balsa wood F1 cars. The success of St John Payne School’s “Dynamic” team reaching the final demonstrates the engineering excellence amongst young people in Essex.
Essex schools are among some of the most forward thinking in the UK, adapting new, motivational teaching processes and nurturing enterprising attitudes and ambitions. St John Payne School is one of nine specialist Technology colleges in Essex and there are a further two Engineering colleges.
In order to compete successfully, the school team needs to forge strong links with industry in order to raise £30,000 through sponsorship from the private sector. Thanks to Essex County Council’s Innovation & Sector Development Team, the school brokered a sponsorship deal with BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre, Chelmsford. This collaboration with BAE Systems is not just a financial donation. In addition, they are also providing the students with access to the expertise and facilities of the research centre in preparation for the final.
Dr. Mike Worboys, General Manager of BAE Systems ATC said,
“It is fantastic to see Essex schools becoming centres of excellence in technology and engineering and doing so well. It’s vital we encourage young people to realise their potential in science and engineering and we’re proud to sponsor Team Dynamic. As the UK’s largest engineering and manufacturing company, BAE Systems is committed to the development of the STEM subjects and providing opportunities for the science and engineering leaders of tomorrow to develop their skills.”
To find out more about how successful Essex schools are click here
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