Formula 1 in schools primary challenge is a STEM and Design Technology competition where pupils aged 9-11 compete with other teams. Throughout the project, the pupils develop invaluable interpersonal skills and put their teamwork skills to the test as they watch their ideas and designs come to life, identifying areas for improvement while having lots of fun learning life skills. The project is cross-curricular as they not only research ways to make their cars more streamlined, make adaptations to their cars before racing them on the day but also present their work as a design portfolio and through an oral presentation to the judges.
Hodge Hill’s all girls Formula 1 Team, Velocity Force A were selected to go through to the National Finals at the Auto Sports Exhibition at the NEC in January, after they won the Team Identity Award at the regional finals. The girls had an amazing day at the Finals, where they competed against 28 other teams from across the UK. Velocity Force A were amongst the top three teams in 3 different categories, while winning the Team Identity Award again on the day. The Judges were blown away by how well the team were able to present their work in all areas of the competition.
Formula 1 is an amazing experience, the pupils gain in a multitude of ways, both academically and individually. With so many aspects of the project, there is something for every child.