Year 8 Design and Technology students have recently been participating in teams of 4-5 in the Formula 1 in Schools Competition. The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge is a global multi-disciplinary challenge where teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature compressed air powered model Formula One cars. The teams must also raise sponsorship and manage budgets to create uniforms, advertising material and vehicles. The challenge inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/ teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.

 

As the weeks have progressed our Year 8s have worked in 8 unique groups to develop their team identities and find their individual strengths, whether that is in designing uniforms and logos, engineering cars or contacting potential sponsors by phone and email. We are immensely proud of all of our young designers who took on the challenge of ringing companies in order to seek funding. By explaining the F1 Challenge and their team vision and how different various companies could benefit from strategic sponsorship our students refined their communication skills and grew in confidence as the term progressed. Whilst raising funds is hard for adults, it is even more so for 13-14 year olds.

 

This week they all submitted digital car designs to be cut using CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) Routers and ordered their banners and uniform articles. We are now all preparing for the AISM In-school Challenge where all 8 teams will compete in a round robin race day and then the top three teams will be chosen to represent our school at the Malaysian International School’s Competition later in May. Whilst race speed is always an important factor in F1 events, in this competition it is equally important to have a cohesive business plan and identity as demonstrated through pit displays and portfolios, so working as a team is a crucial part of making it through to the next level...So everyone is now wondering who that will be? Stay tuned as we compete in the Blackbox Theatre on the 7th May….and if you are keen to see more of F1 in Schools, pencil in Saturday 19 May and make your way to Garden International School to show your support for AISM’s Top Three Teams.