F1 in Schools – Regional Final 2015

Bangor University’s School of Education Product Design and Technology department hosted the North Wales F1 Regional Final recently. This popular Formula 1 challenge saw nine local secondary schools compete for places in the UK National Finals which will take place later on in March. If successful, they will then participate in the F1 in Schools World Finals 2015 which will be held in Singapore.

The competition is split into three classes - the Formula 1 Class, F1 Rookie Class and the Bloodhound Class of which each have to design a scale-model F1 car of the future.

The North Wales regional finalists were:

F1 Class

Team Tachycon F1

Denbigh High School

Bloodhound Class           

Team Limitless F1

Connah’s Quay High School

F1 Rookie Class

Team Tyrbo

Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni

The F1 in Schools is a multi-disciplinary challenge where teams of students aged 9 to 19 collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test, and then race miniature gas powered balsa wood F1 cars. The challenge inspires students to use Computer Aided Design and 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. Teams are judged on car speed, as well as supporting evidence of their design, verbal presentation and marketing display stands.

The competition day is organised by Engineering Education Scheme Wales; Bob Cator, Chief Executive, said:  “It was fantastic to have another very successful competition day again this year. We’re grateful for the judges for their thorough work, and to the teachers for their commitment to support their pupils. It would be great to see more schools joining us for a fun packed day to develop STEM subjects.”

Dewi Rowlands, Course Director in Product Design and Technology at Bangor University commented:

“Once again the quality of work produced at secondary level has been exceptional. The F1 in Schools event showcases areas of design thinking, engineering and technology at its best. The enthusiasm from the event organisers, the staff, the participating schools and the children themselves has been once again outstanding this year.

“The F1 in Schools event is a great platform that inspires young learners to get even more involved in the field of Product Design and Engineering in a practical, imaginative and exciting way and gives them an opportunity to develop their broader employability skills.”

Publication date: 5 March 2015