F1 schools rally at Glenanda Primary

Following a successful 2017, F1 in Schools and Jaguar Primary Schools Challenge race (JPSC), where two teams were chosen to represent South Africa at the World Finals in Malaysia, a total of 66 teams have taken up the challenge to participate in the 2018/2019 season.

The competition is fully subscribed with up to 33 teams participating in each competition, each for the F1 in Schools Challenge and for the Jaguar Primary Schools Challenge.

The first race for Johannesburg South and West district will take place on April 14 at Glenanda Primary School starting at 8am. The main race will take place at 10am.

The racing is sub-divided into nine district races. The top ten teams from each race go through to the regionals before the last ten goes to the provincials where winners stand a chance to represent South Africa at the World Finals in 2019.

Bez Sangari, CEO Sangari Education, said, “The competition requires teams to design, manufacture and race their own miniature Formula One cars. The challenge has become well-known worldwide as an educational competition that actively promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It is a prestigious and fun event where the value of learning is showing exceptional results.’’

Pieter du Plessis, F1 in Schools programme manager at Sangari Education, said, “The programme develops a true entrepreneurial spirit in students who are required to prepare a business plan, do research and build contacts with industry to gain sponsorship. Students gain first-hand experience in marketing and accounting, which are needed to provide a complete portfolio as part of the competition.”

“What makes the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge different,” said Mr Sangari, “is that it entails a comprehensive and inclusive learning approach. Learners engage with subjects that improve their literacy, numeracy, sport and sports science, design and technology, art and design, textiles knowledge, STEM learning, computing, and business and enterprise.”

“It focuses on using PBL (Project-Based Learning) as an approach where learners go through the physical experiences themselves. In teams, they are faced with challenges, victories, planning and obstacles that need to be overcome to succeed. This teaches true teamwork and develops communication, along with leadership skills from a young age.”

Using 3D CAD software, learners design a car based on the specifications set by the international rules committee and use Computational Fluid Dynamics Software (CFD). With the 3D CAM software, the teams evaluate the most efficient machining strategy to manufacture their cars.

Also Read:

https://comarochronicle.co.za/154711/president-excel-in-north-west/

https://comarochronicle.co.za/154312/glenanda-primary-hosts-athletics/

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