F1 competition is a race to national glory
NEWTOWN – Mercury Team wins the first F1 in Schools competition at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
The first competition in the F1 in Schools series, hosted by education solutions provider Sangari SA, was held at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and it was a close race.
A total of 10 teams from schools across the country took part in the competition which required pupils to create a miniature Formula One car and undergo the process of proposing the idea, marketing it, attaining sponsors, as well as building, testing and racing the vehicle.
“The challenge is to help kids learn about science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem),” explained Alan Rehbock, head of sales at Sangari SA.
“We give them free software and they then begin to design a Formula One car. Through the process, you find that there are many organisations in close proximity to the schools that would like to hire a graduate from the school. This competition allows these companies to see who those exceptional students are and sponsor this event to further their skills and knowledge before they graduate.”
At the event, Gary Formato of Global Touring Car Africa, who was a judge and is also a Formula One presenter on SuperSport, said the level of design and technology was of an exceptional standard. “The quality and work that went into the design and production of the model Formula One cars were impressive. Their processes followed the same as Formula One designers,” he said.
The winners were an all-girl team called Mercury Team of Fourways High School.
Second place went to Team Wild Hogs, also from Fourways High.
This competition, however, is not the end of the line as there will be a number of these taking place throughout the year leading up to the national contest which is to be confirmed next year.
“The programme develops a true entrepreneurial spirit in students. They are required to prepare a business plan, do research and build links with industry to gain sponsorship,” said Pieter du Plessis, F1 in Schools programme manager at Sangari South Africa.
Bez Sangari, MD of Sangari South Africa added, “Students gain first-hand experience in marketing and accounting, needing to provide a complete portfolio as part of the competition. Registration for the programme is free for all schools in South Africa.
“What makes the F1 in Schools Stem Challenge different is that it entails a comprehensive and inclusive learning approach. Pupils 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.”
The competition is open to all pupils between the ages of 11 and 18.
