Over 70 Jersey Students Gear Up for STEM Racing Challenge

More than 70 students from various schools will participate in the upcoming STEM Racing UK event, set to take place on December 10, 2024, at the Jersey College for Girls. This competition aims to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through an engaging and practical experience. Teams consisting of three to six students will race miniature Formula 1 cars, competing for a chance to advance to the national finals in Sheffield.

The event, previously known as F1 in Schools, challenges students to not only design and build their cars but also develop essential skills in project management, marketing, and sponsorship. The local initiative is supported by Formula 1 and is organized by Digital Jersey in collaboration with STEM Racing UK. Digital Jersey provides participating schools with complimentary access to manufacturing resources, analysis tools, race equipment, and expert mentoring.

Tony Moretta, Chief Executive of Digital Jersey, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Our first year of this programme last year was a real success, and I’m pleased that we will have even more secondary school students now taking part under the new STEM Racing umbrella.” This year, the competition aims to build on that success with increased participation.

Introducing STEM Racing Primary

In addition to the main event, Digital Jersey has launched STEM Racing Primary, designed for younger students aged 9 to 11. This new initiative allows primary school pupils to design and race their own mini F1 cars at a regional event next year. Moretta highlighted the importance of early engagement in engineering, saying, “We’re also expanding the programme to primary schools for the first time, giving younger students the chance to explore the basics of engineering.”

The initiative is sponsored by local technology firm C5 Alliance and aims to create a fun and creative environment for young learners. With the potential to represent Jersey on both national and global stages, the event promises to be an exciting opportunity for participants.

Tom Milner, Project Director at STEM Racing UK, noted that this year marks the second STEM Racing event in Jersey since the challenge’s introduction in 2024. He expressed satisfaction with the growth of the competition, stating, “We are delighted to see the competition going from strength to strength with more teams and schools joining us.”

Those interested in attending the regional finals on December 10 are encouraged to contact Rebecca Atkinson, the marketing and communications manager for STEM Racing, via email at [email protected]. The event not only fosters excitement among participants but also contributes to the development of vital skills that will benefit students in their future careers.