SCHOOL pupils across Bradford have been tasked with building and racing their own electric kit cars, thanks to an innovative new education partnership.
Bradford College is supporting the charity Greenpower Education Trust to launch the first Formula 24 Challenge in West Yorkshire. The project will give local 11 to 16-year-olds the chance to build and race a Greenpower kit car using a donated frame and components.
Single-seater kit cars were delivered to nine Bradford secondary schools this week, including Oastlers Keighley, Tong Academy, Parkside School, and BBG Academy. Students will now start construction, designing and sourcing the bodywork themselves with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials.
Schools will also receive expert technical coaching and masterclasses from experts such as the Bradford College Motor Vehicle team. When complete, it is hoped that pupils will race the cars in a Formula 24 Grand Prix in Bradford city centre.
Sarah Towan, Vice Principal for Recruitment & Communications at Bradford College, said: “As a leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) training in the city, Bradford College is very excited to support the Greenpower Formula 24 Challenge. This is an exhilarating project for local students, giving them the opportunity to explore design principles and improve planning, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.”
The Formula 24 season runs from April to October, with regional race heats taking place until the end of September. Around 30 events take place across the UK annually. An International Final is then held in October for teams that qualify from across the globe.
Vaughan Curnow, Community and Education Development Manager at Greenpower Education Trust, said:
“The Formula 24 Challenge builds confidence and self-esteem, as well as teaching transferrable skills in marketing, fundraising, design and more. Thanks goes to Bradford College for being so supportive in the rollout of the project. Together, we hope to get even more schools, employers, and sponsors involved to enhance the project further.”
The team is interested in talking to engineering and motor vehicle employers interested in partnering with a local secondary school to design and build the car or sponsoring the Grand Prix event. Contact Sarah Faulkner for more details at S.Faulkner@bradfordcollege.ac.uk or 07776956239.
* For further information visit www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/greenpower
