House builder turbo charges pupils’ F1 bid
A team of budding engineers had their bid to become F1 in Schools world champions turbocharged thanks to a cash donation.
Housing developer Lovell joined forces with its supply chain partners and subcontractors to present a donation of over £8500 to the team from Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, who are competing in the global finals of the F1 in Schools competition in America this week.
The sponsorship money will help cover the costs of competing, travel and accommodation when the students take on school teams from across the globe at the world finals in Austin, Texas.
The team - Zak Brown, Euan Clune, Michael Penman, Lewis Shaw, Kayleigh Speirs and Joshua Whitby - are Scotland’s only representatives.
Under their team name of Kinetikos, the Inveralmond Community High School students have already been crowned Scottish champions in the F1 in Schools competition, which challenges pupils to design, test, manufacture and race a miniature Formula 1 car, powered by compressed air cylinders.
The challenge aims to change perceptions of science, technology, engineering and maths by creating a fun and exciting learning environment.
Head teacher Suzie Young said: “The support from Lovell, their partners and subcontractors has been outstanding and something that we are all exceptionally grateful for The collective financial contribution from the group of businesses has ensured that our young people have the opportunity to represent their school and country on the global stage, which will see them compete with the very best teams from as far afield as China, Australia and Mexico.
“Having businesses such as Lovell engage with local communities and education is pivotal in ensuring that young people develop the key skills required throughout learning, life and work, and going forward we hope to continue work alongside Lovell with both the F1 in Schools project and other subject areas across the school.”
Lovell business development manager Sarah Freel, added:“We’ve all been blown away by the enthusiasm and expertise of the Kinetikos team and are thrilled to have been able to support them.
“The sponsorship of over £8500 has been contributed by Lovell and through the generosity of our subcontractors in West Lothian.
“Having put in an outstanding performance to secure a place in the global finals, we’re hoping the Inveralmond Community High students can now go on to be named world champions.”