As part of our commitment in D+T and Engineering to providing innovative educational opportunities for students at The Radclyffe School, we are thrilled to officially announce the launch of our new STEM On Track Project for 2024/25. In collaboration with ESPIRE Education, our students have embarked on an exciting journey to explore the world of STEM by building and racing their very own go-karts.
Students were put through a rigorous recruitment process, which has led to the appointment of two teams. The first task the students needed to carry out was to attach the axle bearings.
Head of D+T, Mr Brown explained, “The popularity of the project is clear – 50 students from KS3 and KS4 have signed up for this exciting enrichment, which aims to inspire our future engineers and help bridge the STEM skills gap.”
The project extends over 30 weeks, with the students tackling a different element each week. Using online instruction, they are introduced to the world of motorsport as well as the world of STEM. Support is also close at hand from students in KS4 to assist the younger students.
Two separate teams will both learn how to build the vehicle – the simple kit form allows it to be taken apart and reassembled. The project does not require any prior knowledge, but already the students are familiar with axle bearings and brake callipers.
Later this term part of the group will travel to York where they will make a pitch to several UK engineering companies for sponsorship, alongside a motorsport-based practical activity. Across the project as a whole the participants develop the problem solving and collaboration skills that are of great importance not only in education but in the workplace.
With great emphasis recently to encourage girls’ interest in STEM subjects it has been hugely encouraging to see so much interest from girls – more than half of all the students taking part.
STEM on Track is a national programme that involves 40 schools from across the country. The climax of the project will see students racing the go karts at a race day event in Northampton next summer.
