Julian Meek, D&T Teacher, Devonport High School for Boys, UK
The F1 in schools competition has helped to raise the profile of Design Technology within our school and more specifically raise the pupil’s awareness of CAD/CAM. Devonport High School for boys first entered the competition in 2003, a team of 6 boys travelled to regional finals near Gloucester where we managed to win the fastest D type car. This was the first of many trophies we have won, having always picked up the prize for fastest car in every competition we have competed in since then.
The competition involves so much more than producing a fast car, it is the process you went through to develop that car which becomes the priority. The members of Pulse worked well as a team because they had specific specialisms. John the team manager did just that, he was responsible for the day to day running of the team and raising sponsorship. He is now going on to study business at University. Sam was the hands on guy who designed and made the cars. Andrew was responsible for the technical analysis of the car, producing a mathematical model of the car; he is applying to
As their teacher I guided them and helped them but at the end of the day it was up to them to make the decisions and complete the tasks they had set themselves. As the World Championships drew closer I found myself having to do a bit more in the way of checking up.
The event was a once in a life time experience for the pupils and me. Our Malaysian hosts did everything they could to make out time memorable giving us the true VIP treatment. Throughout the event there was an amazing buzz and many long term friendships were made between pupils from different countries. I will never forget the amazing time we had in Malaysia.
