© engineering your future -
14 January 2010
Formula Sun launches at International Boat Show
January 12th 2010 saw us powering ahead with
the national launch of our exciting new project
“Formula Sun” at the London International
Boat Show.
Formula Sun is an exciting, flexible and very
affordable project suitable for pupils of all ages
from Primary to the full delivery of units within
the KS4 curriculum. Pupils design, build and
race boats powered by solar energy and along
the way they develop skills from project marketing
and communications to fluid dynamics
and electronic design.
The Boat Show was an inspiring venue! Best of all, we were able to secure free tickets for our
partner schools. We were supported by Alex from Techsoft who used his CAD/CAM equipment
to demonstrate solar boat hull design and build. The schools who braved the atrocious weather
conditions saw a presentation by Rob Austin on the main stage followed by an interview with
students and a teacher from last year’s South East Schools Marine Challenge winners
-
Technology Academy. They demonstrated their enthusiasm, skill and expertise and teacher
Steve Leahey stressed the huge benefits in terms of curriculum delivery, improved results and
generally higher interest levels in Engineering, Maths and Technology. “It’s been a great opportunity
for us to put what we can do in the shop window and our results have improved in
many areas.” Year 11 student, Connor, explained what he had got from involvement, “ I get to
spend a lot more time in the workshops doing fibre glass moulds from scratch, vacuum forming
and it’s loads of fun”.
Andy Simms of Cooney Marine was also present to give his
support. When asked how important such schemes were for
the Marine Industry in the UK, he couldn’t have been clearer;
“Training and development is critical for this industry’s
future, not just the boats, but the complete
infra-
leisure boat industry, and clothing etc.” According
to Andy, it is one of the country’s fastest
growing industries, generating an income in excess
of £3 billion a year. Rob queried the importance
of taking on apprentices. “It’s critical,” said
Andy, “we recognised this 10 years ago and accelerated
our Apprenticeship Scheme. We have to
invest by training people ourselves if we want
them up to a certain standard.”
Visiting schools were then taken to the Deck Games area, where they
saw the various boats running in the test tank demonstrated by The Leigh Academy. From 12
noon onwards, schools and students were free to have a leisurely look round the rest of the
Boat Show. The stands were many and varied with a chance to get involved with some “handson”
activities too.
So, if you have not yet signed up for our latest challenge Formula Sun, please do so as soon
as possible by contacting us by phone, e-
