FRAMPTON Cotterell Primary School’s engineering club have rolled out the school’s latest Greenpower Goblin electric racing car.
The team of Year 6 pupils are taking part in a total three racing events, pitting the car they designed and built against machines from other schools.
Following a pre-season friendly against other local teams to put their car through its paces, the teams went to the first official race at the end of April at engineering firm Renishaw’s Miskin base, near Cardiff.
They were plagued by some technical difficulties at the first two events, and retired engineer Steve Harrison, who started the club six years ago, said: “The team handled these situations really well and they were useful lessons in real-world engineering.”
Despite not being able to complete the races, the team were proud to won the ‘Best Portfolio’ award at Miskin, for the sixth time in a row.
The young engineers were hoping for a clear run at the final event at Renishaw New Mills, Wotton-under-Edge, which was taking place after the Voice went to print.
Bristol research and development firm Actuation Lab is sponsoring the team this year, after the children made a “very persuasive presentation” in support of their bid.
Head teacher Debbie Fisher said: “It was fantastic to watch the children’s presentation.
“They talked so passionately about their project and really articulated how Actuation Lab’s support would enhance the children’s work.”
The firm sent representatives to the Cardiff event and has paid for new solar-powered lights in the club shed.
The team has also been supported by Eagle Plant, Amalgam Modelmaking, Surecar and Prodtex.
Greenpower Education Trust is a UK-based charity which inspires young people around the world to excel in science, technology, engineering and maths by designing, building and racing an electric car.
The Goblin electric car comes as a kit, which the pupils have to assemble and then add their own custom bodywork.
The project helps them learn about finance, planning and teamwork as well as engineering.
Other schools interested in starting a team can contact Steve at steve.harrison@greenpower.co.uk.
For more information about Greenpower Education Trust visit www.greenpower.co.uk.