Jersey’s youngest engineers have impressed on the national stage after competing against more than 70 teams at the UK STEM Racing National Finals.
Teams from Victoria College Preparatory School, FCJ Primary, La Moye and Grouville – all of whom excelled in the local primary finals held earlier this year – this week travelled to the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, where students designed, built and raced miniature F1-style cars.
Victoria College Preparatory School’s team Fire Tyres delivered one of the strongest performances, recording the fastest reaction time in the competition to win a trophy, as well as the fifth fastest car overall. The team was also shortlisted for two further national awards: the Future Vision Award and the David Barnard Recognition of Achievement Award.
FCJ Primary’s team Takedown also secured national recognition, winning the Verbal Presentation Award for their teamwork and communication skills.
The competition, which also featured international teams, is designed to develop engineering, problem-solving and teamwork skills among young people.
In partnership with C5 Alliance, the programme is delivered locally by Digital Jersey, which said it plans to expand participation as part of efforts to encourage more young people into careers in technology and engineering.
Charlie Miles, Innovation Manager at Digital Jersey, said: “The results demonstrate the strength of the Island’s young talent in science, technology and engineering. To see Jersey primary school pupils competing – and winning awards – at a UK national level is a fantastic achievement.
“Programmes like STEM Racing help young people build confidence, creativity and technical skills from an early age, and show them that careers in technology and engineering are within their reach.”