GCSE pupils who studied the high-tech sport of Formula 1 racing are set to take part in world school finals at a Grand Prix, when they could win prestigious engineering scholarships.
Team Quantum, a group of year 10 students from Denbigh High School, were awarded Welsh champions of the F1 in Schools competition in March after they designed, engineered and marketed their own racing car.
The annual UK event follows regional heats with the aim to engage secondary school pupils in STEM subjects through Formula 1, in which science, technology, engineering and mathematics play a key role in building the fastest car to win races.
And now Zara Addis, Tom Fishwick, Hollie Lloyd and Libby Chapman will travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates for the F1 in Schools World Champions trophy. Over the summer the four Denbigh pupils have worked to design three identical cars for exhibition and racing, as well as create a new pit display, team branding and uniform.
Hollie, Team Quantum manager, said: “We are so excited for this unbelievable chance to compete in the 2019 World Final. It has been an amazing journey so far and we have learnt so much about engineering and business.”
During the finals at the start of December, Team Quantum will also be judged on their ability to emulate the behaviours of professional motorsport teams including their social media and marketing presence.
If the pupils are successful they will be awarded scholarships at the City University of London and University College London Engineering.
Gareth Jones, head of design and technology at Denbigh High School, said: “The talent, ingenuity and commitment the students have demonstrated in this tough competition is awe-inspiring.
“As a school we are extremely proud of the students’ achievements so far and we are offering them every opportunity to succeed when representing our country in the World Finals.”
Each of the 10 final teams are tasked with fundraising to cover the costs of the competition inluding travel, equipment, marketing and freight transport, and Team Quantum have raised £22,000 of their £30,000 total. Sponsors already on board include Gamlins Solicitors, Ifor Williams Trailers and Qi Optic.
Hollie added: “Although we are getting closer to our target, there is still a way to go. We are appealing to local organisations, business owners and anyone who would like to contribute to the project to get in touch as soon as possible.
“We can offer a range of sponsorship options to suit all potential investors, including logo exposure on our new uniforms.”
To sponsor Quantum, email f1teamquantum@gmail.com to receive an ROI (return on investment) package or call Mr Jones on 078726 13853.
Follow Team Quantum on Twitter @F1_Quantum, and Instagram at Quantumf1.
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