South Eastern Regional College (SERC) recently collaborated with Regent House School providing them with the technical expertise and access to state-of-the-art engineering equipment and facilities to assist in the F1 in Schools Challenge. F1 in Schools is a multi-disciplinary challenge in which teams of students aged 9 to 19 deploy CAD/CAM software to, design, manufacture and race miniature gas powered F1 cars.
Ten Regent House students, under the guidance of Technology and Design teacher Rob Coulter and with the assistance of Bennet Moore, Senior CAD/CAM Technician at SERC took part in the Challenge and were successful in winning the Northern Ireland F1 in Schools Challenge and have qualified for the world finals in Singapore in September.
Using 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, the team designed a Formula One car of the future considering aerodynamics and machining efficiency. CAD specialist Bennet Moore developed a prototype of the design, demonstrating to students the different design concepts and steps to production.
Regent House Technology and Design Teacher Rob Coulter, who is a past student of SERC, commented; “The pupils had a fantastic visit to the Engineering Department of SERC, it was a great opportunity to see the equipment available at College which we don't have in school. Students were also able to access equipment which made their design ideas a reality. Bennett was a fantastic help and really enthusiastic about the project.”
F1 in Schools is the only global multi-disciplinary challenge for students aged 9 to 19 and is a unique global platform for the promotion of Formula One and partners to a youth market. The challenge inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.
Kieran McKenna, Head of School for Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering had this to say; “SERC Management is delighted to collaborate with a local school such as Regent House. Bennett is an exemplar member of staff and his enthusiasm reflects the Culture of Excellence we strive for at the College. We wish Rob and his students well in the world final and look forward to developing a relationship with the school.”