F1 in Schools sponsorship

2019 marks the third year we have supported St Joseph’s College in the F1 in Schools competition. As a major sponsor to the school team, we wish them every success in their entry – this year is a particularly exciting one as it’s an all female team after two years of all male teams. The Reading Chronicle covered the story of their success so far, triumphing in the regional heats to compete in the National Final – we can only hope they go all the way to the finals in Singapore!

F1 in Schools is a wonderful programme, encouraging study in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related subjects. By setting a challenge using the allure of such a powerful sport, enthusiasm from school pupils in taking part is high. The challenge is open to pupils aged 9 to 19 and they are invited to use CAD/CAM software to collaborate, design, analyse, manufacture, test and race miniature compressed air powered cars. 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. Philip Voke of Voke Interiors commented “I have always been extremely impressed with the teams and how they work together and promoted themselves. The exciting part is they could land up going to the World’s in Singapore where I guess their sponsor would have to go with them.”