F1 in Schools 2024/25 season 

News - May 20

This year, the South West Regional Finals of this International STEM competition was more highly contested than ever and had the second highest number of teams in a UK Regional Final. Again, there were teams from London, the home counties and the Cotswolds, as well as teams from the South West. The competition was very strong this year, with 21 teams in the Development Class and 11 in the Entry Class.  
 
As previously reported the two Colyton Grammar School teams were Velocity Raptors in Entry and Riptide Racing in the Development. You will be aware that Riptide Racing came 1st in the Southwest regionals, which is a marvellous achievement, and I can now confirm, having received the scorecard this week, that Velocity Raptors – winners of the Future Stars award in Entry class - came 2nd in the Southwest region, this really is a superb achievement and we look forward to following the future progress of this formidable all-girl team in STEM Racing (the new name for the competition). 

And so to the National Finals at the Magna Centre, Rotherham. This was the most competitive F1 in Schools National final that we have had the pleasure and joy to attend, with 32 teams from across the UK vying for the top spot, which comes with a place at the World Finals in Singapore. Our very own year 10s, Riptide Racing with their distinctive sparkly blue hats and blue starry sunglasses gave their all. They had 19 days between the Regionals and Finals to improve all aspects of their work. They worked tirelessly, designing and making 2 new cars; reworking both the Enterprise and the Design & Engineering portfolios; creating new engineering drawings and renders; working on their brand-identity; creating an eye-catching pit display with merchandise; writing and practising a verbal presentation – they really pulled out all the stops and were a real credit to themselves and the school. 

The Finals was two days of rigorous competition and scrutineering of all aspects. Riptide Racing’s fastest car time was an impressive 1.461s. Although this was a mere 0.064s slower than the fastest Development class car, it ranked the team 12th /32 for racing alone. Pleasingly there was the opportunity to have a brief look around the Magna Centre, a hands-on experience packed with interactive exhibits, exploring the wonders of science and technology in the former Templeborough steelworks. With all other aspects taken into consideration, the team came 14th /32, this was a fantastic result and has really spurred them on with excellent feedback given by all the judges involved, including some great pointers for future competitions… watch this space! 

Velocity Raptors  and Riptide Racing are most grateful for all the support – in any form, financial and in other ways - of Parents, Guardians, Alumni and fellow students “we couldn't have done this without your generous donations. So on behalf of both of the teams we would like to thank you.” 

Written by V Carter