F1 in Schools is a national project that helps to change perceptions of engineering, science and technology. It does this by creating a fun and exciting learning environment for young people helping them to develop an informed view about careers in engineering, science and technology.
The F1 in Schools challenge sees students given a brief to design a model CO2 powered F1 Car of the Future using a CAD (Computer Aided Design) package. Schools then race their cars against each other in regional finals. The winners of the award for the best team marketing and sponsorship in the regional final were a team from Worksop Valley School who built their car with the backing of Worksop based company, Seafield Logistics.
The winning Formula 1 team from Worksop Valley School comprised Molly Cooley (Team Manager), Harley Bowskill (Design Engineer) and Hannah Steeper (Graphics Designer).
The whole process of designing the car through to racing it takes weeks. The project includes elements of engineering, science and technology. As Valley School Deputy Head Steve Walker explains, “Once the cars are designed they are transferred into CNC (Computer Numerical Control) language using a CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) package. Cars are then manufacturered on a CNC machine. The students test and re-test their designs at all stages.” Steve believes the F1 in Schools project is successful because “It brings these processes to life by the use of an accessible medium like F1 that everyone can relate to.”
Seafield Logistics has had close links with Worksop Valley School since 1999 and during this time has forged an excellent model of partnership between education and industry. Examples of how Seafield has helped include an on-going collaboration called, “Preparing for Opportunities” which enables students to get ready for leaving school and finding employment by providing advice on CV production and interview technique. Managers from Seafield spend time each year working with students to help them understand what potential employers are looking for. Seafield also provided the school with sponsorship to help it gain Specialist Technology College status which it did in 2004 Seafield’s Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Manager Andrew Cottrell also sat on the steering committee which reviewed action plans leading up to the award to advise and guide the school towards reaching accreditation.
Worksop Valley School is currently undergoing a multi million pound PFI rebuild project and students will be moving into a brand new state of the art facility early next year.
F1 in Schools founding partners Denford, BAE Systems and Jaguar and working together to produce an exciting educational experience for students and teachers alike, challenging negative stereotypes associated with engineering in a fun and positive way.
F1 in Schools is a not-for-profit company with the aim of raising the profile of engineering as a career through the CAD/CAM Design Challenge. The Challenge has a wide base of support and major UK sponsors include BAE Systems, Jaguar Cars, Denford, SEMTA, ETBA and UGS PLM Solutions.
The Seafield Logistics group of companies includes Seafield Logistics Ltd, Ken Thomas Logistics Ltd and Ken Thomas Ltd. The main activities of Seafield Logistics and its associated companies are; distribution (specialising in bulk powder, chemicals (non hazardous), FMCG, glass, packaging, retail, sand and clay and steel); dedicated distribution centre operation and management and; contract packing and re-labelling. Seafield operate a fleet of over 150 vehicles and employ 200 drivers across 16 locations. The company manages over 1.3 million square feet of warehousing.
Seafield Logistics’ head office is in Worksop, Nottinghamshire with other operating centres located in Aylesham, Barnsley, Guyhirn, Northwich and Scunthorpe.
Customers include:
• B&Q
• Brunner Mond
• Campbells
• Corus
• Dow Chemicals
• Gainsborough Showers
• London Fancy Box
• Makro
• MKF Folien
• Omya
• Rockware Glass
• Sharp Interpack
• Singleton Birch
• Solvay Chemicals
• WBB Minerals
• Wilkinsons
For further information about Seafield Logistics visit www.seafield.co.uk