Revved up for race meeting in hand-built electric cars

By Kelly Eve

Last updated 09:21, Friday, 10 October 2008

ENGINEERING whiz-kids from a Cumbrian school are revving up to take part in a national racing car championship.

View more pictures...

Speedy: Samuel King’s School pupil Thomas Oliver gets in some practice behind the wheel

Two teams from Samuel King’s School in Alston are once again preparing to take part in the national Greenpower challenge.

The youngsters could reach speeds of up to 40mph in their hand-built electric cars as they race around the track in the Formula 24 event at Goodwood on October 18 and 19.

They have already taken part in a series of regional rounds to clinch a place in the final.

The cars, which boast names such as Silverfang and SKS, are powered by two 12 volt car batteries but can be made out of a surprising number of materials including a roof rack and a canoe.

Pupils from Alston have tasted success in the competition in recent years but the school’s future in the annual challenge is threatened after a sponsor withdrew support. It means families have had to foot the bill to ensure children can compete this year.

Technology teacher Peter Thwaites is keen to win support from local engineering companies and industries and has already compiled a letter to send out to them.

He said: “It is an extra curricular activity at school, the children love it, but we also use it as part of our curriculum at GCSE.

“Our youngest driver is in year eight. We have a number of cars here, some with power, some without that we can train them up in.

“They do go through a driving test with us before they are allowed to go out.

“I actually push them around in a car without power to help them get their confidence.

“The pupils also have to do a certain amount of time on the race tracks before they are allowed to compete.

“They learn that they have to drive in a smooth way and they know erratic driving does not win races.

“It is a great opportunity to get them out of the hills to take a look at what other children are doing elsewhere in the country.”

Local firms or organisations which may be able to lend support to the engineering teams can contact Mr Thwaites at school on 01434 381236.

Samuel King’s and Appleby Grammar School were among five Cumbrian schools to pick up prestigious awards at a London ceremony this week.

They were presented with the awards as part of the International School Award scheme, which encourages the schools to have an international ethos and for their pupils to be involved in international work.

John Swainston, head of schools and learning at the county council said: “These links are enhancing the learning experience of many young people.

“We wish the schools the best of luck with their individual projects and hope that their partnerships with schools across the world will go from strength to strength.”