School clubs have evolved dramatically since the days of chess and cookery, with a new offering of activities that reflect the modern technological world. Kew House School - based in Brentford - are no exception, and the launch of the Formula 24 club in 2015 brought an opportunity for students to utilise their engineering skills from a practical perspective.
Formula 24 requires its members to design, build and race an electric powered car, whilst adhering to a stringent set of technical regulations. Students aged between eleven and sixteen work together to produce a vehicle that will outperform those designed by their peers, over the course of two ninety minute races held on both a regional and international level.
To qualify, all entries must run on one 24 volt electric motor and two 12 volt batteries, creating an even playing field for all teams, as well as encouraging participants to find creative solutions in order to meet their objective. There are a number of strict parameters surrounding the overall size of the vehicle and the functionality of its components, including safety features, wheels, seating, bodywork and brakes.
Identifying an alignment between their business ethos and the Formula 24 project, Qimtek are sponsoring Kew House School’s contribution to the event. They hope that the students’ involvement within the project will encourage them to consider a career in the engineering field, ensuring that the UK’s industry continues to thrive in the hands of future generations.
Managing Director, Karl Wigart, echoes this sentiment. ‘We recognise the importance of a new generation of engineers,’ he says. ‘The Formula 24 competition is a great way of getting people involved at a younger age.’ Meanwhile at Kew House School, the Formula 24 team are well underway with the manufacture of their 2017 entry. Having tackled most of the mechanical aspects, attention has now been shifted to the structural integrity of their vehicle – a key element if they are to succeed in beating their competitors.
‘The students have really risen to the challenges involved in this exciting process and build progress is good,’ remarks Samantha Hunt, Head of Design and Technology at Kew House School. ‘Now we need a streamlined body to help us whizz around the race track in qualifying!’
If you would like to offer your assistance within any aspect of Kew House School’s Formula 24 entry, please email Karl Wigart – [email protected]