Team Super Sonic Speed, from left to right, Liam Ralston, 15, Joshua Beverley, 16, Daniel Bradley, 16. Students from 15 teams took part in the regional finals of F1 in Schools competition, which requires them to make their own unique race car using state of the art design and computer controlled machining technologies. Picture Jonathan Carroll
HUNTER students battled it out yesterday to see who could design and build the best race car. The F1 in Schools competition, held at Newcastle Panthers, challenged students to use computer programs and machine tools to create a miniature vehicle. More than 15 schools took part in the Hunter finals, run by Regional Development Australia. Year 8 students Connor Minchinton and Jarod O’Neill, of the Meteor Racing Team from Mount View High, scored high in the speed tests but lost out in the agility test. ‘‘It was a really good experience,’’ Connor said. ‘‘First we did a few sketches of our design, then we drew it up on the computer and then milled the car and painted it. ‘‘I’m really interested in the computer side of it, modifying the designs on the software.’’ Regional Development Australia Hunter program manager Ashley Cox said the competition was a chance for students to get a taste of manufacturing techniques. ‘‘Students who engage in the F1 in Schools program are more likely to choose maths and science careers, which is ultimately good for the region,’’ he said. ‘‘As careers become more focussed on technology our region will require a workforce with these skills and the competition is all about giving students experiences that will influence their career decisions for the future.’’
