Pupils and teachers from ten local schools in Hampshire and Dorset, are currently working hard to design and build model powerboats which will be raced against each other at the world class Ocean Basin facility at Haslar in Portsmouth on the 18th May, overseen by a team of maritime experts from the FTSE 250 global defence and security company, QinetiQ.
The QinetiQ School Powerboat Challenge will provide pupils with an exciting and valuable opportunity to understand the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) within the marine industry. The competition challenges 13 teams of five pupils, aged between 13 and 16, from ten schools in Hampshire and Dorset, to design build and race their own model powerboats.
Each team has been provided with a pack containing standard propulsion parts and design briefs, and are being supported by visits from QinetiQ naval architects during the design and build process.
The youngsters and their teachers are balancing criteria including size, speed, weight and stability, whilst at the same time making it safe to operate and provide it with a stylish livery – in effect becoming naval architects.
The teams will then present their designs to a panel of expert judges from QinetiQ and the wider marine industry, adding an important learning aspect to their experience.
The Smallpeice Trust (correct spelling) is offering a prize to the winners and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) is providing sponsorship with free Junior Membership to RINA.
Chris Fisher, QinetiQ Naval architect and organiser said
“The Schools’ Powerboat Challenge fulfills a number of key objectives for QinetiQ Maritime. The Powerboat Challenge is a flagship event in our STEM programme and encapsulates our vision of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Youngsters get to meet role models, and become actively involved in an event where lessons in science and technology are key, particularly at a time when GSCE and A-Level options may be on the minds of many of the participants.
“It also demonstrates our commitment to support and enhance links with the local community through exactly this type of activity, and provides an opportunity to increase staff engagement and motivation by providing a different challenge that also forms an important part of their professional development.”
If you wish to send a representative to the event on the 18th May at Haslar, please call or email the press office on the contacts below to register your interest.
Notes for Editors:
The schools involved (and school contacts) are:
- Bay House School and Sixth Form 1 & 2 Gosport
(Henry Caudell hcaudell@bayhouse.hants.sch.uk)
- Hamble Community Sports College, Hamble, Southampton
(Chris Ralls - cralls@hamblecollege.co.uk)
- Springfield School, Portsmouth
(Keith Elliott - elt@springfield-sec.portsmouth.sch.uk)
- Crofton School 1 & 2, Stubbington, Fareham
(Gemma Langdon-Saunders - GLSaunders@crofton.hants.sch.uk)
- St George Catholic College, Southampton
(Les Dancy - les.dancy@btopenworld.com)
- Henry Cort Community College, Fareham
(Graham Styles - grs@henry-cort.hants.sch.uk)
- Chamberlayne College for the Arts, Southampton
(Alan Murrell - alan.murrell@chamberlayne.org)
- The Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester
(Dr Jonathan Gammon - JGammon@thomas-hardye.dorset.sch.uk)
- Budmouth College, Weymouth
(Tony Walker - WALKERA@budmouth.dorset.sch.uk)
- Beaminster School, Beaminster (west of Dorchester)
(Adrian Barton - abarton@beaminster.dorset.sch.uk)
- A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its domain knowledge to provide technical advice to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ’s unique position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK and the US, including defence departments, intelligence services and security agencies.
- QinetiQ employs over 13,000 people across the Group and in the year to 31 March 2010, QinetiQ’s revenue was £1,6bn. Leo Quinn was appointed Chief Executive Officer in November 2009.
For further information, please contact
QinetiQ Press Office onTel: +44 (0) 1252 39 3500
Email: PressOffice@QinetiQ.com