Oxford International College’s F1 in Schools Debut

The Learning Journey and Preparation

The months leading up to the competition provided our students with a profound experiential learning opportunity. As pioneers of the Formula 1 in Schools initiative, the team embarked on their journey back in October, conducting extensive research on competition regulations, aerodynamics and engineering principles. This initial phase was crucial for establishing a foundational understanding of the competition’s demands.

In November, the team collaborated with the College's Lumiere Club to enhance their enterprise strategy, gaining insights into branding, financial planning and business management. This collaboration facilitated the development of their logo, design sketches and the 3D modeling of their car prototype.

By December, the team had initiated their first fundraising event, a bake sale featuring handcrafted baked goods, which provided them with essential financial resources to support their project. However, the Christmas break posed challenges, temporarily slowing their progress.

As January arrived, the team faced a critical juncture with only one month remaining before the competition. At this stage, essential components—including car manufacturing, portfolio compilation, presentation materials and pit display setup—were still incomplete. Through strategic time management and collaborative effort, they successfully completed all necessary tasks before the event.

Competition Day: A Synthesis of Skills and Effort

On the day of the competition, the team embarked on an early morning journey from Oxford to Aston University, the host venue for the regional finals. Competing against 48 teams from both the Development and Professional Classes, the team gained exposure to advanced engineering designs and professional-grade pit displays, further enriching their learning experience.

Despite entering the competition with modest expectations, the team demonstrated a commendable level of commitment and adaptability. They participated in a comprehensive evaluation process that included:

• Delivering professional presentations
• Constructing and managing a detailed pit display
• Undergoing scrutiny to ensure compliance with technical regulations
• Racing their vehicle against competitors

Achievement and Recognition

Although the team did not qualify for the UK National Finals, their efforts were recognised with nominations for two prestigious awards:
-Sponsorship and Marketing (All Classes)  
-Judges' Choice Award (All Classes)  

The team’s Judges' Choice Award victory was a testament to their dedication, innovation and the holistic nature of their approach to the competition.

Educational Insights from STEAM Lead

Oxford International College’s STEAM Lead, Vijay, highlighted the educational significance of the competition:

“Participation in the West Midlands Regional Finals provided our students with an invaluable learning experience. The competition structure, which encompasses three classes—Entry, Development, and Professional—allowed them to observe and engage with high-caliber competitors, fostering an environment of academic and technical growth.”

“Our team, ‘Ruthless,’ demonstrated outstanding commitment, showcasing their work through presentations, pit displays, engineering scrutiny, and racing. While they did not achieve a podium finish, they were identified as a standout team, meriting the ‘Judges' Choice Award.’”

“This achievement underscores the importance of STEM education and extracurricular engagement in developing essential problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills. Special recognition is due to all six team members—Amiran, Patrick, Zoey, Connie, Victor, and Eric—with particular commendation to Project Manager Amiran for producing an exceptional portfolio. Additionally, the use of the F1 Race Track played a crucial role in refining the team’s car performance.”

Acknowledgments and Future Prospects

The team expressed sincere gratitude for the support they received throughout their journey:

“We extend our deepest appreciation to OIC, F1 In Schools and our sponsor Calderdale, along with Aston University and all those who contributed to our success. Without this support, our achievements would not have been possible. THANK YOU!”

As the team and the College reflect on its inaugural participation in the Formula 1 in Schools initiative, this experience serves as a foundation for future STEM-related projects and initiatives. The knowledge and skills acquired through this competition will undoubtedly inspire future cohorts to embrace innovation, engineering, and enterprise with confidence and ambition.