St Aidan’s pupils race ahead

It was full speed ahead, when budding engineers at St Aidan’s Catholic Primary in Wallsend took part in a project that tasked them with building their own racing car.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils worked together to construct the Greenpower Goblin Kit Car, with help from engineers from JW Colpitts in Blyth.

The project took part in stages, starting with the rear axle and culminating in a final build day, where the children were also able to test drive their creation.

“Children worked with volunteers from JW Colpitts to construct the rear axle of the car,” said Year 4 Teacher Shauni Alexander, who oversaw the project. “This needed to be done before the build day, as it was the most complicated aspect of the build and can be time-consuming and difficult.

“Children learnt that the rear axle is responsible for transferring power from the motor to the wheels, and keeping the car stable and moving correctly.

“They learnt how parts such as the axle, bearings, and sprockets work together, as well as began to understand concepts such as friction and stability.

“Children were supervised whilst using a range of tools.”

Formula Goblin is one of the science and engineering programmes run by the Greenpower Education Trust, which supplies age-appropriate kit cars to be built in schools and colleges.

Once made, the cars are eligible to be raced at motorsport venues across the UK, with more than 30 regional Greenpower events taking place annually, as well as an International Final.

It was the first time St Aidan’s had taken part.

“Chidren were introduced to engineering through the hands-on challenge of building and racing an electric car,” added Mrs Alexander.

“The Greenpower Goblin Kit Car Project is extremely valuable for children, because it combines practical learning, teamwork, creativity, and confidence.”