F1 in Schools Ireland

New diploma set for pole position

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:12:00 +0000

New diploma set for pole position

Front of grid: youngsters taking part in the F1 in Schools scheme

Published Date: 08 December 2008

By Farhana Haque

AN engineering entrepreneur is backing a new work-related diploma for teenagers.

Andrew Denford, who set up F1 in Schools, which raises awareness of engineering through the global appeal of Formula One, is promoting the qualification for 14 to 19-year-olds.

Mr Denford has just joined the Diploma Employer Champions' Network (DECN), which is made up of UK employers, including Toyota, Vodafone, Microsoft, GMTV, Rolls Royce and BT.

He said: "This is a great opportunity for other local and national businesses to give students an understanding of a chosen sector and allow them to develop employability skills.

"The evidence is clear, when employers get involved in education, everyone benefits. Young people find it easier to understand the purpose of their studies, schools build relationships with their local community, and employers have the opportunity to influence the career choices of the next generation workforce.

"F1 in Schools is delighted to support the engineering diploma, as at long last engineering education can be delivered in the classroom incorporating exciting action based projects which will engage students and make them fit for purpose in the world of industry.

"The diploma covers all the major skills and academic areas that employers are looking for in their search for talented youths wishing to enter the world of work."

More than 5,000 employers helped develop the diploma and the DECN wants to get more employers on board with delivering it.

Employers can take part by working with teachers to help shape the curriculum, give talks and lectures, supply projects and offer work experience placements.

Mr Denford's own training started with a vocational course where he won Apprentice of the Year at Humberside Engineering and Trading Association (HETA) before graduating from Huddersfield University.

Almost 10 years ago the mechanical engineer founded the "F1 in Schools Technology Challenge" which involves children as young as 10 in the programme and is a not-for-profit organisation.

It has grown into an international scheme, operating in over 30 countries across the world.

Diploma students can go on to work, through an apprenticeship, or go on to higher education.

Any employers wanting to find out more can visit the website http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/employers.

Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 08 December 2008 8:57 AM
Source: Evening Courier
Location: Halifax

Results of Qualifying Round - Update

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:09:00 +0000

All results have now been emailed to your teacher!!!!

Results of Qualifying Round

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Team's will be notified later today (before 6pm!!) if they have been successful in gaining entry to the Regional final stage. We will email your teachers these results.

F1 in Schools Team

Entries in for Qualifying Round

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:39:00 +0000

All plans have now been submitted for the Qualifying Round and we'll be letting everyone know if they have been successful in qualifying through to the Regional Finals by 1st December 2008.

We will let you know by sending an email to the email address registered with ourselves.

Submission of plans

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:02:00 +0000

Deadline for Submission of 5 page plans is tomorrow!!!!

Any questions on format etc call 087 228 2950

Email all plans to: f1@ics.ie

Or post to: ICS, Crescent Hall, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2

Calls - frequent questions

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:17:00 +0000

I am trying to get in contact with all registered for the competition to date, to see if anyone has any questions or last minute queries before the submission of five page plans on Friday (14th Nov). One of the more frequent questions is:

Q. Do you have to stick with the design your team submits now throughout the competition or can the team modify their design after submission?

A. Yes, teams can modify their design from the one they submit in the five page plan to the one they may eventually get milled. All that is needed to be submitted now are your teams initial design ideas.

I am getting a few questions regarding the 3D CAD design. You don’t have to submit one for the plan, its better if you do, but don’t worry if the team haven’t got the hang of the software yet, hand sketches will suffice – scan them in and insert into the 5 page plan.

Remember: any questions call email f1@ics.ie or call the F1 team at 01-644 7820/087 228 2950

What should be included in your five page plan?

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:45:00 +0000

Your five page plan is your team's way of 'selling' your team and ensuring we know why your team should get through to Regional finals!

The main things you should include are:

Details on your team e.g. name, team members, roles
Research e.g. for aerodynamics of car and possibly wheels...
Designs - only your first drafts of ideas are needed, these can be hand sketches or better again your basic ideas in 3D CAD
Management items e.g. proposed timeline/project plan

Remember: the cover sheet of your document isn't counted as one of your five pages and if you have any questions ring or email us at f1@ics.ie or 01 6447820/087 228 2950

Plans should be submitted by 14th November 2008 by email to f1@ics.ie or by post to: ICS, Crescent Hall, Mount Street Crescent, Dublin 2

What should your team be doing now?

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Your team(s) should now be concentrating on getting their five page plan together – this will help teams to research and prepare for the challenge ahead and is really your way of selling your team! For teams to get ideas they should view the sample plan available on www.F1inSchools.ie (please remember it is only a basic sample). It is not compulsory to have the teams designs in 3D CAD in the five page plan – but obviously you get more marks if you can demonstrate knowledge of the software. The sample plan is available to download here.

**Deadline for submission of 5 page plan to f1@ics.ie is 14th November 2008**

Have you downloaded the relevant partfiles? These contain a 3D CAD drawing of the balsa wood block from which your car would be manufactured should you get through to the Regional finals. There are three versions of the file available on the website, one compatible with Solid Works, Solid Edge and and IGES format. This is a good place to start and the team can then remove pieces from the 3D car design to make their individual car. These files (Part files) are available to download from www.F1inSchools.ie on the Resources page.

Remember even in your Qualifying round plan you should take into account the specifications of the car e.g. length of car. All the specifications are available in the Rules and Regulations documents for both types of car (D-Type and R-Type). These documents can be downloaded from our website www.F1inSchools.ie again, by going to the ‘Resources’ tab. In this document you will also see the marking scheme for the competition and Qualifying round and further information on the Qualifying Round.

World Championship Portfolios

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:25:00 +0000

The deadline for submission of five page plans for the F1 in Schools Ireland Qualifying Round is coming up soon (14th Nov).

So...this link may possibly give you some ideas to include in your plan or to prepare for the regional finals. You can have a look at World Championship quality portfolios (full lenght-not 5 page plan as per Qualifying round) by following this link and scroll down to the 'Exemplar Portfolios' section to download pdf of portfolios. Click here

F1 in Schools in Carlow IT

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:18:00 +0000

Last Friday myself, Sharon and Tommy brought the F1 in Schools track (well half track) to Carlow IT for their schools Open Day. As you see from the photo it certainly created some entertainment!

F1 in Schools in the Financial Times!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:54:00 +0000

James Allen patron of F1 in Schools and F1 commentator for ITV, wrote the following article for Financial Times - students will soon take over Formula One!!!

F1iS_Financial%20Times.pdf

New Qualifying Round - sample plan available

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:20:00 +0000

Firstly apologies for the technical problems we have incurred recently with team registration and team logins, its all sorted and we have extended our registration deadline to 31st October 2008.

This year a new Qualifying Round has been introduced to select the teams to compete at the Regional Finals which will be held in March/April 2009. This consists of a simple 5 page plan explaining how you propose to put your F1 project together, e.g. research, design, budget etc.

The sample 5 page plan is now available under the Resources tab of the www.F1inSchools.ie

Remember this is only a guideline sample, read Rules and Reg's documents to find out details of what should be in your plan.

F1 in School World Championships 2007-2008

noreply@blogger.com (Sharon) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:10:00 +0000

See below video on previous F1 in Schools World Championships held in Australia and Malaysia!

Koni Kats Bag IT!!

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 20:02:00 +0000

Overall National Winners Koni Kats have their hands on Jenson Button's Honda F1 car for the weekend, so they are making the most of it and have it this weekend down in Tesco shopping centre, Greystones for a bag pack to get sponsorship for the World Championships next June in London.

They are there all weekend if anyone wants to head down to check it out!!!

Minister Launches New F1 in Schools Season

noreply@blogger.com (Brendan) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:42:00 +0000

The Minister for Education & Science, Batt O’Keeffe, met yesterday with students from St David’s Secondary School, Greystones, overall winners from 2008, to officially launch the 2008/2009 season of the F1 in Schools™ Technology Challenge powered in Ireland by Honda and supported by Discover Science & Engineering and Irish Computer Society with the new RA108 Honda Formula One car.

See the photos on pix.ie

F1 in Schools™ is a global competition that challenges secondary school students to design, build and race model CO2-powered Formula 1 cars of the future. Introduced to Ireland in 2005 by the Irish Computer Society, the F1 in Schools™ Challenge powered in Ireland by Honda is in response to a recognised skills shortage in the Computing field, with technology courses having experienced a significant decline in CAO applications over the past seven years.

The F1 in Schools™ Challenge has gone a long way towards correcting inaccurate perceptions of technology by creating a practical and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in this sector. There is now an indication that the decline in applications has been reversed with many colleges, including Dublin City University, reporting increases in intake of 60% and more including 45 students in the new B.Sc. in Enterprise Computing degree. The Challenge is also the perfect preparation for the new t4 Technology Subjects which are now being offered at Leaving Certificate level in Irish secondary schools.

The real life Formula One car gave the students a great idea of what their own model cars could look like if they were made to the full scale. The RA108 car is a different concept to its predecessors, in terms of its aerodynamic layout and mechanical structure. The design philosophy has been developed to allow greater scope for aerodynamic packaging and exploitation, particularly to facilitate the introduction of performance upgrades through the season.

The competition’s strong emphasis on the use of technology throughout the project – from the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software in the design and build of the cars, to PowerPoint presentations, project and financial management tools, and digital imaging – has given students a true sense of the broad range of exciting, rewarding career opportunities that computing offers. Participants appreciate how technology is essential right throughout the activities of a business and are encouraged to think of novel ways of applying the latest technologies.

Speaking at the F1 in Schools™ launch, Minister O’Keeffe highlighted the importance of promoting careers in technology and science:

"As we build the knowledge economy and produce more and more graduates in science and technology, it is vital that we produce sufficient numbers of workers with advanced technical skills. The F1 in Schools Challenge can help to encourage the uptake of the new Leaving Cert technology subjects. Already, we have reformed the Junior Certificate science curriculum, encouraging a more hands-on investigative approach, and we intend to build on these reforms into the senior cycle. My hope is that the innovative approach inherent in the F1 in Schools Challenge will further stimulate students' interest in science and technology and give them a practical insight into some of the varied and exciting career and third-level course options available in the sector."

Tom Rowan, Assistant National Coordinator with t4, the Technology Subjects Support Service, has added his support to the competition. Rowan comments:

"The integration of communication, problem solving and practical skills in the Leaving Certificate technology subjects, which lead to a sense of competence and a feeling of personal empowerment for students, is complemented by projects such as the F1 in Schools™ Challenge."

For junior cycle students the competition offers a fun and exciting introduction to many of the skills they could choose to develop at Leaving Cert level, while senior cycle students will have an opportunity to practice those skills in an integrated and challenging manner.

Jim Friars, CEO of the Irish Computer Society, explains that the initiative is unique in Ireland:

"F1 in Schools™ gives students the opportunity to actively participate in an end-to-end project that sees their ideas develop from concept, CAD, manufacturing and testing stages through to racing and judging.” Friars continues: "The competition replicates the Formula One experience by incorporating aspects of project management, communication, marketing, sponsorship and software development into the mix."

Frank Kennedy, Sales and Marketing Director of Platinum Sponsors Universal Honda, believes that, from a corporate perspective, it is very rewarding to be involved in a project that promotes learning in such a fun and relevant manner:

"Honda has always been at the forefront of technological advances and this sponsorship allows us to bring that experience to schools around Ireland."

Last year more than 120 school teams competed at regional and national finals, where they were judged on a range of criteria including speed, design, engineering quality, and the school team’s full project presentation. The 2008 Irish champions, team Koni Kats from St David’s Secondary School in Greystones, will travel to London for the World Championships, and compete against teams from all over the world, in spring 2009.

F1 in Schools on TV3 Ireland AM

noreply@blogger.com (Brendan) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:58:00 +0000

Gillan Farrar of the Irish Computer Society with Team Koni Kats members Eoin O'Connell, Sean Clery and Conor Daly.

As featured on TV3 Ireland AM (21/04/2008). More videos here.

Nintendo Wii Competition Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Congratulations to Sam Torsey of Terenure College, Dublin 6W, the lucky winner in our competition to win a Nintendo Wii.

A big 'thank you' from the F1 in Schools team at ICS to everyone who entered our competition from the many schools all over Ireland.

Cool video from St. Cecilia's College, Derry

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:02:00 +0000

Check it out, it was the winner in the pilot of the GT category in UK in 2007 and was recently posted on YouTube:

UK students visit F1 headquarters

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:57:00 +0000

F1 in Schools World Champions given exclusive tour of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 headquarters

An invitation to take a look at the winning secrets behind Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen's success was an offer that couldn't be refused by a group of students from Plymouth. The F1 in Schools Technology Challenge World Champions, Team Pulse, from Devonport High School, were given an exclusive tour of the headquarters of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team, with the students gaining a unique insight into what it takes to win in Formula One. More details here

F1 in Schools World Champions Live Life in the Fast Lane

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:23:00 +0000

The World Champions of the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge, Team Pulse from Devonport High School in Plymouth, lived life in the fast lane last week, with the students enjoying three unique occasions – being given a VIP tour of the House of Commons, meeting HRH Prince Andrew in St. James’s Palace at a UK Trade and Investment event, and visiting the British Grand Prix with a tour of the BMW F1 Team garage.

The team of Plymouth students: of John Ware (16), Sam Wood (15), Andrew Lees (16) and Tom Simpson (17) won the F1 in Schools World Championship in Malaysia earlier this year and since that time have enjoyed a high profile, with media interviews and local dignitaries visiting their school. However the highlight of their year so far came this week.

Their ‘week to remember’ began on Thursday morning with a tour of the House of Commons, courtesy of the school’s local MP, Linda Gilroy. In the evening Pulse were to be found racing along the corridors of St. James’s Palace, showing HRH Prince Andrew, Trade & Investment Minister Lord Digby Jones their winning race car and its speed.

Capping off the week, the team attended the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The Team who were crowned World Champions earlier this year, were invited along to witness the atmosphere in the F1 paddock, watching Lewis Hamilton and his rivals preparing to race. The students were also given a tour of the BMW Sauber F1 team garage by the team’s test driver, Christian Klien.

Speaking of their memorable week, Team manager John Ware commented, “We’ve had a great time over the last few days. It’s been non-stop for us, but we’ve loved every minute of it. We’re very privileged to have met so many famous people, including royalty, visiting a palace in London, and then a different sort at Silverstone – the BMW garage was definitely a motor racing palace! We were treated like royalty there as well, so it was excellent. We’re also going to visit another award-winning venue, which is the McLaren Technology Centre. We’ve been invited to go there next Thursday and we’re really looking forward to that, especially to see the engineering department – and hopefully to see Lewis’s race winning car!”

Founder of the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge Andrew Denford commented, “The weekend has been a fantastic opportunity for the students to witness Formula One up close. They had unrivalled access to the teams, garages and Formula One paddock hospitality, and spent time talking to some very influential people. I would like to thank Bernie Ecclestone and Silverstone for making us so welcome. It gives our students a real insight into the heights that can be achieved with an engineering education and is very inspirational.”

F1 in Schools is a global multi-disciplinary challenge for students aged from 9-18 to use CAD/CAM software to design, analyse, manufacture, test and race their miniature F1 car made from balsa wood and powered by compressed air cylinders. Working in teams of between three and six, the students prepare a business plan, develop a budget and raise sponsorship as well as designing and racing their car. The challenge inspires students to learn about science, maths, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.

F1 in Schools - Star studded week for World Champions

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:11:00 +0000

It's a star studded week for winning Plymouth students : - The 2008 F1 in Schools World Champions, Team Pulse from Devonport High School for Boys, Plymouth, will be rubbing shoulders with royalty, VIPs, government personnel and Formula One drivers this week, with their international success bringing the students a host of prestigious, ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities. More details here

Trip to Honda F1 Operations Centre-some words from the team

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Our visit to the Honda Formula 1 centre- Koni Kats

The team arrived sleepily at Dublin Airport after a very early start! We met up with Gillian, Neil, Michael and Sarah at the check in desk where we were given our boarding passes for our flights.
We were then picked up in two of Honda’s courtesy cars and driven to the Honda centre in Brackley, an hour outside London City.

When we arrived at Honda, we were given a lovely complementary breakfast in the breathtaking surroundings of their brand new Formula 1 museum. Formula 1 cars, Racing Suits and Engines surrounded us! After breakfast we were given an insight into Honda’s international marketing exploits by Paul Nowers. We were also given a simple guide to the world of Formula 1 and what’s involved week in week out to make a successful team and car.

We were then greeted by our tour guide, Donna, who took us on a tour of the top secret Honda Factory. We were given a first hand view of the different steps involved in designing, testing and manufacturing a Formula 1 car. Our Tour included seeing the manufacture of car parts including the amazing carbon fibre lab where we were given samples of carbon fibre to hold and stretch! We were also lucky enough to see both Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing of car parts.

After lunch, Peter Hodgkinson, Honda’s chief of operations, talked us through the breakdown of a Formula 1 car. We were then given the opportunity to ask him questions on the car itself.
We were then lucky enough to see Honda’s brand new wind tunnel as the technicians tested a scale formula 1 car at 180 miles per hour!

For the last half hour we had the privilege of talking to an aerodynamicist about our F1 in Schools car and how to improve its design. He gave us lots of ideas and we have been working on these ideas ever since!

We flew home at 7.30 and arrived home in Dublin at 9. It was a long day but a great experience overall which we a lot learned from. This trip will definitely help our World Title Bid!

All F1 in Schools Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:50:00 +0000

All photos taken at F1 in Schools Regionals and National finals are available on Flickr at: www.flickr.com/photos/ics

Koni Kats visit Honda F1 HQ

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Yesterday we headed off to Honda F1 Racing HQ in Brackley, UK for a tour of the factory. It was great, the lads got to see how an F1 car is manufactured and have an exclusive 20 minutes chat with an Aero dynamist on the different aspects of their car.

The lads are putting together a bit of a write up on their experience so we will have that up here soon.

F1 in Schools - lives on!

noreply@blogger.com (Gillian) — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Just got off the phone to one of the teachers who participated in F1 in Schools this year and delighted to hear that feedback from his students and parents was that F1 had made their transition year. Thats great news and what we like to hear!