Turriff Academy pupils in pole position with F1 in Schools

Turriff Academy has launched its F1 in Schools competition after receiving funding from Moray East offshore wind farm, operated by Ocean Winds, one of Scotland’s leading offshore wind companies.

The F1 in Schools competition sees pupils design, make, and race miniature F1 cars. Teams are then assessed across areas including car speed, engineering quality, and the team’s presentation skills.

Turriff Academy is one of only two design, test, make and race centres in the UK for the international challenge – the other being the City of London University.

Leading the project is, Faculty Principal Teacher Scott Hunter, who said: “This is a fantastic competition which allows our pupils to showcase their skills not only in design and engineering but in everything it takes to create an F1 team, such as gaining sponsorship, marketing and presentation skills.

“It was brilliant to see their enthusiasm for the different elements of the competition and we’re all looking forward to the Scottish Championships.”

Turriff Academy created 12 teams and each raced along a 20 metre bespoke track. 

The top teams from the competition will now progress to the Scottish Championships later in November. Success there will result in competing in the UK and, potentially, world finals.

Gary McGougan, Senior O&M Manager with Ocean Winds said: “It’s great to see one of our local high schools giving so much commitment to this STEM programme and we’re delighted to have supported the funding to help these students engage in STEM subjects in a demanding but fun way.

"In Ocean Winds we are really keen to help students engage with STEM and the varied careers in our offshore wind sector, including at the Fraserburgh operations base.”