Maidenhead school students continue project constructing full-size electric race car

Students at a secondary school in Maidenhead are constructing a full-sized electric race car, designed for a child to be able to sit in and drive.

The project by year seven students at Desborough College started in September and looks to provide a scientific enrichment activity to develop practical skills and teamwork.

It sees students in the Greenpower Electric Car Club follow instructions to build an electric car from a kit, suited to a child aged 10 to 11-years-old, with the option of racing the completed car at national events.

Charity Greenpower, which encourages enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through motorsport, supplies the car kits and organises the races.

The club has been meeting to progress the build, and last month they encountered an ‘unexpected design challenge typical of real-world engineering’.

During the session, students found that different bolt and nut sizes were needed to move to the next phase of the build.

The issue sparked discussions about problem-solving, parts specifications and the importance of being precise in design technology and engineering.

The club meets every other Wednesday.

The project is part of the school’s commitment to developing technical skills and inspiring future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Following the completion of the build, the school will be testing the car in the playground area and giving students driver training and experience.

The school would then be looking to try and attend a race meeting next summer.

Andy Murdoch, headteacher at Desborough College, said: “It is wonderful to see our Greenpower Club bringing engineering to life in such a meaningful and hands-on way.

“Experiences like this show our students the exciting possibilities that STEM subjects can open up and help build the confidence and curiosity that will take them far.

“It’s fantastic to see our Year 7s so engaged and eager to push their learning further with every session.”

Antonia Spinks, CEO of Pioneer Educational Trust, said: “Projects like Greenpower play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and innovators.

“It is fantastic to see Desborough College students embracing this challenge with such energy and commitment.

“Their enthusiasm is a credit to the school and a reflection of the transformative learning experiences we aim to deliver across the trust.”