Students from an Edinburgh high school have been representing their country for the past few days at the World Finals of F1 in Schools in Austin, Texas. Pupils from Craigroyston Community High School, whose hard work and effort has gone into their team, STG Racing, won their place at the World Finals after being the best placed Scottish team at the F1 in Schools UK National Finals earlier this year.
The team comprises of Ciaran Harrison (13), Joe Dudgeon (16), Stephen Ramsay (16), Tommy Paget (17), Gavin Singleton (18) and is supported by staff members Carrie Anderson and George Thomson. Their dedication and ability to work together has reaped them the fantastic reward of representing Edinburgh and Scotland on the world stage, as well as the exciting experience of travelling to Austin to compete. The students will also have the incredible opportunity to attend the United States Grand Prix this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, where they will experience first-hand the thrill of Formula One up close.
Head Teacher, Mr Stephen Ross stated:- “This is a fantastic achievement for our pupils, as they not only had to design and build a winning vehicle, they had to produce a business plan, fund raise the money to build the racing cars and organise transport to the USA and accommodation while in Texas. Joe Dudgeon, the business manager for the team, was instrumental in spearheading the efforts to raise the money needed by obtaining sponsorship from local businesses, Edinburgh Council and the school. The boys have learnt and developed so many skills that will stand them in good stead in the future.”
F1 in Schools is an international competition for school children (aged 9–19), in which groups of 3 – 6 students have to design and manufacture a miniature car made from balsa wood which is powered by CO2 cartridges. The competition encourages team work and innovation, and is active in 36 countries across the world where 9 million students competed to win a place at the finals. After two and a half days of intense competition, where the contestants faced different trials and challenges, the awards ceremony was held last night, where Australian team A1 Racing were crowned 2013 world champions.
More information about the event can be found on the website.
