Students rev up to take F1 schools flag

The world of Formula One might seem to be all fast cars and high-profile drivers, but supporting them are teams featuring some of the world’s most intelligent designers, engineers, mechanics and strategists.

Now, a small group of Newton Moore Senior High School students are pushing their case for a career in the industry, taking out the State title of the Formula One in Schools competition.

Year 10 students Joshua Clayton, Anand Purnanand, Cameron Stathy, James Pearson and Joshua Francis designed and 3D printed a small car, powered by Co2 cannisters.

“This is the first time Newton Moore Senior High School has had a class win a State competition,” head of science Lorraine Ellis said.

“This year’s competition was held virtually so we sent our car over to Sydney to be raced.

“The program involves making miniature Formula One cars with designers, manufacturers and graphic designers, which are all STEM-related careers.

“We have graphics, marketing and management involved too, as it is an enterprise-based program as well as an engineering program.

The NMSHS team, known as PowerCurve, will now compete in the national finals in Melbourne next year, with its car to be raced alongside the best from other States on a 20m track.

The project was sponsored by Qube Ports and Bulk, Piacentini and Sons and Diamond Bay Motor Sports.