Educating pupils through practical and and engaging projects.

Background

Lindley Junior School, in Huddersfield, has been actively involved with STEM  Racing (formerly F1 in Schools) for many years, building the initiative into its curriculum to educate its pupils through practical and engaging projects.

Denford Equipment at Lindley Junior School

The School uses Denford’s 10-meter air pump track, specifically designed for the Primary STEM Project, and the STEM Racing Race System complete with track, LED lights and sensors. Although older, the School’s CO2-powered track still functions efficiently, demonstrating the high quality of Denford’s equipment. 

Matthew Bottom, Educational Visits Coordinator, comments, “The equipment is easy to use and well-supported, with Denford offering ongoing maintenance and opportunities for the School to experience newer technologies. The pupils love using the STEM Racing equipment in school”.

Integration of the F1 in Schools Programme

The School originally participated in the F1 in Schools initiative using balsa wood cars crafted with a router. After a brief hiatus, the School re-engaged with the program, adopting the paper car designs introduced to lower barriers to entry. Their renewed involvement began approximately six years ago when Denford reached out as part of a promotion for participation in underrepresented areas like West Yorkshire.

Since then, the school has embraced both the Primary STEM Challenge for Year 5 and the Primary STEM Project for Year 4, embedding the initiative within the academic framework to build continuity and progression across year groups. Pupils are then selected to represent the School at regional finals.

Impact on Students

The program has significantly raised the profile of STEM at Lindley Junior School. Through the initiative, students have gained valuable engineering and design skills while enhancing life skills such as teamwork, communication, and computer literacy. The collaborative nature of the projects has been especially beneficial in rebuilding teamwork skills among students, which had diminished during the pandemic.

Competitions, including regional and national finals, offer students unique opportunities to showcase their work, interact with professionals, and explore career pathways in STEM industries. Judges and program organisers provide a supportive environment that boosts students' confidence and enthusiasm. The hands-on experience provided by Denford machines and the F1 in Schools initiative has had a transformative effect on students. These programs:

Promoting STEM and Diversity

The F1 in Schools initiative has served as a powerful tool to increase interest and diversity in STEM subjects. 

Lara Hill, Science & DT Lead, comments: “By following a continuous theme of car design across year groups, the program enables students to develop and build upon their knowledge year after year. This systematic approach aligns with the School’s vision of providing transferable skills that benefit both future careers and daily life”.

Collaborations and Global Connections

Lindley Junior School has also engaged in international collaboration through an introduction from Denford, working with the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) in South Africa. 

The two Schools shared experiences and ideas through virtual meetings, with Lindley’s students showcasing their designs and strategies to KYP’s participants. This exchange has fostered cultural and educational connections, highlighting the universal appeal and potential of the F1 in Schools program.

Conclusion

Lindley Junior School’s partnership with Denford and participation in the F1 in Schools initiative has transformed STEM education within the institution. 

By providing students with technical and life skills, promoting teamwork, and establishing global connections, the School sets a remarkable example of how practical, innovative projects can inspire the next generation of engineers, designers, and problem-solvers.