Competition Heats Up as Schools Marine Challenge Race Day Approaches 1st July 2008
The Schools Marine Challenge race day is nearly upon us, with entrants making final changes to their craft. Students from schools across the South East have spent many hours in the workshop honing their marine design and engineering skills to develop a winning entry. In fact some schools are taking Schools Marine Challenge a step further and have included it within their curriculum work.
At Leigh Academy in Kent, for example, the whole class has made over 20 solar boats. Pupils have worked in pairs to race the solar boats at school. The construction of the solar boats, combined with the internal races, has been used as part of their fulfilment of the national curriculum. Schools Marine Challenge plays a pivotal role in linking schools, curriculum and the marine industry.
Recently, the Schools Marine Challenge has been integrated into the BTEC Vocational 1st Diploma Engineering, Unit 10: using CAD Drawings. Many schools have welcomed the new engineering diploma and competitions which link with industry also help to drive skills development across the South East. Schools Marine Challenge is also of advantage to schools as it makes engineering popular for pupils whilst giving a mapped programme for staff. It provides a wealth of resourced opportunities for pupils to investigate in a dynamic field, leading to coverage of all aspects of the vocational curriculum.
Schools Marine Challenge would not be the success it is today without the ongoing support of the marine business community. Please come along on Race Day 2008 to see how your company can make a difference, and to support our schools. Sponsorship opportunities are still available so please contact David Rea either by calling 02380 111 597 or email david@marinesoutheast.co.uk .
Remember, Race Day 2008 is on Tuesday 1st July at Southwater Water Sports Centre. Schools Marine Challenge is organised by the British Marine Federation and Marine South East
Send this story to a colleague
