Bloodhound Project puts Students in the Fast Lane

School pupils are set to develop their thirst for knowledge by participating in an exciting education challenge.

The BLOODHOUND SSC initiative targets schools up and down the country and a new education project was launched locally at South Cheshire College this week.

High-flying pupils from high schools in the area will work in teams and go full throttle to create a vehicle which runs on four wheels and moves unaided for 15 metres without the use of fuel.

They will then calculate vehicle thrust times and show them off at a grand final in June along with portfolios and presentations which outline the thinking behind their designs.

The BLOODHOUND SSC Project is Britain’s latest attempt on the World Land Speed Record with a car capable of 1,000mph.

Its educational arm aims to bring a wide range of subjects to life and encourages young people to use different activities, curriculum resources and data.

The project also aims to inspire future generations to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics by showcasing these subjects in the most exciting way possible in schools, colleges and universities.

BLOODHOUND Ambassador John Wood officially kicked off the latest education project at the College’s Dane Bank Avenue campus on Wednesday 23rd January.

John, pictured below with some of the students, said: “This is another exciting education project for pupils in South Cheshire to get stuck into and hopefully it will inspire them and help to develop their Maths and Science skills.”

The BLOODHOUND SSC Education Programme is supported by the Department for Education and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is endorsed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).

Schools taking part include King’s Grove High School, Congleton High School, St Thomas More High School, Shavington High School and Ruskin Sports College.

Natalie Godwin, an Advanced Skills (AST) and Maths Teacher at King’s Grove High School is helping to co-ordinate the project.

South Cheshire College students worked with school pupils to participate in a previous Bloodhound Project last year and designs for this latest project will be judged by college Science lecturer Neil Hewitt at the June final.

Linda Buchanan, Progression Co-ordinator at South Cheshire College, said: “We are delighted to be launching this latest Bloodhound SCC interschool competition at South Cheshire College.

“The project gives school pupils the opportunity to gain valuable experience in applying Science and Maths knowledge to a practical task.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing the final designs in action and the presentations in June when the winners will be announced.”

To find out more about Science and Maths courses at South Cheshire College, please call 01270 654654 or visit
www.s-cheshire.ac.uk