FORMULA REPTON

Formula Repton is a brand new society that provides us with the opportunity to develop our science, technology, engineering and maths knowledge and skills outside of the classroom, initially by designing, building and racing an electric car for Greenpower. In the growing age of STEM and F1 popularity, under the watchful eye of Doc I and Miss Hill, our weekly Friday meetings have attracted STEM enthusiasts from every year group across the School. One of the unique parts of Greenpower is its student-led ethos. Pupils take charge of the Junior and Senior teams and, with limited teacher intervention, Juniors were tasked with assembling and designing the bodywork of a kit car, and the Seniors to produce one from entirely from scratch.

Initially the task was daunting. Junior iterations of Greenpower competitions at Repton Prep had done little to prepare us for the minefield of aerodynamics, marketing, transport, and logistics that needed to be considered before we could ‘get racing’. Over the course of year, amid lighthearted teasing about individual F1 loyalties, we explored various aspects of this project. This required teamwork, dedication and communication to ensure the build was progressing well and that we completed the tasks in the right order. It didn’t always go to plan, though! Several times we had to restart tasks, but this was an important part of the process and our learning curve.

We worked on our marketing: designing logos and securing sponsorship from Gibson Tech (the engine supplier of prestigious Le Mans Cars). We also developed the scratch car’s aerodynamics, ordering materials after receiving excellent advice from Mr Chapman and connecting with an OR now working at Alpine F1 team. The garage at the front of the Science Priory became a hub of activity, and team members summarised a year’s work during a science conference with Toyota Nishi School in Japan.

But perhaps one of the most pleasing things to see was the growing enthusiasm for hands-on STEM projects. Regardless of year group, there was a great sense of teamwork and the excitement for the studentled project was contagious. The Upper Sixth leave the team in good hands, and I am sure that Formula Repton will only go from strength to strength in years to come.