Our eagerly anticipated Design and Technology trip to Silverstone Race Track, marking the "kick-off" for our R12 F1 in Schools Entry Class competition, took place on Tuesday, 8th October. The excitement was palpable as we departed from school, and all seemed to be going smoothly until we encountered an unexpected delay. Due to an accident that blocked the carriageway, our bus remained stationary on the M4 for an hour.

Despite the setback, the pupils made the most of their time, enjoying their lunches, singing, and playing games. There was a brief moment of concern that we might have to turn around and head home if the delay continued, but fortunately, that wasn’t the case. After a long and somewhat eventful journey, we arrived at Silverstone, where the wonderful staff at the museum were ready to greet us with a tailored workshop.

The pupils dove right into learning about various aspects of Formula 1 technology. They had the chance to explore a real race suit — Lance Stroll’s, no less — and learn about the intricacies of the steering wheel and the evolution of race helmets. They even got hands-on experience carrying tyres and examining disc brakes, as well as part of the carbon fibre casing of a fuel system.

Following an engaging lecture from one of the museum’s knowledgeable volunteers, the pupils explored the museum itself. They started with a thrilling entrance video that showcased the history of the Silverstone track before immersing themselves in the interactive exhibits, which detailed the engineering and design behind F1 cars.

The day concluded with an unforgettable experience: the "Ultimate Lap." Pupils were prepped as “rookie” racers before taking their seats for a high-speed virtual lap of Silverstone. The G-force simulation was exhilarating, leaving everyone feeling like real racing drivers!

As we headed back to the bus, the students were buzzing with ideas and inspiration for the upcoming F1 in Schools competition. They’re now even more excited about what they’ll accomplish in the months ahead.