Wednesday 15th May 2024
For almost a decade, Year 6 students at the Junior School have been gearing up for the annual Go Kart project, an exciting program designed to ignite their passion for engineering. This unique initiative takes students on a thrilling ride, from disassembling and reassembling the karts to putting them to the test on race day!
Students participate in time trials and exhilarating team relays, pushing their karts and their teamwork to the limit. The students also form teams and brainstorm ideas for their kart aesthetics. Channelling their inner entrepreneurs, they then pitch their designs in a "Dragons' Den’s" style presentation to their classmates. The winning design has the ultimate honour of transforming the kart!
Adding an eco-friendly twist, the program utilizes battery-powered Go Karts from Greenpower, promoting a green focus. This theme extends beyond electric engines, as students are challenged to incorporate eco-conscious elements when choosing logos, team names, and overall design.
The project receives an extra boost thanks to a fantastic partnership with Perkins in Peterborough. Over the past two years, Perkins has generously sent a team of 12 engineers to SJS. These dedicated professionals not only assist students in assembling the karts, but also provide valuable lessons in using tools and understanding the world of electrics. Most importantly, they offer first-hand insights into the exciting world of engineering careers, potentially sparking a lifelong passion in these young minds.