IET Faraday Challenge

Tuesday 19 March saw 6 Wiltshire schools take part in the regional finals of the IET Faraday Challenge, which aims to inspire students to consider a career in engineering, plus help to develop their design and practical skills, such as team-working, problem-solving, creative thinking, budgeting and presenting.

Teams were required to design and build a prototype of a product which contained mechanical and/or electrical components.  During the presentation, Rhona Phelps, of Graphic Science, questioned each team on their design; she asked them about their challenges and how they overcame them? What modifications they made? and if they had more time and money, what would they have done differently?

The St John’s team designed a motor for wheelchairs, so that a manual wheelchair could be  converted quickly and cheaply into an electric one.  Rhona praised the team, saying that she “really liked the concept” and that it involved some “great engineering.”   Unfortunately, they were just pipped to the post by the team from St Mary’s School, Calne, who utilised their budgeting and paperwork skills to greater effect.

Stanley found the day “really enjoyable and a good experience if you like creating things.” Whilst Harry said that it was a “great opportunity for school to take part in” and that it was a “great day to help if you want to understand a career pathway in engineering.”

Well done St John’s! We are incredibly proud of you and your innovative design product.