LAST week Sir Charles Kao UTC were visited by the Bloodhound team, to launch them as a bloodhound hub for the micro:bit Model Rocket Car competition.

The competition is led by the team who are building the Bloodhound project. The project aspires to break the 1000mph barrier and set a new world land speed record. As a result of the micro:bit model rocket car competition, they aim to inspire more young people into careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The aim of the competition is for students to build foam model rocket cars using the BBC micro:bit. As a hub, Sir Charles Kao UTC will host race days, training and distribute free kits to participating schools in the local area.

Bloodhound visited to train staff at the UTC and other local schools in running competitions. A group of students helped with the day, building their own kits and participating in a mock-race day. The winners of the mock-race were Jordana Palmer and Bethany Griffiths, who joined the UTC in year 10 earlier this month.

Principal Mike McKeaveney said

“Our primary focus is to ensure that we have a wealth of young people entering STEM careers. Projects like this continue to inspire our students and in addition, support our unique curriculum. I look forward to seeing other local schools compete in the future.”

To participate in the competition, schools need to go to www.microbitmodelrocketcar.com and order their kit. They can enter as many teams as possible and the top two teams have a chance of winning an all-inclusive trip to South Africa for a week with the Bloodhound Race team.