Three students from Holy Spirit College (HSC) are gearing up to compete in the REA Formula 1 (F1) in Schools National Competition in Penrith in March 2023 following success in the recent State Finals.
F1 in Schools mimics the world of a Formula One team with groups of students following a pathway of engineering manufacturing disciplines to develop the world’s fastest miniature F1 car.
From Monday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 2, two teams from Holy Spirit College competed in the REA F1 in Schools State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.
Team Syphons, comprising of year 10 students Lucas Clelland, Luke Eldridge and Tyler Smith, placed first in the Professional Class – Secondary Senior and qualified for Nationals next year.
Syphons Team Manager Luke Eldridge said F1 has opened up plenty of opportunities for him and his teammates.
“What I really enjoy about the competition is the fact that you can meet people with the same interests in the same area,” he said.
“It’s exciting but there’s definitely a lot of hard work that’s going in.
“We’re hoping to get the most out of what we’ve learnt this year and previous years and really put that all together to get the best experience possible at Nationals.”
Syphons teammate Lucan Clelland said the opportunity has given the team a set of highly desirable and transferable skills.
“Although it is a very educational experience, it is also a highly rewarding and a positive chance to get a glimpse into other schools across the state and the nation, building friendships and having a great time whilst competing.,” he said.
Year 8 students Riley Barretta, Hayden Blines and Henry Lawrence competed for the first time as Team Speed of Light (SOL), finishing fourth and achieving the Chair of Judges Recognition of Achievement for Development Class – Secondary.
Team SOL Chief Marketing Manager Hayden Blines said they learnt a lot from the experience and have high hopes for the future.
“Next year we’re aiming for nationals just like the older boys,” he said.
“We did really well at states, but we’ve just got to improve a few things.
“(Team Syphons) have really shown us the way to do things, especially with sponsors and marketing.
“Most of our team members are aspiring engineers and the STEM field is amazing, there’s plenty of opportunities.”
Peter Mallet, HSC Design & Technologies Teacher, said the school is proud of both teams.
“There is so much more to F1 in Schools than just designing and racing a miniature car and these students have worked so hard to achieve this success,” he said.
“We wish Syphons all the best as they progress to the National Finals.”
Holy Spirit College has been competing in the F1 in Schools Challenge since 2016 and students have now progressed through to National Finals two years in a row.
Team Syphons L-R Tyler Smith, Luke Eldridge and Lucas Clelland with their F1 car
First time competitors Team SOL L-R Hayden Blines, Henry Lawrence and Riley Barretta. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
