Over the passed academic year, six S6 pupils from Park Mains High School have worked hard to compete in the Land Rover 4×4 in schools Challenge Regional finals. The road to the competition for the group was bumpy to say the least; their Technical teacher taking charge of their group suffered a horrible hill walking accident, resulting in his long-term absence. The team have had to work themselves to build a radio controlled four-wheel drive (4×4) vehicle. They have designed and manufactured their vehicle altering the vehicle body, vehicle chassis and all the vehicle electrics themselves. They have developed their own brand identity, naming their team and car ‘Wild Alba’. They have also worked extensively to seek sponsorship for all their funding for their project from local businesses wishing to help on their endeavour.
Competition day was an exciting experience for the whole team. The Scottish Regional finals were held at Inveralmond Academy in Livingston on the 22nd of February 2018. Fourteen other schools from around Scotland had travelled to take part in this event. The team were put through a variety of challenges; from giving a presentation to a panel of 3 judges, having the car scrutinized by competition officials and then driving their car over the fantastic obstacle course. The team’s hard work, dedication and passion for engineering shined through to the judges who were very impressed and interested in their design and engineering ideas. Wild Alba are now through to the UK finals at Jaguar Land Rover HQ and they came 2nd overall in the competition. They also won the best Innovative Design in the Scottish heat.
The team and school are delighted with their achievements and are now working extensively to prepare for the National finals held on the 22nd and 23rd of March in the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, England. This will involve the pupils travelling down to Gaydon and staying in a hotel for the two days of the final stages. The pupils will have expenses for travel, accommodation and food costs for this. If anyone could assist in supporting the pupils with these costs with sponsorship or have contacts to subsidise the travel and accommodation, the pupils would very much appreciate the support. Please contact Miss Marshall or Miss Madigan if anyone can support the pupils with their costs.
Well done to all staff and pupils involved and good luck in the final.
