The Formula One in Schools STEM Challenge is the world’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) student competition with competitors from 17,000 schools and 44 countries. 

‘Supersonic Racing’ a team of four Joseph Banks Secondary College students are currently Western Australian champions of 2020 and will represent Joseph Banks Secondary College and Western Australia at the 2021 F1 in Schools STEM Challenge National Finals in April.   

At Joseph Banks Secondary College, students who choose the F1 in Schools course learn the skills involved in engineering and designing a small Formula One model race using Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software. They learn how to test their designs with Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) testing to see how aerodynamic their design is. 

Students then form teams to manufacture their car on a CNC router, paint it, assemble and race it against other schools. The cars are powered by c02 canisters and race down a 20 metre track. Additionally, students take on the roles of a real life F1 race team. They design a team uniform and logo, promote their team brand and take on real life racing team roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, public relations and marketing manager, sponsorship manager and graphic designer.  

In the State Finals of the F1 in Schools STEM Challenge, Joseph Banks student teams race against other schools. Additionally, during the finals, the teams are involved with scrutineering of our designs by engineering judges, conduct an oral presentation and set up a team ‘pit display’ (trade booth display), an exhibition styled trade booth that showcases the team’s car, team identity and industry partners and sponsors. 

Joseph Banks Secondary College is proud of all of the F1 in Schools teams that have represented the College since 2017 and are right behind Supersonic Racing as they strive to become Champions of Australia.