Minister for Education & Skills launches F1 in Schools 2010/2011

The Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills, Mary Coughlan TD, met today with the 2010 National F1 in Schools Champions, Govannan Racing from Dundalk Grammar School, Co. Louth to launch the 2010/2011 season of the F1 in Schools Technology Challenge powered in Ireland by the Irish Computer Society and supported by Discover Science & Engineering.

Students are now able to register online at www.F1inSchools.ie until the 19th November 2010.

F1 in Schools is a global competition that challenges students to design, build and race model Formula 1 cars powered by compressed air canisters. The F1 in Schools Challenge is a response to a recognised skills shortage in computing and engineering, with technology courses having experienced a significant decline in CAO applications over the past seven years. 

Speaking at the F1 in Schools launch, the Tánaiste highlighted the importance of promoting careers in technology and science, 'as we build the knowledge economy and encourage more school-leavers and college graduates to opt for programmes in science, technology and engineering, it’s vital that we stimulate an interest in these areas at school level.' She continued, 'the F1 in Schools Challenge will help to encourage the uptake of subjects that will drive growth in these key sectors of the knowledge economy.'

The competition’s strong emphasis on the use of technology throughout the project – from the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software in the design and build of the cars, to project and financial management tools, and digital imaging has given students a true sense of the broad range of exciting, rewarding career opportunities that computing offers. Participants appreciate how technology is essential throughout all activities of a business and are encouraged to think of novel ways of applying the latest technologies. 

'My hope is that the innovative approach inherent in the F1 in Schools Challenge will focus students’ minds on choosing careers in science, technology and engineering,' stated the Tánaiste.

Jim Friars, CEO of the Irish Computer Society, expressed his enthusiasm for the not for profit competition, 'it has been a wonderful experience to watch this competition and its students progress from year to year. New ideas and technologies are being explored each and every year by the students, allowing them to use their creativity in a team based project. Following the competition, 76% of students who took part felt that they were more interested in technology than they had been before they started the competition. F1 in Schools shows students how technology can be fascinating and fun.'

Teams wishing to experience the thrills of the competition can now register for the 2010/2011 F1 in Schools™ race season at www.F1inSchools.ie.