We are always looking for ways to support the communities we serve - especially when it involves inspiring the next generation of engineers and environmentalists. We are thrilled to announce that we’ve sponsored Snodland Church of England Primary School’s F1 Club as they gear up for the STEM in Racing National Competition and beyond.
Fuelling ambition and innovation
The school’s F1 Club isn’t just about racing; it’s about applying Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) to real-world challenges. Our sponsorship is helping to bridge the gap between the classroom and the racetrack by funding vital registration fees, materials for car builds, and transport costs to get the teams to the finish line.
We’re cheering on two dedicated teams:
- Black Thunder: A powerhouse of four students from Years 5 and 6.
- Air Force 4: A talented group of six students from Years 4 and 5.
For these students, the club is a launchpad. Whether they are continuing their journey at Snodland next year or heading off to secondary school, the skills they are learning now are setting the stage for future careers in STEM.
More than just racing: the AquaSmart connection
The partnership goes deeper than a logo on a car. Snodland Primary is now officially integrating our AquaSmart education programme into its curriculum. By including AquaSmart in their project portfolios, the students are directly linking their technical work to water efficiency and environmental stewardship.
To kick things off, our very own Tom visited the school to deliver an engaging talk on why water conservation is the ultimate "win" for the planet. The children were put to the test, guessing how many litres of water are used during a typical shower and how much the average person consumes in a day. It was a fantastic way to show that while speed matters on the track, "slow and steady" wins the race when it comes to preserving our water resources.
Two students even had the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills to the test by sharing some top water-saving tips in the school’s weekly newsletter.
How did the teams do?
Excitement was in the air as the teams prepared for the big stage. The STEM in Racing National Competition took place on Tuesday 24th March in front of a capacity crowd in London.
The two teams faced off against 70 other teams representing schools from other parts of the UK and battled through some difficult races. In the end, Black Thunder finished 12th, less than a tenth of a second off first place and Air Force 4 finished 29th, just over two tenths of a second off first place.
Across both of the teams, the children were nominated for three awards (including Best Portfolio and Best Team Identity), before Air Force 4 won the Best Engineered car out of all the teams in the United Kingdom.
We are incredibly proud of these young innovators and look forward to following their journey.
"We are extremely grateful for this sponsorship, which has enabled our children to progress to the National STEM in Racing Competition. The support from South East Water plays a significant role in making this possible. Thank you again for all your support - we cannot run this without yourselves and provide these amazing opportunities."
Lisa Higgins, Head Teacher - Snodland Church of England Primary School