STEM 

F1 in Schools STEM Challenge 

We're very excited to welcome the return of the F1 in Schools Challenge to St Bede’s College!

Teams are tasked with creating the fastest miniature Formula 1 car, using computer aided design (CAD) software. Just like real Formula 1, F1 in Schools teams must adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations, otherwise they will be subject to time and points penalties.

Teams must also consider all the aspects of running an enterprise, including creating a brand for their team, fundraising through sponsorships, managing budgets, developing a marketing strategy, creating an exhibition booth for display at the competition, and so much more.

The competition builds both STEM skills and valuable soft skills within students, including problem solving, communication, teamwork, and collaboration.

Our teams have been meeting weekly at Bentleigh East and Mentone campuses in order to prepare for the 2023 Victorian State Finals, which will be held in October.

They will be competing against other teams from around the state for a spot at the 2024 National Finals, and if they are successful at that event, they will progress to the World Finals, which are held alongside a Formula 1 Grand Prix each year.

Previously, the World Finals have taken place in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and Texas. 

The F1 in Schools World Champions are offered scholarships to study Mechanical Engineering at UCL in London.

So far teams, have taken their first steps in establishing their teams, including creating a team brand, creating a sponsorship prospectus, approaching businesses for sponsorship, creating project plans, and designing prototype cars.

We have also had guest presentations from Jesse Stevens, the design engineer for the car that holds the F1 in Schools World Record, and James Mitchell from Brighton Grammar, whose team is preparing to represent Australia at the World Finals in Singapore later this year.

Teams are seeking support and mentorship from businesses to help them prepare their competition elements. They are seeking help from the following businesses and industries: 

• Businesses with CNC machines capable of 4-axis or 5-axis machining of balsa blocks measuring 65x50x223mm using a 6mm diameter cutter
• Additive manufacturing businesses
• Engineers with expertise in using CAD
• Businesses that use virtual simulation including CFD and FEA
• Exhibition booth manufacturers or cabinet and kitchen builders
• Signage and graphic printers
• Graphic designers, branding/marketing agencies
• Project Management specialists (including members of the Project Management Institute or those accredited by the PMI)

If you would like to help out our teams with any of the above areas, please get in contact 

Peter Russell

PTR@stbedes.catholic.edu.au 

Bentleigh East Teams

Mentone Teams

Staff assisting teams:

Brenda McCullagh

Marita Renkin

Donald Ngo

David Cracknell

Peter Russell