Pupils impress STEM ambassadors from Swansea University

Two STEM ambassadors from Swansea University visited school last Friday to deliver a Bloodhound workshop to 30 of our y9 pupils. The bloodhound project is a UK –led global project to build a supersonic car that will not only beat the current land speed world record but also smash the 1,000mph barrier. Swansea University’s world renowned Engineering dept. is heavily involved in this project and part of the project’s brief is to inspire the engineers of the future. The pupils were given a fascinating presentation including a chemical reaction demonstration which illustrated the rocket propulsion system used by the car (and which left a large stain on the ceiling tiles, such was the force!) They then had the chance to design and make a car from cardboard, simple wooden wheels and axles and propelled by a firework explosive cartridge. Competition was fierce, but a team made up of Shaughn Poulter, Charlie Hall, Jamie Wood, Kieran Clohessy and Patrick Planas swept everyone aside when their car reached a speed of 92MPH; 20 MPH faster than the Swansea University team had seen before!