Three of our Year 9 students recently took part in the annual QinetiQ Powerboat Challenge, where they designed, built and raced a remote-controlled powerboat against teams from local schools.

The students were supported throughout the project by STEM Ambassador Aine, a Marine Architect from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Her expert guidance was invaluable, and we extend a huge thank-you for the time and enthusiasm she dedicated to our students.

Across 12 Design & Technology lessons, the team explored key principles of marine engineering, including hull design, line drawing, buoyancy, forces and propulsion. Each student developed their own concept model using modelling foam, before collaborating to select the final design they would take to competition.

On race day, the students represented the school brilliantly. After encountering a mechanical issue during the first race, they worked quickly to diagnose the problem, carry out repairs, and adapt their design based on the boat’s performance. Their problem-solving skills made a clear difference—the next three races were successfully completed, with noticeable improvements in speed and handling.

Throughout the event, judges visited the team’s display table. The students confidently explained their design process, material choices and the engineering decisions behind the modifications they made on the day.

Their efforts earned them 4 points, securing a place in the B Final. Ellis and Dominik shared the driving duties with great focus and control, while the whole team demonstrated impressive teamwork and determination. All three students said they valued the experience even more than the competition outcome.

At the closing awards ceremony, the team were thrilled to receive the Judges’ Favourite Award. This accolade recognised not only their thoughtful design work but also their ability to make effective engineering improvements in real time.

We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the maturity, creativity and resilience they showed throughout the project.