A team of Emmanuel College students is heading to the World Finals of the F1 in Schools competition in Singapore, after receiving a major sponsorship from the Reece Foundation.

The Foundation was established in 2007 by local engineer and former Newcastle University lecturer Alan Reece.  Based in Walker, it aims to promote engineering in the North East as a source of prosperity, and is particularly focused on education.

During May, a delegation from Emmanuel held a meeting with two of the Foundation’s trustees, and the team of four Lower Sixth students – Declan Southern, Harry Wilson, Charlotte Saint and James Rodger – presented their project to them.  Having been extremely impressed by the students and their work, the trustees generously agreed to fully fund the students’ trip to Singapore and World Finals bid.

College Technology department’s Mrs Glover, who is overseeing the team’s project, explained, “The team has worked extremely hard to get this far in the competition and I am delighted with the commitment and dedication they have shown to improving further for the World Finals.  They fought off extremely tough competition at the National Final and held their own against the current world champions.

“The team is working closely alongside Nissan, Newcastle University and the University of Sunderland to get ready for the competition, with testing and development well underway.  We are extremely grateful to the Reece Foundation for providing the generous sponsorship and we are looking forward to the amazing opportunities and experiences the World Finals will present in September.”

Matthew Fairhurst 12 Roberts