Greenpower Challenge

Three of our Year 9 students were given an hour to convert a tray of card, straws and tape into a model racing car

Teamwork and innovation were the order of the day at the R.A.F. St. Mawgan.

Year 9 students Holly, Megan and Ellie represented Callington Community College in this, the first ever Solar Challenge.

Organised by Cornwall College STEM group and sponsored by 'Plug into the Sun', students from across Cornwall competed to design and build the fastest solar powered car. Points were awarded for design, speed and ranking after a series of head to head races.

Three one minute slots were available to test the vehicle, so the pressure was on to complete each stage on time.

Our girls were in contention for a podium place as the final challenge started. The width of the track was reduced to half for the 'Head to Head' knock out competition. The car was carefully positioned on the starting grid, lights came on and off it raced to gain an early lead. With less than a meter to go, disaster struck. A wheel caught the central barrier, causing the car to turn sideways. Watching in horror, the team had to stand by as the much slower challenger crept past to claim victory.

An overall fifth place was a creditable performance.

Watch out Cornwall, we'll be back next year.