Team work makes the dream work at national kart final

Balfron High School's STEM team made an epic journey to take part in the Inaugural Stem on Track National Karting Finals.

- KAIYA MARJORIBANKS

Twelve students ranging from S2 to S6, two teachers and three parents made the trip to Whilton Mill Karting Track near Northampton at the weekend.

The event was the finale of over a year's hard work where the team of pupils, supported by the teachers of the technology department, built a go-kart with the aim of racing it at the grand final this month.

Stem on Track is a STEM project which integrates hands-on engineering, problem-solving and teamwork, inspiring the next generation of innovators. It doesn't matter whether a person's focus is on practical learning, STEM careers, or real-world applications, STEM On Track is designed to deliver an unforgettable educational experience for schools across the UK.

The organisers had hoped to have 20 schools across the UK join in this first year but were delighted when 43 karts signed up.

Balfron High were the only school in Scotland to sign up for the project.

Stem on Track provided a complete kit from which to build the kart, together with a fun, interactive online learning platform featuring the build guides, interactive modules and lots of extra additional activities to inspire the pupils.