Schools Marine Challenge


The British Marine Federation (BMF) Schools Marine Challenge, now in its fourth year, is aimed at year 10 (GCSE) students. It asks them to design, build and race model power boats of differing degrees of complexity. Although the boats may appear simple the tasks are all complex, involving design, balancing competing requirements, use of a wide variety of materials and construction methods, marketing, project management and teamwork. Currently run in the south west and south east of England, work starts at the beginning of the school year in September and culminates with a Race Day in June/July. Race Day provides an opportunity for schools to test the performance of their boats and is a fun day for both pupils and spectators.

The teams are judged on several categories including boat design and construction, teamwork, marketing and links with local marine companies. Rob Austin, the Project Manager provides the essential linkages with the curriculum, particularly focusing on GCSE Engineering – which makes the project attractive to the schools, and a package of the material required is available via the website.

Local businesses support the schools either through sponsorship or by providing advice and technical guidance. A number of companies turn out and support their schools on race day.

Advantages to the local firms include:

  • Recruitment - at least one company has received apprentice applications from schools involved
  • Awareness – the challenge provides a fun and exciting way for pupils and teachers to gain a better and more accurate understanding of what the marine industry has to offer
  • The solar powered boat competition development opportunities for staff within the company
  • Clear evidence of corporate social responsibility
  • Improved links with other participating companies as suppliers and customers

The Schools Marine Challenge is not easily replicable. Its success depends on the knowledge and experience of those who analysed the curricula, mapped the project against the key elements and had the credibility with the teaching profession to get their commitment. There is also a cost involved where funding would need to be sought.

Participation is not restricted to firms in the leisure marine industry. Even in its present form there are plenty of opportunities for other parts of the maritime sector to participate, for example, design, engineering and manufacturing companies and even marketing and management consultancies.

If you have a regional or local group of interested companies then contact BMF in the first instance to explore how the initiative could be taken forward or have a look at the website at http://www.schoolsmarine.com/

Contacts:
British Marine Federation, 01784 473377

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