Colgrain Primary pupils construct handmade goblin car

Primary seven pupils from Colgrain Primary School are constructing a goblin kit car as part of a project run by the Greenpower Education Trust.

Named the Redgauntlet Racers, the team will compete against teams from other schools on a circuit near Ayr on Wednesday, May 29.

Teacher Leanne Purdie said: “There’s been a lot of collaboration and a lot of creativity and critical thinking.

“STEM is really big right now, so we are honing in on that but we also just want them to enjoy this project and take their learning off in different directions.

“Primary 7s are so independent and some of the things they are coming up with I wouldn’t have even thought of!

“The enjoyment the pupils are getting out of this is just what you want to see as a teacher.”

Taking inspiration from Formula 1, pupils are involved in the project in a variety of roles with some taking on photography, fundraising, finance, marketing, design, and even cheerleading.

The children have been working with students at the Glasgow Caledonian University and have also been given help from Royal Navy engineers.

Pupils have been enjoying the whole process and are keen to compete in the race later this month.

One pupil said: “I have made some new friends when doing this project as we do a lot of collaboration.”

Another continued: “I am very excited but also a bit nervous about how the car is going to hold someone, but I know we will do well!”

Another added: “I liked learning about different types of cars and how they work. The evolution of cars is pretty cool.”

The project has been interesting and insightful not just for the pupils but for the teachers as this is the school’s first year entering the competition.

Teacher Ali MacGillivray said: “It’s bringing to life the learning that learning they would see in the classroom and opening their eyes to STEM.

“It’s also been encouraging females into STEM because they’ve been equally involved in the project and as enthusiastic as the boys have been.

“As teachers we’re facilitating the children’s learning by providing this project rather than standing there and directing and they’re very much leading it.

“There’s a lot of pupil agency and voice in the work that they’re doing.”

The school has been able to enter the competition thanks to funding from the Royal Navy STEM Outreach team which allowed them to purchase the flat-packed kit car.

The pupils are currently looking for sponsors who can provide them with funding for team uniforms and the car’s bodywork.

In return, sponsors will have their logo plastered on the car just like in Formula 1.

Those who are interested in sponsoring the team should contact the school via their website: www.colgrain.argyll-bute.sch.uk/contact-us.