Radclyffe School Races Towards STEM Success

Students from The Radclyffe School in Chadderton have been taking their STEM learning to new levels - and high speeds - through a national initiative that combines engineering with motorsport.

Thirty pupils from Years 8 to 11 have taken part in the STEM On Track programme this academic year, which offers young people the chance to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) through practical, hands-on experiences.  

The programme includes kart construction, online learning modules, and the opportunity to compete in national races.  

The lunchtime club meets regularly, allowing students to build and maintain their kart kits while deepening their understanding of engineering principles and teamwork.  

Recently, 14 pupils travelled to Whilton Mill Circuit in Northampton to represent the school in a national race, competing against nearly 40 other schools from across the country. 

The team placed an impressive 7th out of 17 in their category.  

However, it was the experience and learning gained that pupils valued most. The drivers representing The Radclyffe School were Alicia, Lewis, Matthew and Lillie.  

A special commendation was given to Lillie, who overcame personal anxiety to step into the role of driver, which is a testament to the confidence-building impact of the programme. 

This year’s project was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship and funding provided by Kajima, whose support enabled pupils to engage fully with the initiative and access specialist resources and opportunities.  

Matt Brown, Head of Design and Technology and club lead, said: “My vision for the project at the outset was to shine a spotlight on STEM and specifically engineering careers through Motorsport, and to raise the profile of these pathways for both boys and girls, particularly the latter, to help break down existing gender stereotypes.”  

Staff at The Radclyffe School are proud to report that the project has done just that, with a diverse and enthusiastic group of students actively engaged throughout.  

The immersive nature of the STEM On Track programme has given students the opportunity to develop real-world practical skills, build resilience, and apply their classroom learning in a dynamic and exciting setting.  

The school looks forward to continuing its journey with STEM On Track in the future and hopes to inspire even more students to get involved in science and engineering through innovative, inclusive initiatives like this one.