We are constantly in search of new and exciting ways to allow our students to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects and last term, our STEM Co-ordinator, Mrs Lee, surprised students with an opportunity to try out a full size Formula 1 simulator.

The simulator was brought to King James as a way of formally launching our participation in the Formula One in Schools Challenge and to raise awareness among students of how Science, Technology and Maths work together in numerous exciting fields, including Formula 1.

Mrs Lee will be working with a number of teams in Years 7 and 10 over the next year to design and make a small Formula 1 car as part of the national Formula 1 in Schools Competition, which involves designing, building and racing an aero-dynamic, gas-powered car, constructed from balsa wood.

Earlier in the term, she also took the teams to the regional finals of this year's competition in Newcastle to assess the standard required and to begin generating their own ideas. Students returned inspired and keen to get started on the project.