PUPILS of Ysgol y Grango, Rhos, will be taking part in a challenge to design and build an environmentally friendly model car.
Toyota Manufacturing UK, in partnership with electronics supplier Rapid Electronics, is offering competition starter kits to schools to participate in the Toyota Technology Challenge, which aims to promote careers in manufacturing and engineering.
Targeted at Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils studying Design and Technology or ICT, the competition is now open to all secondary schools across the UK, having been successfully piloted in three counties during the last academic year.
Working in teams, pupils will be tasked to design and build an environmentally friendly model vehicle incorporating solar power or PIC microcontroller technology.
They are also required to submit a project folder on their chosen design.
The top teams in both categories will then be invited to participate in one of seven regional competition days held across the UK, where they will present their project to the judges and race their vehicles.
Cash prizes for the winning schools in each region will be awarded.
Regional winners will then compete at a national final where the two winning teams will return to school with a trophy, £1,000 and an educational trip to Greece, where Toyota Hellas are also running an environmental challenge for schools.
Karen Bradley, of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said: 'We believe the national competition is both challenging and fun for pupils and is accessible to and affordable for all schools across the UK.
'The Challenge will encourage pupils to consider the environment and potential use of recycled material and we hope it will also stimulate them to think about future careers in engineering and manufacturing.'
Paul Baker, managing director of Rapid Electronics, added: 'With our experience and strong presence in both the educational and industrial sectors, Rapid is ideally placed to be part of this Challenge. Furthermore, we are able to assist teachers through every stage of the Challenge by providing a dedicated technical helpline.'
Registration for the Toyota Technology Challenge is currently under way and the closing date for applications is Tuesday, November 30.
For further information and registration details visit the Challenge website at www.rapideducation.co.uk/toyota or call Rapid Electronics on 01206 835596.
