The Bloodhound SSC Challenge is using a 1000mph world land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation to enjoy, explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

As part of its active involvement in the Energy Skills Partnership (ESP), West College Scotland (WCS) has played a key role in bringing the Bloodhound SSC Challenge to Scotland, with the joint support of the Army.

Staff members from WCS Energy and Engineering department have worked hard with the local councils and schools to involve them in the Bloodhound SSC Scotland Challenge. Andrew Fogarty, Head of WCS Energy and Engineering, said:

We are delighted to be involved in the Bloodhound SSC Education Project and grateful to our colleagues at ESP in providing the funding for this highly engaging STEM project. As a result, we were able to provide a STEM experience for over 150 school pupils from our partner schools over the course of a packed two day event

During the event, taking place from 29 February to 2 March, local schools were invited to take part in workshops run by the Army, ESP and WCS.

The pupils got the opportunity to design their own model rocket car, based on kits inspired by Bloodhound SSC, and then race between each other’s.

A team of two Secondary 4 Pupils from Our Lady and Saint Patrick's High School won the race, with their car reaching the astonishing speed of 84 miles per hour. Simon Hutton, teacher at the wining school, said:

We are thrilled for our S4 pupils, David Gilmour and Jack King, who won the challenge. Their names will now be added to the tail fin of the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car when it makes its record attempt in South Africa later this year.

All schools teachers and pupils who took part in the event thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Alan M Fraser, Physics Teacher at Clydebank High School, points out:

All our pupils enjoyed the lecture and activities and they definitely got a lot out of the visit. They were given a real life project application that made them understand why it is necessary to carry out so many different calculations in science. All the pupils were amazed by some of the technical challenges that are being solved by the team of engineers and scientists. The lecture gave the message that there are lots of STEM work opportunities out there.

Partner organisations were delighted by the outcome of the event. Representatives said:

“This is the first programme to be rolled out. It has been a fantastic partnership with Bloodhound, the Army and ‘Team Scotland’ and a very engaging STEM project to get young people inspired.” – Jim Brown Director of Energy Skills Partnership

“We are delighted to bring the Rocket Car Challenge to Scotland. The Army is passionate about promoting STEM subjects because we recognise the need for these skills in the Army’s future apprentices. Six of our former engineering apprentices are working on the real car, so can offer a great real life insight into the ground-breaking technology and techniques it uses." – Ed Fenton Regional Operations Manager, Army Careers