ITV Calendar filming at Selby College for Drax electric car project

From left: Selby College Engineering students Daniel Callon, Samuel Bygrave (Front Middle), Liam Dunn (Back) and Lauren Askin with Deputy Principal Liz Ridley and Drax Power Chief Executive Andy Koss

Yesterday reporters from ITV Calendar and BBC Radio York were onsite to film at our Engineering Department to promote an electric car project the College is currently working on with Drax Power.

The project aims to inspire young people to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, as well as encouraging more girls to head into a previously very male dominated industry.

As well as supplying Selby College students with a Formula 24 car, which can reach speeds of up to 30mph, Drax are also working with a number of local primary and secondary schools, who will receive age appropriate Kit Cars.

Barwic Parade Community Primary School, who are being led by the Engineering department’s teaching staff and using the college’s facilities, will build a 15mph Goblin G2 battery-powered car, which was delivered in flat-pack form ready to be assembled by the students. The team from Drax are also helping the youngsters with the build process.

Drax Power’s Chief Executive Andy Koss and Community Engagement & Visitor Centre Team Leader Jane Breach were accompanied by Selby College’s Deputy Principal Liz Ridley and Engineering Subject Area Manager Graeme Woodhall for Monday’s visit to the department. They were joined by Barwic Parade’s Head Teacher Sarah Dixon and a group of Year 5 students who have been involved in the vehicle’s build so far.

Speaking of the Engineering department’s involvement with the project, Sarah Dixon said: "Graeme has been brilliant with the students, not only has he supported their development, he has also explained each process to them at every step of the build so far.”

She added: “This has been such a unique experience for our students, not only the build but also the opportunity it has given the youngsters to experience the College and what it could offer them later on. It really will open doors and inspire them in the future. The Drax project has given them real purpose and a collaborative opportunity - a shared experience and outcome. It’s great to see our Year 5 students enjoying it, and we really hope to be involved again.”

The cars, which are designed by the Greenpower Education Trust, enable the students to take part and race at motorsport venues at Greenpower organised events across the UK and further afield, with the international Final taking place at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

Once all the students have been taught how to drive the cars, the first races will be in Hull City Centre, on Sunday 28th April, sponsored by Drax.

To listen to the report on BBC Radio York on Georgey Spanswick at Breakfast on Tuesday 26th March (between 43:00-46:34) click here.

To watch the ITV Calendar news report click here.