To compliment the GCSE Combined/Triple Award Science curriculum, Year 11 pupils visited the Formula 1 Exhibition at the Excel Docklands London. Pupils have been learning about Organic Chemistry, and during these lessons, they have specifically been learning about the extraction of fuels (hydrocarbons) during fractional distillation of crude oil; how they are vaporised, condensed and then cracked to give them various important uses. In Formula 1 racing, the development and composition of fuels, their combustion and efficiency are important aspects of the races.
The F1 Exhibition at the Excel is a temporary immersive experience, which allows the public to view the past, present and look into the future of F1 racing. The exhibit comprised six different rooms that describe the story of F1. Each room has been carefully commissioned by various artists, curators and film makers, offering a unique perspective.
Following this, the pupils also visited the IFS Cloud Label Car in Greenwich. For most pupils this was their first experience in a cable car. It takes approximately 6 minutes to make a return journey from Greenwich to the Royal Docks and back. The cable car links the two sides of the River Thames and gives the people of London another way to commute. Our pupils loved the experience of being 90 meters above the Thames at the highest point. The pupils and staff experienced breath taking views of the capital’s skyline. Pupils spotted The Shard, City Airport and its runway, as well as other important landmarks such as the Canary Wharf Tower.
The pupils were absolutely incredible. They showed maturity and adapted well to the different environments they were in. We spoke about careers in motor mechanics, options at A-levels and specifically engineering. It was a good day for all.
One pupil said: ‘It was brilliant to see F1 articles in person and close up. It really brought to life the things we have been learning about in our science lessons.’