A GROUP of teenagers from Keynsham put their skills and teamwork to the test at a national karting final.
The youngsters raced the go-kart, which they built themselves, on one of the UK’s top circuits on June 14.
The students had been working on the kart at after-school workshops since February. Then they tested its speed, reliability and design at a trial run at the Whilton Mill track in Northamptonshire.
In the grand final, they went head-to-head against teams from other schools. Four of the group drove the kart, with the others acting as pit crew.
The team finished sixth out of 17, which was an impressive result at their first attempt.
The project at IKB Academy brought together 10 boys from Wellsway, Broadlands and Sir Bernard Lovell schools. The students, aged 13 and 14, who are all set to join IKB in September, were supported by two sixth-form engineering students at the academy, which specialises in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects (STEM).
Sponsorship from manufacturing firm Apex Pumps in Staple Hill, Bristol, and Bath software developer DevMonki Solutions provided vital funding for parts, tools, and materials.
IKB head of school Peter Headeach said creating the high-performance kart had given the group invaluable experience in STEM, teamwork, and project management.
“It has been a triumph of commitment, creativity and hands-on problem solving,” he said.
“Every part of the process – from initial set-up to the final test runs – was led by students, supported by staff, and powered by a shared passion for design and innovation.
“The students, ably led by our sixth-form STEM ambassadors, have shown incredible dedication and gained real-world engineering experience.
“They have demonstrated not only the kart’s capabilities but also their own skills in analysis, troubleshooting, and collaborative working—hallmarks of future engineers and innovators.
