In a bid to improve its competitive performance going forward, Newquay Tretherras’ Greenpower team will soon start testing their own designed Electric car on a specially created circuit at the WW2 airfield at Perranporth. This builds on increased activity where already aspiring teenage drivers have access to an extensive learner driver circuit. This allows them to get behind the wheel for the first time without the attendant hazards of public highway traffic. https://www.perranporthdrivingcentre.com/
Newquay Tretherras is part of Newquay Education Trust and Nick Warren, who’s recently joined the trust as a Member and assists with the school’s Greenpower Team, met with the airport manager, Kevin George, to discuss options where students and the local community could work collaboratively together to enhance the opportunities for the students.
Nick said “This arrangement is commendably safe and devoid of any serious hazards. It provides for realistic endurance testing not previously available to the Tretherras team. The Greenpower effort is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) programme at Newquay Tretherras, helping to create vocational skills that are very attractive to Universities and Employers. By getting involved the students are improving their life chances and employability.”
A recent Careers Fayre held at the school in late January, organised by Sara Jeffery the Information Advice and Guidance Co-ordinator, proved very successful. Newquay Tretherras’ STEM programme forms a key learning platform where employers at events like this can see how the practical applications being learnt at school will help provide the basis of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce for the future. Notably present were Cornwall Manufacturers Group (CMG), well represented by their experienced Secretary, Ken Martin. Parents and pupils learnt that manufacturing in Cornwall is alive and kicking. It forms a vital element of the local economy and, on average, CMG members offer attractive salaries, some 50% higher than the average for Cornwall.
Nick added “Vocational skills not directly taught by schools are vitally important to youngsters wishing to get on in life. Hobbies and pastimes playing to students’ innate talent demonstrate initiative and enthusiasm. Employers love to see this in job seekers.”
Samantha Fairbairn, Headteacher, said “This is a fantastic and much valued opportunity for students to work closely with a local community organisation that sits within the Tretherras catchment area and supports children that come to our school. Providing community engagement is a learning opportunity on its own but alongside our school’s STEM programme this allows our students to really benefit from both the technical and academic skills and learning that something like the Greenpower Project delivers.”
“We are also extremely grateful for some of Newquay Tretherras’ Alumni who have offered to support the Greenpower Project, including time and knowledge, but further with funding donations that crucially adds physical investment in the equipment that our students can utilise to make the success of the project a reality. This has included donations towards the Greenpower car chassis itself and a bespoke trailer to safely transport the cars for testing and competition”. For further information about the Newquay Tretherras Alumni Association please visit: www.tretherras.net/alumni/
