The World’s Greatest STEM Competition
STEM Racing (formerly known as F1 in Schools) is the world’s most renowned student competition for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Each year, teams of our students embark on the challenge of designing, developing and building a miniature Formula 1 car to hopefully race against other teams in the state, the nation and the globe to be crowned the world’s fastest!
St Bede’s College is proud to be the World Record Holder for this competition since 2016.
Our teams are mentored at the College by 2016 World Record Holder, Peter Russell (Class of 2018).
Inspired by the real-world experience of a Formula One team, students must follow engineering and manufacturing disciplines for their car: design, analyse, test, make and race. They gain experience with industry technology including 3D CAD/CAM/CAE engineering design software, as well as Coding, Computational Fluid Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis.
STEM Racing is a brilliant launchpad for students to get hands-on experience in many different areas including teamwork, problem solving, project management, communication, collaboration, marketing, entrepreneurialism, public speaking and presentation.
“When I started this competition at the start of 2023, I didn’t know what it would become and hardly knew some of my team members. I never expected to make Nationals until we finally heard the news.
Nationals was the most work I have ever done. However, it was all worth it when we walked up on stage for our award, Best Graphic Design. I am so proud of our team for such a great achievement. It was the ‘cherry on top’ of one of the best weeks in my life. From blasting songs on the drive or playing on the Nintendo Switch in our rooms, it was so much fun.
This competition has taught me so much and looking back I can’t believe how much we learned. I look at the new St Bede’s College teams and see miniature versions of ourselves only one year ago. It seems so long ago now with how much we have learnt.
Thank you to my teammates for an experience that I will remember for a lifetime. Thank you to our sponsors for helping us to aim high and achieve our goals. Thank you St Bede’s and our mentors, Mr Ngo and Mr Russell for supporting us throughout our entire journey in this competition.” Nick S, Year 10
“My experience in F1 in schools is in my regard one of the best experiences of my school journey so far. I have gained so much knowledge from many intelligent individuals and learned so much about things like graphical design, engineering, and most importantly working as a team. These essential skills will definitely benefit me now and in the future.” Jack N, Year 8
“I have been privileged enough to be able to participate in the prestigious F1 in Schools competition, thanks to the support of Mr Russell and the College. The program has been great fun, and we hope to perform well in the State Final later in the year.
During our journey, our team -Team Vitality – have learned a lot; from how to use editing software for videos, to life skills like teamwork and communication. This year being the second time our team has participated; we aim to build on previous experiences and knowledge to advance to the next stage of the competition. Overall, F1 in Schools has been a great experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who is keen.” Thomas L, Year 11
