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4^th July 2006 (Source: Shell Global Solutions )

Where will we find the engineers of the future to develop next-generation vehicles that take fuel efficiency to new heights? The Shell Eco-Marathon UK’s new Schools Initiative could provide the answer.

In July 2006, 13 teams of young people will take to the track in Corby, Northamptonshire, to launch their visions toward a fuel-efficient tomorrow.

Norman Koch, the event manager from Shell Global Solutions explains:“The Shell Eco-Marathon UK Schools Initiative was launched in 2005. It challenges young people from secondary schools all around the UK to develop their own fuel-efficient car. In November 2005, each of the 30 participating secondary schools took delivery of a new Honda engine and a Shell Eco-Marathon handbook. The competition was then on to discover who would be able to design, build and drive the most fuel-efficient car. Just months later, I am delighted that 13 of the 30 schools are entered to compete in their first Shell Eco-Marathon UK.”

For this, the 30th Anniversary of the Shell Eco-Marathon UK, the Schools Initiative students, from 11 to 14 years of age, will be in the spotlight for the duration of the two-day event at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

The programme is supported by the Learning Grid, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Honda (UK), with the specific intention of promoting engineering in secondary schools throughout the UK. The Shell Eco-Marathon UK offers a unique tool that can stimulate understanding and education about the topic of sustainable mobility and engineering as a career choice.

Francis Evans who leads the Learning Grid on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry explains; “We’re looking forward to an outstanding inaugural competition for the Schools Initiative prize. We know that the spirit of teamwork and enthusiasm this initiative has inspired in schools could be the spark that inspires students to pursue engineering careers. They’ll learn long before they start their professional careers that they can really play a part in creating a greener future”

The Shell Eco-Marathon UK demands a strong understanding of different areas of study which means the teams must be well-rounded to succeed. Business and mathematical skills are required to raise a budget and calculate fuel efficiency, while art is needed to design the concept that will serve as the template for the engineers and builders. Students are confronted with real life problems and must apply the knowledge learned in their courses to finding the solutions.

This event presents an opportunity for schools to gain recognition and reputation with regard to an enhanced curriculum and its commitment to the education of its students. It also allows for students to work alongside professionals and gain a greater understanding in the technical field.

To achieve this, 30 schools were chosen to receive a free Shell Eco-Marathon starter pack and many were introduced to a locally based engineering company to assist and mentor the project. Furthermore, the pack provides a design and build manual along with a four-stroke GX31 engine supplied by Honda (UK).

Iain Radcliffe, Marketing Communications Manager, Honda Power Equipment, said the partnership between business and education has already exceeded expectations: “We originally committed to provide 20 engines for Schools Initiative teams, but interest was so high that we expanded our commitment to 30 engines. For us, it’s a great way to help where we can to support the engineers of the future, particularly if they can help us to reduce emissions and fuel consumption around the world.”

As well as finding solutions for fuel efficiency the Shell Eco-Marathon UK helps to uncover the hidden talents of today’s school children. It aims at challenging students to express their creativity and share their innovations by designing, building, and driving their own car.

Of the 30 participating schools, the 13 teams fastest out of the starting blocks for the Schools Initiative have just one week left before the Shell Eco-Marathon UK– 12-13 July 2006– kicks off. Shell and its partners expect the full cadre of participating schools to be competing by 2007.

Notes for Editors

The Learning Grid is an initiative of Motorsport Development UK, a collaboration between industry and Government, with funding from the Department of Trade and Industry and the four regions of ‘Motorsport Valley’. Its mission is to preserve and develop Britain’s world-leading motorsport cluster and to re-connect motorsport with the wider engineering sector. The Learning Grid aims to attract students to a career in engineering as a core contributor to the nation’s wealth by offering fun, safe and effective learning activities for young people. Learning Grid competitions, events and materials are available for students of all ages from primary school up to university. All the programmes have been assessed for their educational value, effectiveness and quality.

For more information about the Learning Grid and the other activities offered, please contact

Val Simmonds, Learning Grid Coordinator:
Tel: 0
E-mail:
http://www.learninggrid.co.uk/

The Royal Academy of Engineering Best Programme is a continuum of high quality curriculum enrichment schemes in science, engineering and technology (SET) involving 85,000 students a year. The Best Programme works in primary schools to build an enthusiasm for SET subjects, in secondary schools to promote engineering and related SET careers, in universities to support gifted engineering students and beyond university to develop the engineers of tomorrow.

For more information about the Best Programme please contact

Matthew Harrison
Tel: 0207 2270508
E-mail:
http://www.raengbest.org.uk/

The Shell Eco Marathon UK

• Please contact for accreditation and event attendance.
• Specially developed Shell Eco-Marathon vehicles will be available for journalists to drive, this will be a sample of the technology that makes the Shell Eco-Marathon UK.
• Key members of the Shell Eco-Marathon UK staff will be available for interview
• The Shell Eco-Marathon UK reflects Shell's commitment to addressing the energy challenge in the UK and globally through promotion of new technologies, that encourage energy efficiency, helping to reduce carbon emissions and contributing to security of supply.

For further information, images, interviews with the teams or to attend the 2006 Shell Eco-Marathon UK, please contact:

Celine Paillart
Shell Eco-Marathon UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 441 028
Mob: +44 (0) 7787 15 25 46
or
Francesca Secchi
Shell Eco-Marathon UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 441 019
Mob: +44 (0) 7766 443446
Email:

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