In an event organised by the Humanities faculty, students learned how hydrogen technology will be shaping the future of the Labour Market in our area. They also experienced the hands-on use of hydrogen as an energy carrier by building and racing their own hydrogen-powered model vehicles.

Teams competed against each other to create the fastest moving or furthest travelling vehicle, experimenting with fuel cell management techniques to enhance performance of the models which were each fuelled by a small quantity (20ml) of low-pressure hydrogen and raced on a table-top track.

Year 10 narrowly beat their Year 9 counterparts to build the fastest buggy, securing an impressive race time of 4.3 seconds.

Head of Humanities, Sarah Harris-Smith, said: “The study of renewable energy and urban sustainability forms an important part of GCSE Geography as students explore ways in which urban environments can have less air pollution and more sustainable energy in the future.

“Our students showed great ingenuity and competitiveness when building and refining their buggy designs. Many students demonstrated impressive leadership skills when leading their respective teams and it was wonderful to see them bring learning to life in a practical context.”

Mike Cargill, Director of UKSTEM, added: “UKSTEM has partnered with Bramble Energy to develop the first H2 buggies with UK designed and produced fuel cells. Hydrogen is a growing technology that needs young talent to join in. Through our H2 buggy challenge, students experience hands-on use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. They build their buggy from a kit and experiment with various drive options and fuel cell management techniques to improve performance in order to create the furthest or fastest buggy.”