School Solar Car Challenge

In summer term 2008, six schools took part in the first Richmond upon Thames School Solar Car Challenge. Teams of pupils designed and built lightweight model solar cars which were raced against each other on 11 July 2008 at a Race Day hosted by St Mary’s CE Primary School in Twickenham.

The aim was to engage young people in climate change issues and the challenge demonstrated the power of the sun to produce an alternative source of energy. The event was coordinated by Richmond Council’s Sustainability Unit and Richmond Environment Network with support from the Council’s Initiatives Fund, Scientific Edge and Waitrose Twickenham.

Participating schools:

  • East Sheen Primary
  • Hampton Hill Juniors (winners of ‘Fastest Car’ prize)
  • Stanley Juniors (winners of ‘Most Creative Car’ prize)
  • St Mary’s CE Primary
  • St Richard’s with St Andrew’s CE Primary
  • The Queen’s CE Primary

All schools showed incredible imagination and enthusiasm in the competition and the Race Day was filled with excitement! Find out more by reading about St Mary’s School's experiences:

2009 Challenge

On 26 June 2009, the Vineyard School in Richmond hosted the second borough School Solar Car Challenge. Nearly fifty children took part, with even more creative designs than last year, accompanied by some fantastic presentations.

Participating schools:

  • Collis Primary
  • Hampton Juniors
  • Hampton Hill Juniors (winners of ‘Fastest Car’ prize)
  • Meadlands Primary
  • Stanley Juniors
  • St Mary’s CE Primary
  • The Queen’s CE Primary
  • Vineyard Primary (winners of ‘Most Creative Car’ prize)

2010 Challenge

On the 15th June 2010, the Sustainability Unit invited local primary schools to take part in the third annual Solar Car Challenge, which was held at Hampton Hill Junior School on the same day as the Eco Ambassador Conference. Thankfully the sun shone so the cars zoomed along. Thanks to all who participated and watch out for next years challenge. Six schools took part this year including:

  • St James' Catholic Primary (winners of ‘Most Creative Car’ prize)
  • Bishop Perrin CE Primary
  • St Mary's CE Primary
  • Kew Riverside Primary
  • Hampton Hill Junior School (winners of ‘Fastest Car’ prize)
  • St Stephens CE Junior School