Children from Balsall Common Primary School participating in the F1 in Schools Challenge visited Solihull College to test their miniature race cars in a wind tunnel. The visit allowed the students to see engineering facilities, an aeronautical section with an airplane, and use a 3D printer. Both the college principal and a senior director agreed the visit was important to inspire future generations and invest in their skills. One student was so impressed he said he wants to work at the college in the future.

1. Balsall Common Primary School
Balsall Street East, Balsall Common, Coventry CV7 7FS
Tel: 01676 532254
Email: office@balsall-common.solihull.sch.uk
14 March 2016
Press release - F1 in Schools Challenge
Balsall Common Primary School Children taking part in the F1 in Schools Challenge had a huge
boost recently when they got to visit Solihull College, Smithswood, and test their cars in a wind
tunnel.
The children start off with a basic chassis and then have to design their own bodywork around
it. Ian Dunnington from Jaguar Land Rover has visited the school to give practical advice on
aerodynamics so testing the theory is crucial.
Following a meeting at Solihull Chamber of Commerce John Callaghan, Principle & Chief
Executive of Solihull College, and Shaun Hindle, Senior Director of Employment and Skills
agreed to help the teams by allowing them access to the college’s facilities.
Shaun Hindle was our guide for the day and generously gave up his time to personally show us
round and answer any questions, of which the children had many. The children were very
excited as they had no idea where they were going or the nature of the trip.
It was a huge boost to all of the teams both in terms of building confidence in their team and its
tasks and in understanding their F1 project.

2. They got to see the engineering sections, MOT bays, aeronautical engineering section where
they got to go onto a real plane, have access to the college’s 3D printer, to print the wheels,
and get to test in the wind tunnel!
Howard Rose, Funding & Publicity Manager said, “What a fantastic opportunity this has been to
inspire the children and support them with their F1 Challenge. I would like to extend my thanks
to John and Shaun for allowing us to visit and to use their wonderful facilities.
This has had such a positive impact on the children. One even wants to come and work at the
college in the future he was so impressed!”
John Callaghan, Principal and Chief Executive said “It was our pleasure to host Balsall Common
Primary School and help with their current F1 project. As a College we believe it is key to inspire
and invest in future generations and we hope that all of the students enjoyed their visit to
Solihull College. We want to work with Balsall Common Primary School and other local schools
in the future to allow students to see the excellent facilities we have on offer here at Solihull
College and University Centre.”
Shaun Hindle with the F1 teams in:
The MOT Bay The aeronautical Bay

3. Testing in the Wind Tunnel 3D Printing
Howard Rose
Funding and Publicity Manager
Balsall Common Primary School
Balsall Street East
Balsall Common
CV7 7FS
t: +44 (0) 1676 532254 ext 264
m: +44 (0) 7989 515252
e: s2hrose@balsall-common.solihull.sch.uk
w: www.balsallcommonprimary.co.uk