Launched last year, TrackNAVCHALLENGE is a competition aimed primarily at 14‑18 year olds. Teams of 4‑6 are tasked with designing and building a radio‑controlled 4‑wheel drive vehicle that emulates what a full size Land Rover can do.
Successful navigation of the vehicle over a specially designed track, developed and built by D3, ensures that it has met specifications set out by Land Rover engineers and educational specialists.
In addition, a portfolio detailing the experience, design and decision making process, along with financial records and a presentation to a panel of judges, means that this challenge meets academic and industry standard benchmarks.
The Challenge is designed to introduce young people to the world of engineering and enterprise in a relevant and appropriate manner that is fun, exciting and challenging.
TrackNAVCHALLENGE can be undertaken by groups of four to six Key Stage 4 or 5 pupils in lessons ‑ such as GCSE Engineering and GCSE Design and Technology ‑ or as an extra curricular activity. It has been awarded customised accreditation by ASDAN and meets CREST award requirements at the Silver standard. It will also support the delivery of the engineering diploma starting in September and helps to meet the employer engagement requirements of the 14‑19 curriculum.
TrackNAVCHALLENGE's Manager, Ruth Martin said: "Land Rover
launched the challenge last year to provide students and staff with
a hands‑on practical experience that would enhance the delivery of
engineering and design and technology specifications in the
classroom. It provides students with an insight into what is
involved within a real engineering environment in a fun and
stimulating way."
Today's 2008 winning team members were each rewarded with a Land Rover mountain bike and a day at their local Land Rover experience centre where they will have the opportunity to experience Land Rover's supremacy in off‑road capability. Halfords supported the event by presenting the winning team with bicycle safety helmets. The school department who supported the winning team was also acknowledged for their support and dedication to the challenge, when Land Rover handed them a cheque for £3,000 to spend on capital equipment to support the delivery of the curriculum.
Sponsored by Rapid Electronics, an award for Best Electronics was also presented to Chase Terrace's 'A‑Team' and the Innovation and Creativity award, sponsored by Ricardo, was received by the 'Eco Freakzz' team from Carmarthen College in Wales. Cranfield University sponsored the Winch Test award which was presented to the 'Thermal Racing' team from Ballyclare High School in Northern Ireland.
For more information or for educational establishments or community groups such as guides, scouts or ATC Squadrons wishing to register for the next academic year, contact:
Ruth Martin
Programme Manager
Land Rover
T: 01926 648299
tracknav@landrover.com
or
Claire Tallis
Press Office
Land Rover
T: 01926 648063
ctallis@landrover.com
Partners
Land Rover is proud to be in partnership with companies that share an enthusiasm to excite and challenge students in the world of engineering. The partners themselves are companies recognised for their expertise in the world of engineering and education:
• AQA
• ASDAN
• Cranfield University
• CREST
• D3
• OCR
• Ricardo
• Ripmax
• SAE‑UK.org
• SQA
About Land Rover
• About Land Rover ‑ Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Freelander 2, Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 78% of this model range exported to 169 countries. Land Rover employs 8,500 people and supports a further 40,000 jobs in the supply chain
• Land Rover takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. Emissions have been cut with all new models and, together with Jaguar, it is investing £700m on technology specifically aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Also, since September 2006, carbon dioxide generated by Land Rover manufacturing activities and UK customer vehicle use has been balanced through an industry leading offset programme run by Climate Care
• Land Rover through the G4 Challenge will raise over £1 million for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies