Schools Marine Challenge

TechSoft are delighted to be supporting the Schools Marine Challenge which is a national competition where school students build a solar-powered boat that will be raced over a 10m course. Credit is given for technical design and innovation, teamwork skills, good communication skills and the ability to make your craft go faster than anyone else’s! Communication skills must be shown on paper, through the team’s own website and in liaising with a technology based company, if possible professional boat manufacturers – an industry where the UK leads the world!

Getting Started

Check out the regulations, key dates and see how schools have approached the Challenge in past years by clicking here.  Then register for the Challenge by filling in a registration form.

Once you enter you will have access to masses of technical support as well as regular newsletters, tips for success, and contacts in the Marine Industry who have agreed to support schools. Teams will take their entries to regional heats and regional winners will be invited to compete for a coveted National title.

Supporting Design and Technology

The Challenge has been designed by teachers and industry professionals to provide an exciting and motivating context for delivering Design & Technology GCSEs, Vocational and Diploma courses. Some schools have set the Challenge as a coursework component, or it could be an extra-curricular activity - maybe a Young Engineers Club. The main thing is flexibility but wherever the Challenge finds a home in your school, you will find tailor-made resources to support students and teachers in mapping and planning activities.

It’s not all about schools though. The Challenge has been designed to develop the skills and enthusiasms needed for the Marine Industry’s next generation of innovators and engineers which is why liaison with industry professionals is so important. The skills students develop in The Challenge will, of course, be valuable in whatever career path they choose.

Can We Help You?

TechSoft share the objectives of the Schools Marine Challenge and we are keen to offer our support. We can’t promise to visit individual schools, but if a group of schools wanted help and advice on any aspect of CAD/CAM using our machines and software, then one of our training staff would be happy to support you and maybe lead a session. Just get in touch and we’ll do what we can.

Project Packs

Where do I buy the necesary components?
TechSoft have been asked by the organisers of the Marine Challenge to manage the sale and distribution of the component packs for schools taking part.
Individual and class packs of specially selected components, are available here: