Student Success at Qinetiq Powerboat Challenge

A group of Cowes Enterprise College students recently attended the Qinetiq Powerboat Challenge 2023 in Haslar, Gosport.

During this STEM-focused event, students from Cowes Enterprise College showcased their engineering prowess by designing and manufacturing a powerboat named ‘Step Up,’ drawing inspiration from the hull designs of Axopar. Competing against schools from across the south coast, the students demonstrated exceptional skills and determination.

Working in line with Cowes Enterprise College’s award-winning Maritime Futures curriculum, students showcased their engineering prowess by designing and manufacturing a powerboat named ‘Step Up,’ drawing inspiration from the hull designs of Axopar. They then competed in a series of races against other schools across the south coast.

Cowes Enterprise College are so proud of our students, who won the heats with the most points, and entered into Final A and completed the three-lap race in a very credible second place.

Recognising the innovative design and presentation skills of Team CEC, the naval architects at Qinetiq and the judges honoured Team CEC with the prestigious ‘Judges’ Award.’

The Qinetiq Powerboat Challenge provides invaluable STEM experience, empowering students to engineer their own powerboat for competitive racing. Beyond the thrill of the races, students engaged with professionals from QinetiQ, The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Maritime UK, British Marine, and more. This platform facilitated meaningful conversations about career paths in science, engineering, mathematics, and project management.

Principal Rachel Kitley said:

“The Qinetiq Powerboat Challenge not only showcases our students’ talent in STEM but also aligns with our award-winning Maritime Futures curriculum which encourages all students to explore maritime-related fields. We are delighted that the dedication and creativity of our students was recognised with the ‘Judges’ Award’ and we are so proud of this remarkable achievement. We look forward to fostering more opportunities in STEM and Maritime education in the future.”