Pupils power forward with top boat designs

Hertford Vale Primary Schools Year 6 pupils with their Engineering Week awards and power boats.

The pupils entered the competition to build a power boat capable of travelling down a purpose-built track of water.

The competition was of a high standard with entries pouring in from different schools and colleges.

In the end, Hertford Vale entered four designs, all of which won an award ranging from fastest boat, best build and even best presentation.

The children worked closely with a team of engineers from Legrand Electrical Ltd as part of a project to link local industry with schools.

Dr Neil Lewis, manufacturing and logistics director from Legrand and school governor at Hertford Vale, was instrumental in organising the engineers, resources and testing facilities for the power boats.

The Year 6 teacher, Mrs Boyes, worked closely with Dr Lewis and his engineers throughout the project. She said: “We are delighted that the children had such a wonderful opportunity to work with a local engineering company.

“The children and staff involved all gained a huge amount from the experience and the awards such as fastest boat on the day was the icing on the cake. We would like to say a huge thank you to Dr Lewis, his engineers and Legrand Electrical Ltd for all their hard work.

“The school will continue to develop links with Legrand as part of an initiative to inspire young people to follow a career in engineering.”