At our STEM Club, the voices of our students and their families say more than we ever could. From the excitement of building and racing kit cars, to the pride of developing new skills and confidence, their experiences highlight the real impact of our work. On this page, you’ll find reflections from both students and parents, sharing what the club has meant to them and how it has inspired future ambitions.
"I think the kit car club has helped me in many ways as I feel I am more confident and it gives me motivation to try harder at school. I am extremely grateful for this club because it has also helped me by giving me engineering skills and confidence to work on my own projects like working on my bike and working on projects with computers."
Lucas W, Year 9, 2024
"Being a part of the F24 kit car team this year has been an amazing opportunity and experience that I for one will never forget and secondly I am so thankful to everyone for being able to provide me with this opportunity. I have always enjoyed STEM subjects at school and look forward to every Thursday night after school. This experience has challenged me to meet new people and make new friends and I am loving it. I am pleased to say that I am learning something new every milli-second that I am there and am so happy to be doing the building all at Scillitoe Bros garage, they have been very helpful and generous with their support for us."
Will S, Year 10, 2024
“The APHS Greenpower kit car club is one of the times all of us can spend a bit of time building our skills and work passionately on something we all love. Personally the club has not only expanded my knowledge in mechanics and STEM but also has improved my capability in practical environments and working with a team. It is a time for me to focus on something fun and practical.
Instead of being an extra hour of writing and revision, it's a hour of testing my practical skills and learning something new that i am interested in. With the help from the Scillitoe Bros, acting as our mentors, working on the kit car is a brilliant experience.
Working with the team has also convinced me to choose a more practical job, something in STEM where i can use the skills i am learning and expand my knowledge further.”
Charlie B, Year 10, 2024
On 28th June 2024, our STEM Club students had the incredible opportunity to tour the Lotus factory at Hethel. They saw Emiras on the assembly line, got a rare look inside the usually off-limits Evija hypercar facility, and even viewed exclusive limited-edition models worth millions. A huge thank you to the Lotus team for making the visit unforgettable. Here’s what our students had to say about the experience…”
“Dear Lotus, I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible opportunity to tour the Lotus car factory in Hethel. The experience was truly enlightening and offered a fascinating glimpse into the intricate assembly line and manufacturing processes behind some of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history. During the tour, I was particularly captivated by the range of Lotus car models we observed, including the awe-inspiring Evija (Model 130). Seeing the 2.2, 2.4, and 2.6 million-pound Evija cars up close was an unforgettable experience. The sheer engineering excellence and meticulous craftsmanship that go into each model were evident at every stage of the production process. It was a privilege to witness the final assembly of these high-performance vehicles, which embody the cutting-edge innovation and design prowess that Lotus is renowned for. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the various advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies employed at the factory. From the automated high-speed servo panel-stamping lines to the state-of-the-art Coordinate Measuring Machine Laboratory, it was fascinating to see how Lotus ensures superior quality and precision in every vehicle produced. The integration of sustainability measures, such as photovoltaic power generation and waste heat utilization, also demonstrated Lotus’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Overall, the tour was an incredibly enriching experience, and I deeply appreciate the effort put forth by both the factory representatives and our club organizers to make this visit possible. It has significantly enhanced my understanding and appreciation of the artistry and innovation that define Lotus cars. Thank you once again for this remarkable opportunity.”
Kit P, Year 8
“At the LOTUS trip I really enjoyed seeing how they make the cars and the stages that there is, especially the engine and body work. I also enjoyed seeing how the 2.2 million pound electric car was made. I found it interesting how they made each part quickly and changed stations every 17 minutes. And that they try to make 5000 cars per year. It was interesting to find out how they store items for the car, example being they kept their batteries in a container and how they had gaps in the car so they are more aerodynamic.”
Max B, Year 7
“For all of my life I have been interested in the workings of cars. The trip opened my eyes to the many jobs and careers involved in the production of cars. I have learned lots about how important weight saving is.
I am sure that the trip has given our team a wealth of ideas and information for the development of both of our GreenPower F24 kit cars. I am extremely grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Nathan C, Year 8
“I found the Lotus trip a great way to learn not only about the manufacture of cars, but supercars. I loved having the opportunity to see first-hand the steps of the Lotus build and design process, to make their cars more efficient and powerful. What I found most interesting was the Lotus Evija workshop, which was a great way to see behind the scenes. I would like to say a massive thank you to Lotus for making this trip possible.”
Jake J, Year 8
“Firstly, I would like to thank you for this experience, one that will be near impossible to repeat that I will remember. Learning about the gearboxes, how they work, which they use was really interesting, nothing like anything I imagined. Something that really intrigued me was the whole process of how they design and make the cars. I never knew that designing cars was so expensive and that car parts were occasionally from other car makes. The most memorable part was the carbon fibre cars in the last part of the trip. They were simply amazing. The two frames that have stuck in my head after the trip are, reduce weight and reduce drag. These are the two things that we were told will definitely improve the speed of our kit cars. The tips and tricks are very helpful and I hope to be able to put these into practice as soon as possible. Many thanks!”
Alice J, Year 8
“I want to thank the team at Lotus for helping so much with the car and giving us such an awesome day! The tour was super insightful and really made me think about what I want to do when I grow up. I really liked seeing the behind the scenes and how a car is made every 17 minutes is just amazing for me.
The advice for how weight and drag is the most importantly thing was very helpful on how to improve our cars. Thanks again for everything! The experience was unforgettable and has given me a lot to think about for my future.”
Lucas W, Year 9
On 24th and 25th May 2025, both our primary and secondary STEM Club students took part in the Greenpower Regional Races at the Lotus Test Track, Hethel – including the very first outing for our primary Goblin G2 kit car! Afterwards, Mrs Moffat asked them to share what they had gained from the experience and what they needed to improve – here’s what they had to say…
“It helped me overcome my nerves and made me more confident for next time.” Orla H-B (Year 6)
“Loved racing – thank you for trusting me to take a lap!” Faith K (Year 6)
“Great time! Let’s improve aerodynamics next.” Finley W (Year 6)
“Thank you for an unforgettable weekend!” Noah H (Year 7), Zach H (Year 6), Ferney C-R (Year 6)
“Even just watching was a great learning experience!” Rowan J (Year 7)
“Jumping in that car was unforgettable – thank you!” Blake B (Year 7)
“We need to focus on saving battery for the final push!” Zach B (Year 7)
“I was buzzing after racing Poseidon for the first time – a real team effort!” Erin H-B (Year 9)
“Quick thinking and teamwork kept us going, even when things went wrong.” Izzy D (Year 9)
“We should focus on better battery care and driver communication next time.” Jake J (Year 9)
“Battery maintenance is crucial – we need a smarter storage and prep system.” Kit P (Year 9)
“It was such a fun and exciting event – thanks for the chance!” Kyrylo N (Year 9)
“We need every driver to know pit plans and race rules inside out.” Nathan C (Year 9)
“We should assign team members to different parts of the car.” Sam S (Year 9)
“Having specific race day roles and clear organisation is key.” Archie W (Year 10)
"My son Archie has really thrived during his time as part of the Greenpower Kit car/STEM club. He has learnt so many new skills, not only the practical skills that come hand in hand with working on the car but also life skills.
Learning how to work efficiently as part of a team, as well as being independent when going away for a few days whilst racing at Goodwood.
For Archie, this club has set him on a path that hopefully leads to a career. The visit to the Lotus factory and listening to an inspiring talk from a member of the Aston Martin race team for example are just a few of the opportunities that we as parents could never have given him. All of the above has led to Archie gaining a work experience place at Lotus as well as a Scillitoes garage.
I can’t emphasise enough how grateful we are to Mrs Moffat and her team as well as the many sponsors who have helped take this club from strength to strength. Long may it continue so many more young people like Archie can benefit and grow in the same way he has."
Michael W, 2025
"During Charlie's time at APHS and being part of STEM Club, and his involvement in the Greenpower Kit Car Project , we have watched our son grow and develop into an outstanding individual. STEM has taught him essential skills in planning, delegation and leadership as well as the importance in mentoring younger children. It has given him amazing levels of confidence and self-assurance and provided him with lifelong skills to enable him to reach his ultimate goals.
We as Charlie's parents will always remain grateful for the opportunities STEM and Mrs Moffat has provided our son."
Rowena B, 2025
"Mrs Moffat and her amazing passion for Design and Technology has not only inspired my son, Tom, but also given him the confidence to do something he enjoys which I am sure will see him through into a worthwhile career.
I have been so lucky that my son went to Alderman Peel and found a subject that encourages his creativity and critical thinking when other subjects have been a challenge for him.
He has been part of the STEM kit car club from the start and been on an amazing journey from helping build a car and racing it to the finals at Goodwood and I know he has enjoyed this and the trips to the Lotus factory above everything else.
Mrs Moffat has always gone out of her way to encourage my son to see his potential and provide extra support for which I will always be truly grateful."
Pip J, 2025
"We have had two of our children participate in the green power car stem club.
One from the start of high school and one more recently within his last year of primary school.
Sponsorship has enabled the Stem club to provide firsthand experience of creating a working green powered car from scratch. Being part of a team, and working together.
Funding has enabled the students to be equipped with materials and tools to become involved in the participating in research, design, discussion, promoting, creating and presentation of the green power kit car. Evaluating the product and improving its capabilities.
They have had the opportunity with funding to design and build prototypes. Evaluating the cars aerodynamics, design and usability. Documenting their progress in portfolios and presentation of their progress and achievements to date.
With the green powered cars, funding has enabled them to have the ability to build, repair and upgrade their vehicle.
It has provided the club the resources to expand their group of students throughout the high school year groups, with 2 F24 race cars and a car for the Goblin race, aimed at primary school children.
Funding has been beneficial in providing safety kit to the pupils, such as overall and helmets. As well as a team t-shirts to represent their club and their team work. It has provided the students with visits to the racetracks and taken the classroom to the outside world, to show off their hard work and dedication, their preparation, planning and see how the cars work on the track.
My children have been able to be included, have opportunities, be involved, have a voice, take part and be part of a team. Learning and expanding their knowledge through theory and practice provided by sponsorship and funding, which has been hugely beneficial in providing opportunities for the stem club to be able to provide this to the students as a result."
Jemma W, 2025