Powering Skills for Generations
Alderman Peel High School’s STEM club has accelerated extra-curricular learning with a £5,000 grant from the Norfolk Community Foundation’s JP Blanch Fund.
This funding has made a significant impact at Alderman Peel High School by fuelling their students’ passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) beyond the classroom. This year, thanks to funding from the Norfolk Community Foundation, they were able to purchase their second electric Greenpower Kit Car, along with all the resources needed to build and race it. This expansion has allowed them to increase participation in their after-school STEM club, particularly encouraging more female students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to get involved.
Their STEM club, which now boasts 22 enthusiastic students from Years 7 to 10, meets weekly to work on the challenging project of building these electric kit cars. This hands-on experience not only provides a practical application of their classroom learning but also instils crucial life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and technical analysis.
For Alderman Peel High School, the impact of the JP Blanch Fund extends beyond just building cars; it has helped them form valuable partnerships with local STEM businesses, including the Scillitoe Bros Garage, who are eager to support and mentor their students. The addition of a second kit car, these connections have only strengthened, further embedding their school within the local community and offering their students a glimpse into potential future careers.
“The APHS Greenpower kit car club is a time for all of us to build our skills and work passionately on something we love. The club has expanded my knowledge in mechanics and STEM and improved my capability in practical environments and teamwork. It’s a time to focus on something fun and practical. Instead of an extra hour of writing and revision, it’s an hour of testing my practical skills and learning something new that I am interested in. With help from the Scillitoe Bros, acting as our mentors, working on the kit car is a brilliant experience. Working with the team has convinced me to choose a more practical job in STEM where I can use and further expand my skills and knowledge.”
In June 2024, the team from the school took part in the Lotus Hethel heats. This was an opportunity to race against other schools from the region – including several from Norfolk who had also purchased cars thanks to a JP Blanch grant! The team came in 21st place, and are working to improve the cars to compete in the October Gaywood race.
The JP Blanch Fund has truly enriched their students’ educational experiences, opening doors to future opportunities and inspiring a new generation of STEM enthusiasts. The STEM Club is more than just an after-school activity; it’s a launchpad for its students’ futures.
[Published 21.08.24]
The JP Blanch Fund
Created in 2010 in memory of local vintage car enthusiast James Blanch, the JP Blanch Grassroots Fund honours his passion for the automotive industry. A retired wheelwright, Blanch lived a quiet life in rural Norfolk, where a collection of rare classic cars was discovered after his death in 2008, providing the financial basis for the fund. Managed by the Norfolk Community Foundation, the fund helps people access the skills they need to thrive in the local automotive, engineering, and technology sectors. It has funded numerous apprenticeships and community engineering projects, cultivating the next generation of skilled professionals in Norfolk – a legacy to be proud of.