The Minister for Education and Science, Mr Batt O'Keeffe TD recently launched the 2009 F1 in Schools Challenge powered in Ireland by Honda.

Pictured with the Honda Formula One Car at the launch of the F1 in Schools Challenge in the Department of Education were (from left): Minister for Education and Science, Batt O'Keeffe (TD) with (back row) Catherine Munnelly (Dominican College, Drumcondra), Helena Acheson (Discover Science and Engineering), Koni Kat Conor Daly and Koni Kat Eoin O'Connell and (front row) Koni Kat Adam Gammell, Neil Dalton (Marketing Manager, Universal Honda Limited), Jim Friars (CEO, The Irish Computer Society) & Koni Kat Sean Cleary

Last year's winners were Koni Kats from St David's School in Greystones, Co. Wicklow and they are currently building up their portfolio to represent Ireland at the World Finals, to take place next spring in London.

F1 in Schools is a global competition that challenges second level students from 30 countries to design, build and race model CO2-powered Formula 1 balsa wood cars and battle it out at the international final for the Bernie Ecclestone F1 in Schools Trophy.

Secondary schools from all over Ireland are invited to submit their entries for the fourth racing season of F1 in Schools in Ireland by registering on www.F1inschools.ie.

The Honda F1 in Schools, which is open to both Senior and Junior Cycle students, was introduced to Ireland by Irish Computer Society (ICS).

Through participating in this fun, exciting and challenging competition, students get a chance to experience some of the fascinating job opportunities that are open to graduates in the field of technology and computing. It also encourages students to develop skills in other areas that are essential for business, such as: presentation skills, marketing and PR, team work, time management and working to a deadline.

The competition goes a long way towards correcting inaccurate perceptions of technology by creating a practical and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in this sector.

F1 in Schools is also the perfect preparation for the new t4 Technology subjects, which are now being offered at Leaving Certificate level.

Last year more than 120 school teams competed at regional and national finals, where they were judged on a range of criteria, including speed, design, engineering quality, and the school team's full project presentation.

The 2008 Irish champions, team Koni Kats from St David's Secondary School in Greystones, will travel to London for the World Championships, and compete against teams from all over the world, in spring 2009.

Teams wishing to experience the thrills of the Honda-powered competition can now register for the 2008/2009 F1 in Schools race season at www.F1inSchools.ie.

Speaking at the F1 in Schools launch, Minister O'Keeffe highlighted the importance of promoting careers in technology and science. "As we build the knowledge economy and produce more and more graduates in science and technology, it is vital that we produce sufficient numbers of workers with advanced technical skills.

"The F1 in Schools Challenge can help to encourage the uptake of the new Leaving Cert technology subjects. My hope is that the innovative approach inherent in the F1 in Schools Challenge will further stimulate students' interest in science and technology and give them a practical insight into some of the varied and exciting career and third-level course options available in the sector."

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