SKIPTON Girls High School is celebrating a very successful outing by several of its students to the regional finals of the 4x4 Land Rover in Schools competition held at the National Centre for Motorsport Engineering at the University of Bolton.

Three teams entered the competition and performing against the best in the North of England, the school’s Team G Force took first place in the ‘professional class; while its Team Miracle took first place in the ‘development class’, with its Team Echo as runner up.

Mark Turner, head of academy, said all three teams would now go forward to the national finals in March.

“Problem solving, communication and flexibility were all skills that the team members demonstrated as they designed, tested and exhibited their vehicles,” he said.

“Working through lunchtimes, after school and at home just demonstrates the level of commitment and dedication these remarkable students possess.”

The Land Rover 4x4 In Schools Technology Challenge is a competition where students have to compete in a range of activities from designing a new body shell to navigating a mini 4x4 course.

It gives students an opportunity to experience the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects within a practical context.

The students have been helped in their endeavours by Ribblesdale Land Rover, JB Springs, Sigmat, Mars Construct, and Land Rover Experience at Broughton Hall.

Team G-Force are Lily Scott, Bridget Longrigg, Katie Tutty, Maddison Phillips, currently in Year 12. Team Miracle are Lily Hall, Emma Charlton, Aarya Shibu, Clemmie Swiffen and Emily Butcher. Team Echo are Scarlett Smith, Jenny Rutter, Elsa Birch, Rosa Birks, Erin Smith and Izzy Capless currently in Year 9.

They teams are now busy getting prepared for the national finals, which take place in March over two days.

Any company interested in supporting the 4x4 teams is asked to contact Paul Braden, curriculum leader for engineering, at the school.