I am writing to share my feedback on the school trip to Donington Park on Friday.
Overall, I really enjoyed the trip and found it both exciting and interesting. It was a great opportunity to experience a real racing environment and learn things that we wouldn’t normally cover in the classroom. The day also helped us develop important skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a more practical and engaging way.
In the first half of the day, we took part in three different activities, rotating around them in teams. This worked really well because everyone got a chance to try each activity, and it kept the day organised and enjoyable. It also meant we worked with different people, which helped us share ideas and collaborate more effectively.
The first activity was the egg drop challenge. We had to design a way to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height, using a budget of £100 in imaginary money to buy materials. This made us think carefully about how we spent our budget and how to create the best design. Some groups focused on building strong structures, while others focused on cushioning the fall. The final drop was really exciting, and it was interesting to see which designs were successful.
The second activity focused on engineering. We listened to a talk from a chief engineer who explained how tyres affect the performance of a racing car, especially in different weather conditions. We learned about how grip and temperature can impact speed and control, and how important quick decision-making is in motorsport. This showed us how even small details can make a big difference. The activity that followed helped us understand these ideas even more.
The third activity involved visiting the garages. We were able to see the racing cars up close and even touch them, which made the experience feel much more real. We also spoke to mechanics and learned about their roles. It helped us understand how different racing cars are from normal cars, and the challenges drivers face, such as dealing with heat and pressure during races.
After this, we had a break next to the racetrack, which was a great chance to relax and take everything in. It was also really cool being so close to the track and seeing where the races actually take place.
In the second half of the day, we designed our own racing team. We had to create a team name, design a car, invent a driver, and decide on our team’s values. This activity was fun and creative, but it also required strong teamwork and presentation skills. At the end, each team presented their ideas, and a winner was chosen. The chance to win free tickets made it even more exciting and competitive.
In conclusion, the trip was a really enjoyable and valuable learning experience. It was interesting to see how motorsport works in real life and to take part in activities linked to it. Thank you for organising such a great trip.
Cael Mohanraj (Y10 student)
