Students from The British School of Brussels (BSB) are actively engaged in STEM RACING – formerly known as F1 in Schools – a global competition that introduces young people to STEM disciplines through the thrilling challenge of designing and racing miniature Formula 1 cars.
At the most recent event, nine enthusiastic Year 7 students, accompanied by two staff members, travelled to Luxembourg International School. This year’s BSB representatives were selected for their skills and enthusiasm demonstrated during last year’s Year 6 Blood Hound programme – a Primary DT-led initiative that introduces students to engineering concepts through hands-on car building, before Secondary takes the lead in supporting more technical aspects of design and racing. The BSB contingent formed three ambitious teams who built their vehicles onsite, tested them in a wind tunnel and on the track, then honed their designs in hopes of reaching the final eight. Their dedication paid off as they reached the semi-finals in the STEM Racing category and proudly claimed first place for graphics against strong competition from local Luxembourg schools.
Our students’ participation showcases BSB’s commitment to inspiring curiosity and excellence in STEM learning, where hands-on engineering exploration is woven into the everyday student experience. By collaborating on vehicle design, computational modelling, and practical innovation, BSB students not only gain vital science and engineering know-how but also build teamwork, resilience, and creative problem-solving skills essential for future success.
Involvement in STEM RACING naturally feeds into BSB’s curriculum, empowering students and deepening knowledge across science, maths, technology, and design. As young competitors, students tackle real-world engineering challenges, learning from setbacks, refining ideas, and connecting directly with professional engineers and industry mentors. This journey helps ignite a passion for engineering and the wider STEM field, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and possible career paths in technology and innovation.
Engineering abilities are central to preparing problem solvers, inventors, and future innovators. BSB values the early fostering of engineering passion by offering a diverse range of programmes and activities led by dedicated staff. The first spark in engineering often begins with curiosity, which is nurtured by teachers at BSB and supported by industry leaders from the local community who visit the school to talk to students as part of our award-winning BSB Futures Careers Programme.
Curiosity and play-based exploration
Curiosity flourishes when children are given space to choose, explore, and discover. At BSB, play-based learning starts early, driven by specialist teachers, who champion open-ended inquiry, self-directed exploration, and purposeful experimentation. Teachers provide varied materials and real-world problems, giving children freedom to pursue their interests within a supportive and stimulating environment.
Developing essential skills through play
Integrated playful pedagogy helps BSB students master cognitive, social-emotional, and physical skills. Playful pedagogy is at the heart of BSB’s Early Years approach, extending to Upper Primary where students learn through their own agency and creativity.
Preparing critical thinkers and innovators
Research such as that by the Lego Foundation confirms the need to nurture skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and resilience through play-based education. Businesses increasingly demand adaptable learners, and early STEM exploration helps BSB students build these capabilities.
BSB’s dedication to nurturing engineers and innovators begins in the classroom and extends to national and international programmes like STEM RACING, which connects theory to practice and inspires the next generation to engineer a better tomorrow.
Interested in joining the BSB community? Please contact our Admissions team for more details.