Season 2018/19 - The first steps
In the first year of Mental Mechanics we had many interested participants. We entered the entry class of F1 in schools since the school nor the students had ever competed before. However, everybody would underestimate how difficult and involved you would have to be. Therefore, only a few stayed on. With ambition and drive we managed to build a car and meet every criteria of the F1 in schools competition. It was a roller coaster, yet very satisfying to see a year’s worth of work come alive. We came second and missed Nationals by a mere 15 points so we were disappointed to say the least.
Everybody got experience and joy out of the project. Everybody improved their skills in the area they worked on. However, they did not stay on. Only the team leader, the one who founded the team, was willing to carry on. He needed to build the team again from the ground up…
Achievements : Fastest car in Entry class, best overall engineering portfolio
Season 2019/20 - A new challenge
As the season started again the team leader had a plan. A daring plan, involving a stage, 500 people and everybody’s attention. A recruitment speech during assembly! The speech must have been convincing enough since 4 new members joined the team. Mental Mechanics was reborn.
This year we joined a new competition class called development class, it was going to be a new challenge… New class, New team, New car and a lot to learn! We all rose to the occasion.
Then came Regionals. We had prepared just as hard as the year before. But ended up second in our class again. It was truly annoying working so hard, yet falling short a second time in a row.
Achievements : Best overall engineering portfolio, 2nd place in Development class
Season 2020/21 - A year with a difference
We started with a stable team of 4. Loads of new ideas and the promise of new resources. And then it happened.
COVID-19 affected everyone involved. This year was going to be our year. New computers, 3D printers and a stable base. COVID halted everything. The team could not meet up in school, the resources didn’t arrive and education had to be prioritised.
Competition rules have also been adapted to the situation which has made this year different again, so we had to switch to plan B.
We have managed to keep the motivation and the focus alive through our weekly online meetings. The extended deadline has enabled us to invest time into new engineering applications such as wind tunnels.
Achievements : Best overall research and development award, Judges, choice award and … WE ARE THROUGH TO UK NATIONAL FINALS!!!
And beyond
Next year, we are hoping to move to Professional class with even better car and still our positive mental attitude. After all we are Mental Mechanics!