E.ON brings motorsport magic to Newham Primary School

E.ON has delivered a ‘Kids in Motorsport’ event together with its electric off-road racing team partner, E.ON Next Veloce Racing, at Earlham Primary School in London’s Forest Gate. The event engaged children in both creative and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) related activities tied together by an exciting motorsport theme.

The day was designed to provide the pupils with the chance to experience a range of potential careers which all exist within a real-life racing paddock, whilst delivering the message that there is an abundance of future prospects available in the world of energy and motorsport for both boys and girls. There was also a focus on making sustainability accessible, introducing young minds to the ways they can become more eco-friendly.

E.ON is working in partnership with councils, housing developers and residents in Newham to radically reduce carbon emissions and build a sustainable future through energy efficiency measures and green technologies. E.ON has already made substantial CO₂ savings in the area, helping Newham on its way to achieving its net zero targets.

Earlham Primary School recently became a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence meaning there is an emphasis on supporting the students with expression and communication through speaking and listening. The Kids in Motorsport event was designed to help the students put these skills into practise and help develop their confidence.

The children of Earlham Primary School experienced six ‘skill stations’ which were all staffed by motorsport and STEM experts in their individual fields.

Sky Kids FYI presenter Scarlett Archer and motorsport radio presenter Alan Hyde - delivered an exclusive masterclass in media and TV presenting. 

Sky Kids FYI’s Scarlett Archer, said: “It was really fun to work with these children, they were all so engaged and enthusiastic. The children are not necessarily motorsport fans or even shown any previous interest in this world, but it was great to see them learn about some of the skills needed in motorsport – with broadcasting and media being one of them.

“I’m not much older than many of the children that were there today and it doesn’t seem very long ago that I was in Year 6, so I was even more blown away by how naturally many of them took to presenting especially when given the microphone. There’s no doubt there are some real future stars in the making here.”

Scott Somerville, E.ON UK’s Director of External Affairs, said: “Events like Kids in Motorsport aim to inspire young minds and introduce the next generation to career opportunities in motorsport, alongside other STEM related industries. Plus, we hope to plant the seed of sustainability to help the children make more eco-friendly choices in their day to day lives, now and as they grow older – all in a fun-packed day aimed at educating, encouraging and enthusing children about their future possibilities.”

Other activities at the event included coding and sustainability – an exercise supporting the STEM approved syllabus – included building, coding and racing LEGO model cars. This created a fun and interactive insight for those considering a career within the more technical side of motorsport. 

Alongside this, the Year 6s with aspirations on becoming racing drivers were also given the chance to try out a professional racing simulator. The team from E.ON Next Veloce Racing were on hand to share insider hints and tips to those in the hot seat. The children also got to showcase their rapid reaction skills and stamina using a full-size Batak machine.

A vital job within the racing paddock, is that of a doctor. Professional racing paramedic, Gerry Windett, demonstrated life-saving CPR using medical dummies as well as showing how to tie slings and other real world first aid.

To find out more about the partnership between E.ON and E.ON Next Veloce Racing, visit eonenergy.com/eon-x-veloce.