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Students from Fochriw Primary School have reached the national finals for a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) challenge run by Formula 1. 

Pupils aged nine to 11 had to design, make, and race a mini-F1 race car as part of a competition involving 20 schools.

The four members of Fochriw Primary School’s team, ‘FPS24’, Ellie Edwards, Tam Wilkinson, Georgie Reader and Robin Lynch, all took part in the competition on February 8 at the St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff. 

The team were crowned regional champions and also won ‘Best Pit Display’ and ‘Best ‘Marketing and Advertising’.

Mr John, deputy headteacher of Fochriw Primary School, said: “The event is an excellent opportunity to develop STEM skills in an authentic context for our ambitious capable learners. 

“We hope it inspires them in the future realising that, although living in an area of high disadvantage, the sky is the limit.”

Student Ellie-Mae Edwards said “It was an amazing day. We learned so much about what it takes to be a successful team and that if you work hard you can be successful.”

The Team from Fochriw will go on to represent South Wales in the national finals in Rotherham later this term.