Background and History
JP Racing is actively engaging Grade 6 students and their families at Jells Park Primary School by participating in the Energy Breakthrough Challenge https://www.eb.org.au/
Jells Park Primary School is located in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne in Wheelers Hill with approximately 550 students in attendance. We have a strong focus on teaching holistically and as such have a large range of extra-curricular activities to engage and inspire a range of students. There is a highly motivated staff who actively input into developing students who strive for Excellence, are Respectful of others, have inner strength and Resilience and are Honest in their communication and interaction.
The Human Powered Vehicle program (JP Racing) has been in existence for 14 years and has gradually grown in interest and competitiveness over that time. In 2019 we had a highly successful year with 3 HPV teams and 3 Pushcart teams competing (over 50 students). As with most events,
the 2020 program and races were cancelled due to Covid-19.

Student and Parent Engagement
In order to participate, students are required to submit a written application, participate in fitness testing, carry out research and homework tasks, further fitness testing and training, extensive HPV training and learn the mechanics of building and construction of the vehicles. The whole process begins in February and concludes at the Energy Breakthrough event in November.
The benefits of this program are extensive. The level of engagement ensures students are actively participating in school and the learning environment. The level of training required ensures active lifestyles whilst students are also educated about healthy eating and body requirements. After school
training sessions serve to improve fitness but also build community and connectedness. Students are required to understand and answer questions about the construction of the vehicles so their active participation in construction ensures their level of understanding in planning, design and construction is developing. Students are also required to make a 20 minute presentation about the vehicle and their involvement so their public speaking and presentation skills are improved. A key component of
the Energy Breakthrough challenge is the environmental benefits, so students increase their awareness of the role we can play in improving our environment.

The involvement of students, teachers and parents throughout the process ensures a high level of interaction and connectedness of both parents and students to both teachers and the school.

Checkout our facebook site for regular updates https://www.facebook.com/JPPSRacing

To contact our organisers, email jppsracing@gmail.com