Harper Adams Challenge – Engineering the Future
The Harper Adams Challenge is an annual programme designed to develop the engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving skills of Year 9 learners at The JCB Academy. Spanning several weeks, the challenge immerses learners in a hands-on project that requires them to design, build, and optimise a remote-controlled vehicle before putting it to the test in a thrilling final event at Harper Adams University.
For many years, learners took part in this challenge by building remote-controlled cars from scratch, using custom kits to assemble individual components and fine-tune their vehicles for maximum performance. This process gave them valuable hands-on experience with mechanical assembly, electronics, and engineering principles.
In 2025, the challenge evolved to incorporate the LEGO Technic Audi RS Q e-tron, adding a new dimension to the challenge. This change introduced new complexities, allowing learners to explore advanced vehicle systems while still applying the core engineering principles that the challenge has always aimed to teach.
Harper Adams Residential – The First Engineering Experience
Before beginning the Harper Adams Challenge, all new Year 9 learners at The JCB Academy start their engineering journey with a one-week residential trip to Harper Adams University in Shropshire. Taking place in their first week at the academy, this immersive experience provides learners with an introduction to key engineering principles while also helping them to develop essential teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The Harper Adams Residential Trip blends academic lessons with practical, hands-on engineering sessions, ensuring that learners build strong foundational knowledge before tackling the challenge later in the year.
Engineering Lessons at Harper Adams
During the residential, learners take part in three core engineering sessions, delivered alongside Harper Adams lecturers:
- Traction and Power – Learners experiment with front-wheel, rear-wheel, and four-wheel drive model vehicles, testing their traction on different surfaces, including AstroTurf, smooth concrete, loose sand, and rough concrete. They measure drawbar pull and analyse performance on a 30-degree incline.
- Suspension and Steering – In Harper Adams’ soil barn, learners explore different suspension types and their applications. They conduct turning-circle tests with small vehicles, learning how steering configurations impact manoeuvrability.
- Chassis Design & Gear Ratios – Using paper straws and a glue gun, learners design and construct load-bearing structures capable of withstanding up to 3kg. They also engage in practical gear ratio experiments, creating working gear systems and analysing rotations.
In addition to these engineering-focused sessions, learners also participate in English, mathematics, and science lessons, developing well-rounded skills that will support their future studies.
Outdoor and Team-Building Activities
The Harper Adams Residential is not just about engineering—it’s also about building friendships and confidence. Learners take part in:
- Archery
- Climbing Wall
- Segway Challenges
- Team-Building Exercises
By the end of the week, learners return to The JCB Academy with new technical skills, stronger teamwork abilities, and a greater sense of independence, fully prepared to take on the Harper Adams Challenge later in the year.
How the Harper Adams Challenge Works
The Harper Adams Challenge unfolds in two key stages:
Stage 1 – The Build Phase (Weeks of Preparation)
Over several weeks, learners work in teams to assemble and refine their LEGO Technic Audi RS Q e-tron models, ensuring they are ready to take on a challenging obstacle course. They experiment with different configurations, optimise performance, and learn how real-world engineering principles apply to vehicle design.
Stage 2 – The Grand Final at Harper Adams University
Once their vehicles are competition-ready, teams travel to Harper Adams University for the final showdown!
RC Demo – Obstacle Track Challenge
Each team must navigate their Audi RS Q e-tron through a precision-engineered obstacle course, featuring elements such as:
- Side Slopes – Testing stability and control.
- Rail Bridges – Requiring balance and careful steering.
- Stepping Stones – A challenge in precision driving.
- Gradients – Measuring power and acceleration.
Teams earn points based on their ability to complete each challenge without penalties, while also being timed for efficiency.
Team Presentations
After the RC demo, each team presents their engineering journey to a panel of judges, explaining:
- The skills they developed throughout the challenge.
- The innovations and adjustments made to their vehicle.
- How they worked as a team to overcome obstacles.
- Their reflections on what they’ve learned and how it applies to future engineering careers.
Judges assess teams based on creativity, technical knowledge, teamwork, and presentation skills, with awards presented to the top-performing teams.
What Learners Gain from the Challenge
The Harper Adams Challenge goes beyond competition—it equips learners with essential skills that prepare them for higher education, apprenticeships, and careers in engineering and business. Participants develop:
- Practical Engineering Knowledge – By assembling, testing, and refining their vehicles.
- Problem-Solving Skills – By troubleshooting design flaws and improving performance.
- Teamwork and Leadership – By working collaboratively under pressure.
- Presentation and Communication Skills – By sharing their engineering journey with industry experts.
Why This Challenge Matters
This challenge is a prime example of The JCB Academy’s hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that every learner experiences real-world engineering applications in a fun and competitive environment. The introduction of the LEGO Technic Audi RS Q e-tron in 2025 has taken the challenge to the next level, offering a new, innovative way for learners to engage with engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork.
