Students at Sunnydown School in Caterham have been given the opportunity to learn the basics of mechanics thanks to the GASP Motor Project.
Once a week, GASP instructors come to the school’s workshop and deliver a morning and an afternoon session, giving the students hands-on experience of pit bikes and go-karts, plus two and four-stroke engines, as well as teaching them the theories behind each part as they go. The sessions also promote teamwork, communication, resilience and self-esteem, and the students are able to gain AQA certification along the way.
GASP, whose acronystic name comes from the original Surrey areas the initiative began in (Gomshall, Albury and Chilworth, Shere and Peaslake), provides ‘alternative learning to a wide range of young people and…opens up new and life-changing possibilities for them’. It started as a concept created by Surrey Police, the Lychgate Youth Trust and Surrey Probation to find diversionary activities for young people in the evenings.
The GASP Motor Project became a charity in 2009, and now runs accredited courses in basic motor mechanics and practical engineering skills from its workshop in Albury, or by taking its customised mobile unit around the county.
The school says that the students seem to get great satisfaction from all aspects of the GASP course. One said:
“I really enjoy learning about all the different engines. The people are very nice and helpful and know their stuff.”
Another stated:
“GASP is enjoyable and I like getting hands on with the equipment.”
Visit the GASP Motor Project for more information.
