A student-driven push for more hands-on learning has led to a power-filled school year at Carman Collegiate.
For the first time, the high school offered a full year of power-mechanic courses, enrolling 20 students across four classes — two for Grade 9, one each for Grade 10 and 11. Previously, the program was only available in a single semester.
“After meeting with the superintendent and the principal, it was clear that the students of Carman Collegiate were looking for additional programming in this area,” said motosports teacher Mark Findlay.
Findlay said the expanded program gave students the time and opportunity to take on bigger projects and further develop their mechanical skills.
“A highlight was building nine driving go-karts from scratch,” he said. “The more courses students take in this area, the more their skills will develop and they will make better employees when they go out to work with a local business.”
In addition to go-karts, students completed brake jobs and oil changes, wired a John Deere tractor, and repaired personal machines including dirt bikes, generators, three-wheelers, chainsaws and lawnmowers.
Looking ahead, Findlay hopes to grow the program to include two more Grade 10 and 11 courses and introduce a Grade 12 apprenticeship and work placement opportunity by the 2026-27 school year.
Carman Collegiate will continue offering four motosport courses this September.
