Students from St Peter’s Primary, Stockton, studied the car as part of a new RDA Hunter program that introduces students to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects.

The Mini Me program matches primary schools with corporate partners to provide students with equipment and technology that encourages problem based learning.

RDA Hunter’s Scott Sleap said having Lewis’ car at the school, courtesy of Re-Engineering Australia, was an “outstanding opportunity”.

“Students have participated in fun, hands-on activities that encouraged them to think laterally,” Dr Sleap said.

“Children have become aware of real-world applications of the subjects.”

Murray Evans from corporate partner PwC said an increase in STEM skills would “future-proof” the workforce and build a “pipeline of innovators”.