Team Launch Innovative Educational Initiative

Posted on Thursday 22 Jan 2009 and tagged with corporate, team.

On Monday, the Williams-Toyota FW31, the team's 2009 championship entry, made its debut in the Algarve with an additional brand on its livery in the shape of "Race to Learn" on the rear-facing rearwing. The Race to Learn initiative is a new partnership that has seen the team link up with Cambridge University Press in order to bring the excitement of Formula One to the primary classroom, engaging even the most reluctant learners through the thrill of being part of a Formula One team.

A new, Key Stage 2 innovative educational resource based on a Grand Prix racing team theme, Race to Learn is an easy-to-use, interactive DVD-ROM providing real-life contexts for cross-curricular topic-based learning. Williams F1 team members will transport the excitement of the racing environment to the classroom as they discuss their roles and set learning challenges for the children. The team element will encourage students to work in groups and the software will provide additional support material for teaching group-working skills.

Linked to curriculum objectives for Science, Maths, Literacy, Art & Design, Design & Technology, Citizenship, PSHE, PE and Geography, Race to Learn represents great value for money that is an affordable resource for all primary schools, and, importantly for teachers, will be self-contained and intuitive.

The product is due for launch in June 2009 but teachers can register their interest in Race to Learn online at www.racetolearn.org where they will also be entered into a prize draw to win a visit to Williams F1's headquarters. The winning teachers will be given an exclusive tour of the Williams F1 40-hectare technology campus, gaining an insight into the design and manufacture of their Formula One race cars.

Commenting on the new partnership, John Tuttle, Managing Director of the New Directions Group at Cambridge University Press, said “We are delighted to be working in association with Williams F1 on this innovative collaboration. The partnership allows us to offer a pioneering educational resource that teachers will find to be inspirational and easy-to-use.”

Race to Learn benefits from developer Cambridge-Hitachi’s expertise in publishing high-quality, award-winning educational resources designed to support whole-class teaching on interactive whiteboards for primary and secondary school teachers.

Frank Williams, Team Principal of the AT&T Williams team, said “Williams believes that education is one of three areas in which we can make a broader contribution to society. We hope to use the natural fascination that children have for racing cars and competition to stimulate their interest in a range of subjects, but in particular in science, maths and technology. This will lead to broader education and career choices for them and stronger foundations for our society and economy. We are thrilled to be able to undertake this project in partnership with Cambridge University Press, a leader in this field.”

For more information, please visit www.racetolearn.org

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