Racing in School

Twenty-four students from Year 9 had a fantastic opportunity to visit Market Rasen Racecourse as part of a unique maths experience.

The students were led by the education charity, Racing to School, which inspires young minds through free, interactive outdoor events at racing venues across the country.

The trip took place on a very cold and icy day, which unfortunately meant that racing for the day had to be cancelled.

This did not deter the students however, who were given exclusive access to areas which the public are usually restricted from.

They were provided with the opportunity to explore key skills in a unique environment throughout the day, engaging in a variety of fun problem solving and practical activities whilst wearing jockey silks.

They practiced maths skills in the Parade Ring, the weighing room and on the racecourse itself.

One student commented: “It was good to see behind the scenes at a racecourse, it was also fun to incorporate my maths skills into it and further strengthen my knowledge of the metric and imperial units of measure.”

Another added: “I enjoyed the weighing room and learnt how much maths is used in horse racing.”

They were also taught about the variety of career options that are available to them in the sport of horse racing.

Racing to School arranged and led the trip, supporting and enriching the learning and development of our students using the context of racing to deliver exciting, hands-on activities in an open-air and healthy environment.

A student said: “The trip was very fun, we thoroughly enjoyed it. The guides were very friendly and funny, we would love to go again."

Students enjoyed the day and were tasked with challenges throughout the day including measuring the Parade Ring and working out how many horses can be there at one time, using the weighing room to determine the difference between themselves and the ideal weight for a jockey.

A student said: “I enjoyed how practical it all was and how everyone was able to get involved.”

Another added: “It was cold but it was fun, because we got to know more about the history and the types of racing there is.”

Louth Academy Principal Phil Dickinson was thrilled to send students to the event commenting that: “Enrichment is a vital factor in developing our students at the academy.

We are proud to offer a wide range of opportunities that engage students in their learning whilst improving social skills and cultural awareness.  It is particularly exciting to see a bespoke maths experience capturing the imaginations of our mathematicians”.