Racing to School’s Summer Newsletter
Enjoy Racing to School’s Summer newsletter below.
As the school year draws to a close, the charity is proud to reflect on another busy and successful term.
In the last six months, the Racing to School team has delivered 295 educational events at racecourses, studs and other key horseracing venues, supporting the learning of 10,868 young people.
From celebrating 10 years of partnership with the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project to welcoming 750 pupils to Royal Ascot as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, it has been a memorable few months for the charity.
Winning 25th anniversary silks unveiled at Royal Ascot
We were very pleased to support Royal Ascot’s community programme again this year, welcoming 750 pupils from 17 local schools across the opening two days of the Royal Meeting, with many experiencing its grandeur for the first time.
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, local pupils were invited to design a special set of racing silks inspired by the milestone year. Racing to School Ambassador Hollie Doyle judged the competition, with Lily Chamberlain’s winning design brought to life as a real set of racing silks. A presentation was held on the Wednesday of the meeting, where Lily received a book voucher and a framed copy of her design.
From their base in the Heath Enclosure, pupils watched the Royal Procession before trying out our equicisers and virtual reality headsets, giving them the opportunity to experience racing from a jockey’s perspective and to be part of one of Britain’s best-known sporting events.
Celebrating 10 years of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project
This academic year marked an important milestone for the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project, as the partners came together to mark a decade of collaboration with a showcase event for students, staff, community partners and industry supporters.
The voices of students past and present were at the heart of the evening through a panel discussion and the launch of a specially produced video reflecting on the Beacon Project’s impact, while guests explored the range of student work connected to the programme.
The programme has embedded careers education at Newmarket Academy, offering students a structured programme from Year 7 onwards, including employer encounters, workplace experiences and guidance on further and higher education, apprenticeships and university routes.
The Paddock Preview joins Racing to School at the Boodles May Festival
Back in the Spring, racing content creator Matthew Oldring, from The Paddock Preview, joined Racing to School at Chester during the Boodles May Festival, as one of the newest members of the charity’s Teachers Advisory Group (TAG).
Joining students from Blacon High School, Matt saw how Racing to School uses the racecourse as a fast-moving classroom, taking part in curriculum-linked activities, meeting Racing to School Ambassador Frankie Foster and former jockey Franny Norton, before joining the school group in the annual Chester Cup Parade ahead of racing.
As a member of the TAG group, Matt combines his experience as a primary school teacher with his passion for racing to help inform the charity’s materials and approach. He also enjoyed a chat with fellow teacher Jo Pedder:
Plenty of summer activity on the horizon
The charity’s work continues during the summer holidays, as we’ll be delivering a series of Horse and Pony Racing Introduction Sessions through the Pathway into Pony Racing initiative, giving young people a fun introduction to the sport.
We also look forward to taking part in National Racehorse Week again, offering even more opportunities for children and families to connect with horses and explore the world of racing.
In August, we’ll be supporting Newbury Racecourse’s new Schools’ Celebration Raceday. Schools across Berkshire and the surrounding counties are invited to register for complimentary tickets, giving pupils and their families the opportunity to experience live racing and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities.
With preparations already underway for the new school year, we look forward to continuing our record-breaking year, working with racecourses, schools and industry partners to inspire even more young people through racing.
Thank you for your support
We want to say a special thank you to all our supporters: the Levy Board; racing’s stakeholders; charitable trusts; racecourses; Pony Club Branches and Centres, schools and colleges and the many individuals who underpin the effectiveness of our work.
We are committed to create, measure and continually improve meaningful experiences for our young beneficiaries – we hope that we can rely on your friendship to do this work for the remainder of this year and beyond.
Please consider supporting us today through a donation to the charity; or by running an event or activity on our behalf (contact jen@racingtoschool.co.uk).
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