Unforgettable Formula 1 Experience Puts Spotlight on STEM

Students got up close to real Formula 1 cars and even tried their hand at racing around famous tracks during a school trip.

Magnus Church of England Academy students visited the headquarters of Williams Racing in Oxfordshire for a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment day.

During the guided tour of the Williams Museum, students from years seven, eight and nine learnt about the evolution of engineering and vehicle design in Formula 1 racing cars over the last 50 years.

Science teacher Brett Handley said: “The STEM enrichment day provided by Williams was an amazing opportunity for students to visit a real-life working environment where they were shown connection between studying STEM subjects at school, and a range of careers in the motor racing industry.

“While students had great fun racing in the simulators, they also learned how innovative engineering over the years had created the cars they were able to see in the museum. The Williams staff made direct links between the KS3 curriculum and design features on the cars.

“It was an unforgettable day for both students and staff; many commenting that it was the best trip they had ever experienced.”

A highlight of the visit for students was using the racing simulators in Willams’ Esports lounge which featured tracks at Imola, Silverstone and Monaco.

Students were also given an insight about STEM careers in the motor racing industry and worked in teams to programme their own autonomous robot vehicles. Their creations were put to the test in front of the whole group, and the winning team received Williams Racing caps as a reward.

Alfie Stephens, in year nine, was part of the winning team and said: “I had a brilliant day at Williams. I was happy my team won the challenge when I was team leader, and we all got the caps. It was really interesting as I have been interested in Formula 1 from a young age and would like to be a F1 engineer. This is the best trip I have been on.”

Year eight student Ethan Lee added: “The best part of the trip was definitely getting up close to the real Formula 1 cars. They looked so sleek and powerful, and I really wanted to hop in and give them a spin. Overall, it was a super fun and interesting experience. The Williams Racing HQ was impressive, and the presenters were knowledgeable and engaging.”

Following the success of the trip, Magnus Church of England Academy staff are already planning return visits and will take a further 160 students on a series of visits during the autumn term.

—

Interested in learning more about the Williams STEM programme? Want to bring a school or youth program to participate? Learn more about the programme here, and enquire about participating here.