Williams F1 team and Cambridge launch cross learning initiative

Cambridge University Press and Williams F1 are pleased to announce their collaboration on 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 Formula 1 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.

A press briefing for Race to Learn will take place at the 2009 BETT Show from 12pm – 1pm on Wednesday 14 January at the Hilton Olympia, The Bedford Room. BETT is the largest educational information and communications technology (ICT) event, dedicated to showcasing the best in UK and international educational technology products, resources and best practice. The Cambridge-Hitachi stand (G30) will showcase exclusive demonstrations of the product, with representatives from Williams F1 and Cambridge University Press available to provide further information. The product is due for launch in June 2009.

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, Williams F1 Team Principal, 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.”