RACING WITH THE STARS!

14th October, 2011

Pupils from Uffculme School in Devon were thrilled to meet two celebrity sporting heroes on their Racing to School day at Exeter Racecourse last week.

Year 8 pupils from Uffculme School were visiting Exeter Racecourse on a Racing to School day when they bumped into not one but two celebrity sporting heroes.  While the children were practising their numeracy skills and working out the area of the Parade Ring they met up with Champion Jockey and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Tony McCoy.  Within a few minutes they had spotted another sporting ace, ex-England goalie David James.  The pupils were thrilled to meet the two sportsmen who signed autographs, chatted and posed for a few memorable photographs. 

The children had spent the morning on a Racing to School Day with a special focus on Mathematics.  Pupils practised their numeracy skills by exploring the handicapping system, the effect of weight on performance, measuring the height and spread of the fences, and calculating how far horses can jump.  

Meeting the celebrity sportsmen was an extra bonus for the children, many of whom were experiencing the thrill of racing for the first time.  12 year old Emma said, “I really enjoyed today.  The activities were brilliant and fun and cool.”
Two of the pupils summed up the whole experience:  Owen aged 12 said, “Getting to meet the Champion Tony McCoy and David James was great. It was an excellent experience all round.”  13 year old Francis added, “It was great meeting Tony McCoy and David James plus today was the best ever!”  

Simon Avery, Key Stage 3 Coordinator at Uffculme School who attended the Racing to School day said, “The pupils had an excellent experience that they are still talking about.  The content of the day was a perfect mix of maths, PLTS (Personal, Learning and Thinking skills) and fun that maintained pupil interest throughout.”

Two pupils from Uffculme School pose for a shot with AP McCoy. You can see more photos from the day by clicking here!