Recent links with the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust (BHEST) has enabled students from Bognor Regis Community College to practice maths outside the classroom.

 

A visit to Fontwell Park Racecourse was spent looking at how maths can be related to the world of work and in particular the leisure industry. Students took part in various activities such as working out how many horses can be in the parade ring at once (safely!) by using trundle wheels to measure the ring. Students were lucky enough to spend time in the Jockey Room looking at weights and measures relating to the handicap system used at all racecourses. They were then able to dress in racing silks and look at how and why the weight of the equipment used by jockeys affects the race results.

The event is being repeated with 30 students from Chichester College at Fontwell Racecourse and 30 students from Midhurst Grammar at Goodwood Racecourse.