Learn how our Ascot tutors have brought this time of tradition, elegance, and excitement to create unique opportunities for immersive and engaging learning experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether your child is passionate about history, art, science, or literature, Ascot Week can serve as a rich educational tapestry. Here’s a guide to using this spectacular event as a springboard for learning across various subjects, tailored to different learning levels. Our Ascot tutors are here to help make these activities both fun and educational.
History
Primary Level:
- The History of Ascot Racecourse: Explore the origins of Ascot Racecourse, established by Queen Anne in 1711. Create a timeline of key events in its history.
- Royal Ascot Traditions: Discuss the significance of traditions such as the Royal Procession and the Dress Code. Create a “Royal Ascot” scrapbook with pictures and descriptions.
Secondary Level:
- Evolution of Horse Racing: Investigate how horse racing has evolved from ancient times to the present. Compare Ascot with other famous horse racing events worldwide.
- Social and Cultural Impact: Analyze how Ascot Week has influenced British culture and society. Write an essay or create a presentation on its impact over the years.
Science
Primary Level:
- The Biology of Horses: Study the anatomy and physiology of horses. Create a model or draw diagrams of a horse’s body, highlighting key features.
- Simple Physics: Learn about the basics of speed, distance, and time by timing toy horse races and calculating the speed.
Secondary Level:
- Advanced Biology: Explore genetic traits in racehorses, breeding practices, and what makes a champion thoroughbred.
- Advanced Biology: Strawberries as an important part of Ascot week culture, learn how they grow and develop. Compare traditional farming methods with non-traditional farming methods.
- Physics in Action: Investigate the forces at play in horse racing, such as friction, momentum, and energy. Conduct experiments or simulations to understand these concepts better.
Mathematics
Primary Level:
- Counting and Sorting: Use images of horses or jockeys to practice counting, sorting, and grouping by different attributes (color, number, etc.).
- Simple Addition and Subtraction: Create simple word problems based on horse races (e.g., “If 3 horses start the race and 2 more join, how many horses are racing?”).
- Percentages and Decimals: Track the horse race outcomes and learn about percentages and decimals. Organise the information in charts and tables.
Secondary Level:
- Statistics and Probability: Analyze data from past races. Calculate averages, probabilities, and odds. Discuss how these figures are used in betting and predictions.
- Geometry and Measurement: Measure the dimensions of a racecourse and calculate the perimeter and area. Discuss the importance of track design in horse racing.
Literature and Creative Writing
Primary Level:
- Story Time: Read stories or watch films about horses and racing. Encourage children to write their own short story or draw a comic strip about a horse race.
- Poetry: Write simple poems or rhymes inspired by horses, racing, or Ascot traditions.
Secondary Level:
- Literary Analysis: Study excerpts from classic literature that feature horse racing, such as “Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell. Analyze themes, characters, and settings.
- Creative Writing: Write a short story or a journal entry from the perspective of a jockey, a racehorse, or an attendee at Ascot Week. Focus on descriptive language and emotional experience. *Traveling to and from Ascot used to be a journey of anxiety as many robbers would hide amongst trees and stop carriages to rob them!
Art and Design
Primary Level:
- Crafts and Painting: Create Ascot-themed crafts, such as designing your own jockey silks or making a paper horse. Paint or draw scenes from Ascot Week.
- Hat Design: Learn about the tradition of extravagant hats at Ascot. Design and create your own hat using various materials.
Secondary Level:
- Fashion Design: Study the fashion of Ascot Week, focusing on the dress code and famous outfits. Design a collection of outfits inspired by Ascot.
- Photography and Visual Arts: Explore photography by taking pictures that capture the essence of Ascot Week. Create a photo essay or digital collage.
Geography
Primary Level:
- Map Skills: Locate Ascot on a map of the UK. Identify nearby landmarks, cities, and geographical features.
- Weather Patterns: Track the weather during Ascot Week and discuss how weather can affect outdoor events.
Secondary Level:
- Global Horse Racing: Compare Ascot Racecourse with other famous racecourses around the world. Discuss the geographical and cultural differences.
- Environmental Impact: Study the environmental impact of large events like Ascot Week. Propose ideas for making such events more sustainable.
Social Studies
Primary Level:
- Community and Events: Discuss how Ascot Week brings the community together. Interview family members or friends about their experiences or knowledge of Ascot.
- Jobs and Roles: Learn about different jobs associated with horse racing, such as jockeys, trainers, and stable hands. Role-play these professions.
Secondary Level:
- Economics of Ascot: Examine the economic impact of Ascot Week on the local community and the broader economy. Discuss concepts like tourism, revenue, and employment.
- Cultural Significance: Analyze how Ascot Week reflects British cultural values and traditions. Compare it with similar events in other cultures.
- Mindset of a Jockey: What kind of mental headspace does a Jockey require?
Physical Education
Primary Level:
- Horseback Riding Basics: Learn about the basics of horseback riding. Practice balance and coordination exercises that mimic riding motions.
- Fun Races: Organize foot races or relay races to understand the excitement and physical effort involved in racing.
Secondary Level:
- Equestrian Sports: Explore different equestrian sports, their rules, and techniques. If possible, visit a local stable to observe or participate in riding lessons.
- Fitness and Training: Investigate the fitness regimen of jockeys and horses. Create a simple fitness plan inspired by their training routines.
Bringing Ascot Week Home
Using Ascot Week as a framework, our Ascot tutors can provide personalized, trauma-informed, student-led, and neurodiverse-friendly educational experiences.
These activities can be integrated into your home education curriculum, offering a holistic and engaging approach to learning.
From English activities to maths activities, Ascot Week presents a myriad of opportunities to inspire and educate. Embrace this unique event to enrich your child’s education and make learning an exciting adventure.
Happy Ascot Week learning!
We’d love to help you create your multi-topic curriculum.
Feel free to Contact us!