NEWS


Racing to School proud to renew Council for Learning Outside the Classroom accreditation


Racing to School has maintained the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge, a national accreditation by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC), for a further two years. Its renewal demonstrates that the charity offers young people a high-quality outdoor learning experience, bringing the curriculum to life using racing’s unique venues.


This year, the charity is on track to support the learning of over 16,000 young people across Great Britain with its Education and Riders’ Programmes. For many participants, a Racing to School day will be their first visit to a racecourse and an introduction to the thrill of horseracing. To achieve LOtC Quality Badge status, Racing to School must show that it meets six quality indicators, providing peace of mind to schools and colleges as to the quality of learning and effectiveness of risk management provided by the charity.


John Blake, Chief Executive of Racing to School said: “To be awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge once again is testament to our team’s efforts to achieve high quality interventions for our beneficiaries, even as we have expanded our work to record levels.” Dr Anne Hunt, Chief Executive of CLOtC said: “Educational visits are among the most memorable experiences in a child’s school life. The LOtC Quality Badge offers teachers the reassurance that the venue is providing high quality educational experiences and have the appropriate


risk management structures in place, meaning less paperwork for schools and peace of mind for teachers. I congratulate Racing to School on being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge.”


Held by some of the leading providers of educational visits, the LOtC Quality Badge is endorsed by the Department for Education and the Outdoor Education Advisers’ Panel Cymru recommends schools use awarded providers for their educational visit or trips.


uwww.racingtoschool.co.uk


Millennium Point launches 2024 STEM grants programme


Millennium Point, the iconic public building and events venue in Birmingham, has announced the launch of its annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) grants programme. The Millennium Point Charitable Trust will be accepting applications from not-for-profit organisations, schools, and colleges across the West Midlands Combined Authority area.


The STEM grants programme is designed to empower education and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. With grants ranging from £1,000 to £20,000, the programme aims to support projects that have a substantial impact on STEM education and career choices. Applicants are encouraged to showcase innovative ideas that will spark curiosity, creativity, and passion for STEM fields among young learners. Over the past five years, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust has awarded over £2 million to various charities, not-for-profits, community groups, and schools, strengthening STEM education in the region. The funds for these grants are generated through the commercial activities of the Millennium Point building, a landmark located on Curzon Street in Birmingham City Centre.


Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, said: “Our grants programme is more than just financial support; it’s a catalyst for change. By investing in innovative projects and underrepresented groups, we aim to nurture the curiosity and passion of young minds, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields. We believe that by fostering this enthusiasm, we are sowing the seeds for a future generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will shape our world.”


In addition to providing financial assistance, the Millennium Point Charitable Trust actively collaborates with grant recipients, offering mentorship and resources to ensure the success and sustainability of the supported projects.


November 2023 www.education-today.co.uk 15


The STEM grants programme aligns with the Trust’s mission to invest in STEM-related organisations, projects, and initiatives. Alongside the grants initiative, the Trust also sponsors the Millennium Point Trust Scholarship, which funds at least one young person’s undergraduate degree each year at Birmingham City University.


uhttps://www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/trust/grants/


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