Hands-on RC racing workshop (physics & engineering)
Turn your sports hall into a motorsport lab for the day and help students connect classroom physics to the real world.
The Neon quality mark shows this activity has been reviewed and meets Neon's quality standards.
Overview
Many students struggle to see how classroom physics applies in the real world. This hands‑on STEM workshop uses RC car racing to make forces, motion and systems visible and meaningful, directly supporting KS3 to KS4 physics.
Across a full-day, on-site workshop, students test, race and improve car performance in real time. Delivered in 3 structured sessions, each student completes 3 race sessions and 2 engineering activities, combining practical investigation with problem‑solving and reflection.
Facilitated discussion throughout links what students observe on the track to curriculum concepts and real-world engineering thinking. This helps them build understanding, confidence and engagement - particularly for learners who don't always thrive in traditional lessons.
What sets this workshop apart is its focus on how students think, not just what they know. By the end of the day, students will understand how forces and motion affect performance, apply systems thinking through testing and iteration. And gain confidence tackling unfamiliar challenges - beginning to see themselves in STEM pathways.
Practical information
Flexible, low‑disruption delivery for single groups or rotating classes, aligned to your curriculum priorities
Delivered by an engineer in a hall, sports space or large classroom
Works effectively with mixed-ability groups, including SEND learners
All equipment provided, including track, cars and materials
Details
- School subject
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- Technology/computing
- Design and technology
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- Curriculum links
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- Computing
- Physics: Electricity and electromagnetism
- Biology: Material cycles and energy
- Physics: Energy
- Engineering
- Physics: Space physics
- Design and technology
- Sciences - Forces, electricity and waves: Electricity
- Computing science
- Sciences - Planet earth: Energy sources and sustainability
- Sciences - Planet earth
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering
- Sciences - Planet earth: Space
- Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics
- Physics: Electricity
- Physics: Energy transfer
- Design thinking and engineering: Engineering
- Physics
- Technology & design - Communication: Use of ICT tools (including 3D modelling)
- Sciences - Forces and energy: Using electricity
- Technology & design - Control: Incorporate control systems in products
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The environment and human influences
- Sciences - Forces and energy
- Technology & design - Manufacturing
- Technology & design - Control
- Sciences - Earth and universe: The solar system and universe
- Technology & design - Design
- Group size
- Whole class, Whole year group
Typically delivered to 60 to 90 students per day across multiple sessions.
- Participation level
- Hands-on
- Duration
- Whole day
- Cost
- Cost may apply
£850 for a full‑day workshop. Available UK‑wide (additional travel costs may apply for Scotland and Northern Ireland).
A limited number of fully-funded places are available each term. Schools in the London Paddington, Oxford and Bristol areas are especially encouraged to enquire. - Location
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In-school
- UK-wide
Learning outcomes
- Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
- Attainment and progress
- Develop engineering employability skills
- Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
- Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering
Frameworks
Gatsby benchmarks
The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:
- 2 - Learning from career and labour market information
- 3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
- 4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
- 5 - Encounters with employers and employees
EqualEx
- Introduce and Inspire
Essential skills
The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:
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Enrichment framework
- 5 - An accessible and engagement enrichment offer
Testimonials
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RC Vision is a brilliant provider that goes above and beyond to engage students in STEM. Not only this, the racing workshop encourages a growth in confidence amongst all students who participate. I highly recommend Andy and his team, as we are already looking forward to their next visit!
— Jess Manns
