Image: Mohammed Oubella

Course en Cours (Race in Class) is an original teaching method focused on Science and Technology (secondary and high schools) launched in 2006 by Renault and Dassault System.

During the school year, teams composed of 4 or 6 students imagine, design, construct, test, and finally make run their mini racing car. This race course has two main objectives: encourage vocational students oriented towards Science and Technology sectors, and promote equal opportunities. Through this project, the main aim is that students project themselves into the world of business through the implementation of the subjects taught in schools.

The reward is that each participant, whatever he is, wherever he comes from, he saw the contest as a trigger for future projects. Course en Cours is an invitation to transcendence!! Each phase of the project requires special skills: Project management and collaboration engineering, Mechanical concept Graphic arts, etc.

Encourage Science and Technology vocations

Through Race Course, students implement theoretical knowledge in Science and Technology. A practice which leads to a concrete result “mini racing car” and stimulates their desire to continue their way in the Scientists and Technology areas.

Promoting equal opportunities

Course en Cours encourages access to higher education by offering each participant ambition and equal conditions for success. Since the creation of the competition, providing with equal opportunities is one of the central pillars. Course en Cours agrees that all participants have the same chance of success, which results in equal access to different tools, equipment and software offered by the academic resource. A partnership is established between the universities and schools involved in the project.

Design, Manufacture

Some of the race cars presented in the competition

Participants have one year to design and build their mini car race. Teams must create an original concept that meets contemporary demands. The results are judged on the original idea, the concept of the car, its technical characteristics, aesthetics or manufacturing, among others.

Beyond the technical aspect, each team must also integrate marketing dimensions, communication and sponsoring. In fact, in order to immerse participants in the heart of the realities of careers in engineering. CATIA software V5® prestigious benchmark in the industry, is provided freely.

Test, evaluate

After testing the cars, teams will promote their projects. First, during the Academic Final Round and, afterwards, during the National Final. Teams are subjected to several tests – Stand assessment, oral presentation, running on a 20-meter track, etc – and must convince a jury of professionals and teachers. Course en Cours also choses to educate all participants in environmental issues by taking into account in the  scoring, the most innovative ecological designs.

The group spirit

Participating in Course en cours is learning to develop the work as a team, its empowering youth participants and promoting their openness to others. Each team member contributes, as head of design, manufacturing, ICT, or communications, all headed by a team leader.

Individual Iimprovement

Course en cours is put to the test. Each participant develops his curiosity, rigor, precision and creativity. Over the steps and overcome difficulties, the scale of the work helps us to develop self-confidence.

Course en Cours, it is a school of life.

Course en Cours is believing in yourself.

To check out the short film done during the competition, check out this link!

Article written by: Mohammed Oubella, Scientix Deputy Ambassador

Tags: cars, Competition, Students, technology