'Ethara' means 'excite' in Arabic, the perfect name for one of our most captivating programmes. Formula Ethara, the 'Classroom Racing' Team Challenge, is a project learning programme for children ages 6 -13, to develop 21st Century skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Through the production of small-scale model race cars made from paper card, the programme offers teachers a team-orientated platform that focuses on design, simple CAD/CAM technology, graphic arts, science, math, literacy and enterprise. The excitement is maximized on race day when the children get to test their cars on the Formula Ethara Race Track. Ideal for delivering as a year group-wide themed topic, Formula Ethara develops a passion for designing and manufacturing in the early years.

Running in the UAE since 2009, the Formula 1® STEM Challenge is one of the biggest international STEAM competitions in the world, seeing teams of 3 to 6 students plan, research, design, analyse, manufacture and test a miniature 'F1® car' using CAD/CAM/CNC tools.

These cars are powered by CO2 compressed gas and race a 20-meters distance in just over a second. Teams compete within their schools, nationally and regionally for a chance to represent the UAE at the F1® in Schools World Finals and become World Champions. The Challenge inspires students to learn more about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and exciting way.

Push classroom boundaries and venture into new STEM terrain with the 4 x 4 in Schools Technology Challenge, which requires students to work in teams to design, build and code a miniature remote- controlled four-wheel drive (4 x4) vehicle. It must successfully navigate and complete obstacles on an off-road test track which is just as demanding as a real off-road situation, emulating the capabilities of a full size 4 x 4 vehicle.

The UAE competition places a strong emphasis on coding and programming with students challenged to innovate, using sensors and vehicle control systems on the Arduino platform along with mobile app development.