Information for Schools

The government has implemented a national strategy to address the need to improve standards in numeracy, literacy and ICT amongst young people. As part of this strategy, the DfES and Local Education Authorities are working closely with various major sports clubs in the setting up of ‘Study Support Centres’ at their grounds. The initiative is called ‘Playing for Success’ and Durham County Cricket Club has agreed to take part in this programme in partnership with Durham LA.

Durham County Cricket Club’s PfS programme offers children in the 9 -14 age range the opportunity to study after school hours in a new and exciting environment.

The main objectives are:

• to help young people develop skills for independent learning;
• to improve motivation in young people;
• to encourage the development of literacy, numeracy and ICT;
• to further develop the relationship between local schools and Durham County Cricket Club.

Each session will be held in the Riverside Education Centre at Durham County Cricket Club’s Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. It is equipped with a network of 16 PCs, an interactive whiteboard, digital video cameras, data logging and control technology equipment together with a range of learning materials and educational software. The children will also participate in activities in the new indoor training school situated next to the ground.

Sessions will be held Monday to Thursday with 2 sessions per evening.

The pupils will attend the programme for 1 session per week, on the same evening each week, for 10 weeks.

Sessions run from:

• 2.30 – 5.00 pm
• 3.00 – 5.30 pm

Appropriate transport has been organised that will collect the pupils from school and return them to the school after the Study Support session has finished. A County Council approved escort is also provided to accompany the pupils.

The programme of activities at the Centre will be varied. The first session will include a short tour of the facilities at the Cricket Club. The children will be given guidance and encouragement in curriculum areas, concentrating particularly on literacy, numeracy and ICT. The programme also includes an hour of physical activity each week. These fun coaching sessions are based on fielding and striking games and take place in the new indoor training centre.

Refreshments are made available to the children free of charge.

At the end of the programme, the Centre Manager will provide the school with a CD containing copies of the children’s work and any assessments undertaken. There will also be a presentation evening at the end of the programme which staff are invited to attend.

The initiative will only be successful if schools, the LEA and the Education Centre work in partnership.

The role of the school is to:

• Appoint a link teacher, responsible for liaising with the Centre Manager
• Choose the children who best meet the criteria for selection
• Complete the necessary documentation supplied by the Education Centre
• Liaise with parents

Although it is not necessary for teachers to accompany the children they are very welcome to visit the Centre during sessions.

Criteria for Selection

• No more than 15 pupils from
  • Key Stage 2 - Years 5 & 6
  • Key Stage 3 - Years 7 & 8

• Pupils, who are currently under achieving, need a confidence boost, have low self esteem or pupils you think would benefit from attending study support sessions.

Attendance on the PfS Programme is voluntary. However, young people attending are expected to make a full commitment to the scheme for the whole of the programme.

The cost of this initiative is £400 for 15 pupils for the 10 week programme.