Cornish Pirates

Students from four of Penwith's schools were given a real treat at the Pirates Learning Zone this week.

The club generously gave four players time off from their hectic training schedule to teach the youngsters rugby skills and the students relished the opportunity.

Looking engaged the students listened carefully to the players instructions and really enjoyed the time with the players and the skills they learnt.

Players involved were Rhodri Wells (pictured with some of the students), James Inglis, Johnny Hylton and Henry Barratt.

The students were from Mousehole, Ludgvan and Leedstown Primary Schools, and the Humphry Davy School, Penzance.

Speaking after the sessions the Centre Manager of the Pirates Learning Zone, Kevin Jackson, commented: "We are very fortunate to have a club committed to the community and the development of the students who attend the ten week Playing for Success sessions. For the students it is a great opportunity to meet top class sportsmen, giving them a real boost in self esteem and motivation."

The Pirates’ Learning Zone is part of national programme, Playing for Success, which started in 1997 as a partnership between Premiership Football and the Dfes.

Using the environment and medium of sport as a motivational tool, the centres were set up to help raise literacy, numeracy and ICT standards and increase confidence and self-esteem in pupils underachieving in these key skills and who are often demotivated.

Each centre is run by an experienced teacher and is equipped with state of the art IT facilities.

Due to its success the initiative was extended to other sports in 2000 and Cornwall LEA was invited to join 2001 with the Pirates’ Learning Zone opening in April 2002

Since then the centre has worked with over 1,000 children selected by their schools and has seen tremendous result in raising self-esteem, confidence and academic standards.

The Future

In the academic year 2005/06 the Learning Zone plans to work with a further 16 local schools, targeting another 200 pupils from the primary and secondary sectors for after study support.

The plans are to also increase daytime provision at the centre to work with Education Out of School service as well as provide opportunities for schools to take up literacy, numeracy and IT packages, using the fantastic facilities at the Learning Zone.

The centre will continue to offer holiday programmes involving a range of activities both in the Learning Zone and out on the pitch with the players.

The Verdict

Schools:
‘Yet again the Pirates’ Learning Zone has provided the children of St Erth with a superb platform for increasing their self esteem and confidence. The motivation of your staff has had an undoubted impact on the children.’

Parents
‘Since attending the Pirates we have noticed a great improvement in Bethany’s confidence at home and in school. She has really enjoyed attending.’

Charlie’s confidence has grown and his sense of achievement has meant that he has enjoyed attending very much.’

‘Oliver has thoroughly enjoyed the course and didn’t want to miss a session. He talked about everything he did and especially enjoyed the rugby. Thank you very much.’

Children:
‘I think the Pirates’ Learning Zone is SO COOL I want to come again’