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 main CPLZ office and classroom is at the Mennaye Field, Penzance, which is used by 60 pupils per term from local schools. Also, the facilities are used the teaching of certain other programmes, such as art and media, for the benefit of gifted children.

Facilities and equipment really are outstanding, enabling pupils to gain a great deal when attending a course at the CPLZ.

The youngsters are transported to the Zone in a minibus and picked up by parents.

The second site is a satellite centre at the CPR (Camborne-Pool-Redruth) Learning Space, Camborne, which also accommodates 60 pupils per term from all of the CPR schools.

The centre doesn't possess a minibus but would dearly love to have one to transport local children from the outlying areas of St Day, Pencoys, Illogan and Troon.

During this present term there is therefore a total of 120 pupils from 10 schools in West Cornwall who are deriving benefit from attending the CPLZ sites.

The CPR are has been well represented with pupils from Pennoweth, St John the Baptist, St Meriadoc and Roskear Primary Schools, plus others from Camborne and Redruth Secondary Schools.

In the far west, children from Mousehole, Newlyn, St Mary's Cof E and Alverton Schools have attended the Penzance site. All of the pupils use available technology in a wide range of lessons.

This can vary from composing a motivational song for the Pirates players to run onto the pitch, to making animated films, as well as 'building' their own stadiums using computer resources following a tour of the Camborne rugby ground - the 'Rec'.

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’