Our next Chance to Shine case study is from Woodthorpe School in South Birmingham. Deputy Head Matt Trevor describes how Chance to Shine felt like “an avenue back to normality” after Covid and has prompted closer links with the local community through the school’s relationship with Kings Heath Cricket Club.
How long have you been involved with Chance to Shine at Woodthorpe School and in which age groups?
It feels like we have been involved in Chance to Shine for ever. I can’t remember it not being here. It must certainly be a decade.
What benefits has participation in Chance to Shine brought to your school?
The delivery in our last academic year springs to mind. We ran Chance to Shine late in the summer term and it was one of the first occasions where an external provider came back into school. It was fantastic that it was able to take place and felt like an avenue back to normality for us all. For the children, the opportunity to play and have fun after such a difficult time was important both from a mental health and a physical wellbeing perspective. Just to get out from beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Chance to Shine also forms a key piece of our relationships with the community and collaboration with our local area. We were nominated for Chance to Shine funding by Kings Heath Cricket Club and our relationship with the club has been hugely beneficial for the school.
As a school, we see Chance to Shine as part of the pathway to cricket in the primary phase of education. I like the relationship Chance to Shine has alongside All Stars. Our children are introduced to cricket skills through All Stars. They then have the opportunity to progress into games and festivals at school through Chance to Shine and get more into cricket in the community. As a sport, we are very well catered for in cricket. Last year our Year 6 pupils were able to go and use the cricket facilities at KES Camp Hill as part of their project with WCB. When I reflect back on last year, Chance to Shine was a pivotal part of our involvement in cricket as a school. I like the way everything fits together – even including The Hundred.
