In our next Chance to Shine primary school case study, Andrew Smith (Head at Bishopton Primary School) talks about his school’s experience of Chance to Shine, the opportunities the programme provides for their pupils, and how the school has developed a strong relationship with Stratford Cricket Club as a result.
How long has Bishopton Primary School been with Chance to Shine and what age groups does the programme work with?
We started Chance to Shine in the summer term of 2021. It was very successful, so we now have Chance to Shine coaches in school two days a week working with children from Years 1-6. One day they work with Years 1-3 and the other day with Years 4-6. We run an after school club on one of the days. Last term that was for Years 4-6 (25 children attending) and this term with Years 1-3 (22 children attending).
What is your overall impression of Chance to Shine, as delivered by the Warwickshire Cricket Board?
The work undertaken by the WCB has been the best I have seen in 28 years of teaching. Sometimes initiatives start well but the interest wanes or drops off. This isn’t the case with Chance to Shine and that needs celebrating properly.
We have continued our link with WCB this term and will continue to do so next summer, so this is a long term goal for us and not just a ‘one off’ initiative which then gets forgotten about.
What benefits have you seen in school as a result of Chance to Shine?
The programme is different and innovative. It isn’t like the traditional ‘balls and hoops’ physical activities for this age group. It gives children the opportunity to learn new skills and try something new, which they find they are good at.
Good coaches make a big impact in programmes. Ultimately success or otherwise comes down to the quality of the coaches. With the Chance to Shine coaches, there is a different – more professional – feel. They are committed for the duration of the course and don’t disappear or lose enthusiasm.
The children really enjoy the Chance to Shine sessions. Despite being in Stratford upon Avon, we have much in common with an inner city school and 25% of our children qualify for Free School Meals. Chance to Shine gives Bishopton children the opportunity to play a sport they would not normally have the chance to play, coached by great coaches. Importantly, as a new sport to practically all of them, they are all starting from a similar level. It isn’t like football where some children are already very good and play for a team, so the others feel left behind. With cricket, everyone is starting from a similar baseline.
It is great to have the children outside and active after the lockdowns and Covid. This is the first outside activity we have had in school post Covid: it was a bit of a gamble at the time, but it has been worth it.
Can you tell us about your links with Stratford Cricket Club?
Josh Hickman from Stratford CC has been one of the Chance to Shine coaches coming to school. He has made the children aware of sessions they can join at Stratford CC. In addition to word of mouth, Josh gave me a flyer from Stratford CC which I was able to include in the school newsletter to parents. I also use the school Twitter account to publicise our Chance to Shine sessions, so they are visible to parents.
In the summer term, as a result of Chance to Shine sessions, six Bishopton children attended net sessions at Stratford CC. Two of these children (one boy, one girl) then joined the Dynamos programme at Stratford CC during the school holidays. Their families were very supportive in taking them to the sessions and then stayed to enjoy the family atmosphere at the cricket club. In both cases, the children concerned had never wanted to be involved in sport before but are now enjoying the opportunity cricket has given them to meet new children, learn new physical and social skills, and for their families to enjoy a new environment.
