STUDY SUPPORT CENTRE
Playing for Success was operated by Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum Study Support Centre in a high-tech learning zone in No. 1 Court. Young people attended out-of-hour learning sessions and participate in activities aimed at improving their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. It ran from early 2003 up to April 2011.
A National Initiative
- Playing for Success combined the fields of education and sport to create an exciting learning environment. PfS study support centres provide a low pupil to mentor ratio and individual access to ICT resources, whilst using the medium of sport as a motivational tool. There were also new opportunities to build relationships and interact with adults and other young people.
- PfS is a national scheme, funded by the Department for Education and Skills, in partnership with high profile sports clubs. It was first established with Premier League football clubs in 1997 and a large number of clubs have since committed themselves to the initiative. Other sports include Rugby League & Union, Cricket, Basketball, Gymnastics and Hockey.
The Partners
This was a joint project, creating a partnership amongst the London Borough of Merton, the AELTC, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Background
- The Study Support Centre was established at the All England Club in early 2003 and since then the partners have been delighted to see the successful development of the initiative. The project makes a significant contribution to educational strategies promoting access and inclusion, raising standards and supporting community partnerships.
- Tim Henman, Roger Taylor, the Rt.Hon. Richard Caborn and other VIPs attended the official launch in 2004 and during the summer of 2005, the Centre moved from its original location in Centre Court to its new home in the No. 1 Court complex. The SSC is now a thriving education zone that has firm links with schools and other community groups in the borough. In October 2005 the Centre received QISS accreditation (Quality in Study Support) at emerged level and progressed to established level in October 2008.
- In the latter part of 2006, a second Playing for Success Centre opening at Tooting & Mitcham United FC (The Hub), marking the growth of the initiative in Merton and the start of a new collaboration between the two centres
The Programme
The programme was designed to give maximum enjoyment and encouragement to pupils, whilst developing self-esteem, confidence and key study skills. The course runs for six to eight weeks (up to 20 hours) and primarily focuses on literacy, information and communications technology and numeracy.
Many of the activities undertaken by the pupils were inspired by the theme of tennis and The Championships and the programme includes a tour of the Grounds and visit to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Sessions included educational games, team challenges, problem solving, reading and writing tasks and project work. During their time with us PfS students might create a cartoon storyboard, produce a presentation or edit a mini-movie.
Pupils had access to their own computer and the centre's excellent ICT facilities. The use of IT is built into the programme to aid and improve the presentation of work and develop pupils' competence in this rapidly growing area. When completing projects, students made use of a multitude of software applications and websites. A trained adult was always close at hand to support and encourage pupils in their tasks.
Awards and incentives
There was a "Celebration of Achievement" evening hosted by the Centre, the Museum and The All England Lawn Tennis Club at the end of each term. Certificates were awarded for positive attitude, achievement, attendance and effort. Students, parents, mentors, teachers, local education officers, AELTC staff and celebrities were invited to attend these evenings to join in congratulating pupils who have attended the Centre. There was also an opportunity to view students' work.
Reading Stars
One of the aims of WLTM Study Support Centre was to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books. As an organization the aim was to promote and develop reading and to help reluctant readers get hooked on books. Some young people consider reading boring and this not only affects their performance at school but also prevents them from developing a love of reading for pleasure. This is particularly true for boys. The PfS scheme targets Year 5 - Year 9 pupils, aged between 9 and 14 years. The National Literacy Trust notes that this primary / secondary transition period is a vital time to ensure young people "do not lose interest in reading and that books do not end up collecting dust in the shadows of the television or the games console".
Children need the people around them to set a reading example so that they think of reading as something enjoyable. It is also hugely beneficial for children to have role-models who talk about and share a love of books.
When rain stops play at Wimbledon, many players put down their racquet and pick up a book. During the 2006 Championships WLTM Study Support Centre asked professional tennis players to join other sporting heroes to share their favourite reads.
Director of the National Literacy Trust Neil McClelland says: "Sports stars can have a tremendous influence on people's attitudes. By encouraging young people to view reading as a champion's pastime, these players are helping to inspire young people to become readers and make the most of life's opportunities". An initiative of the National Reading Campaign, Reading Champions works to harness the motivating power of reading role models to inspire young people and has been supported of cricketers, rugby players, footballers, wrestlers and even a basketball champion. Now tennis stars have joined them to show they are ace readers too!
Australian star Lleyton Hewitt opted for a home-grown choice, Possum Magic as his children's title. Tim Henman, Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis chose the ever-popular Harry Potter, while Ivan Ljubicic named Croatian author Ivan Kusan as his favourite children's writer.
Venus Williams, who chose Charm School by Susan Wiggs, explains, "Reading is very important. I always have a book with me. It opens my mind, it strengthens my vocabulary, it's fun. You read about things that don't happen in real life."
Contacts
Study Support Centre Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Church Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE
Email: playingforsuccess@aeltc.comTelephone: (020) 8971 2281
Fax: (020) 8971 2438
