PUBLISHED
12:32 15 February 2012
By Website
WHAT IS THE STUDY SUPPORT CENTRE?
THE Barnsley Football Club Study Support Centre reflects both the practical and realistic aspirations of both the Football Club and the Local Education Authority.
Both are keen to pursue excellence in attitude and performance, utilising the best resorces at their disposal.
There is a sense of partnership here; both partners wishing to capitalise on finances available and striving to ensure that potential is realised.
Using older students from Barnsley College, the centre supports and encourages younger students to improve their levels of literacy, numeracy and ICT skills as well as their communication skills and personal self esteem.
Students from Barnsley College are seen as excellent learning role models, widening and lifting horizons for the younger students and encouraging them to develop and enhance their skills and self belief in their capabilities. The centre is shared with the club's Academy and players, who use it to research, complete academic assignments and collect their e-mail. Mentors are also offered the chance to use the centre as an alternative place for quiet study.
Our Study Support centre overlooks the pitch at Oakwell, having a fantastic panoramic view of the Stadium and its position acts as a catalyst for inspiration and motivation to take place in everyone using the centre; although the Stadium is mostly empty while the students are present, there is a constant feeling that something is about to happen and this rubs off on all our students, parents and mentors.
The level of personal support given by the Club Chairman and Team Manager to the Centre by welcoming the children to the centre and presenting them with certificates and prizes which mark their achievements, also has profound effects on attitudes and performance levels.
Comments on the Study Support Centre
"An excellent idea for these children. It has raised their commitment to learning and their perceptions of its worth. They are developing exemplar status. In the case of one child it has given us a firm and meaningful foothold in his life and common ground with which we may be able to deal with his social needs."
"An extremely worthwhile experience for our students."
"I think that this scheme has been excellent. All our pupils have thoroughly enjoyed it and have all gained from the experience. It has had a profound effect on pupil motivation."
"I am pleased to say that I think the response from the children has been excellent. I had a niece who attended who really enjoyed it and benefited immensely when she did her SATS this year."
"We can now see that the results are very encouraging and we are fortunate to have a Centre Manager who carries the project through enthusiasm and hard work."
"All the benefits of the pre-planning for the Study Centre are now coming to the fore. The facilities are excellent; the Study Centre Manager has excellent relationships with the schools, LEA and Barnsley Football Club; and the project can only go from strength to strength."
"This is an exciting initiative which brings together local government and private enterprise in an imaginative way. Children attending the centre have been achieving excellent results in National Tests and Barnsley Council is delighted to be working in partnership with the Football Club in this way."
"It is helping Shaun to concentrate on his work and he has become more determined in his school work."