Pupils learning DARTS in school – to help them improve their maths
School bosses even hope the move could lead to better GCSE results
TEACHERS have added playing DARTS to their school curriculum - in a bid to help pupils struggling with their maths.
The sport was included in the timetable at Thistley Hough Academy in Stoke on Trent after it topped a survey of what activities students wanted to see offered at lunchtimes and after school.
The academy in Penkhull has extended lunchtime to make space for darts as well as other activities, reports the .
Pupils are now signing up for the lessons hoping that they'll be the next big thing in a city famous for producing some of the best darts players in the world.
Their teachers however have different motives - hoping that the keen youngsters will improve their mathematical skills while playing the game, and even better their GCSE results.
Caty Reid, Vice Principal and programme co-ordinator, told the paper: “It was really interesting that when our survey came back darts came top, though maybe that’s because we have a local darts champion in Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor!”
Chris Dillon, director of mathematics, added: “Darts has got a massive profile in Stoke-on-Trent. But it’s not a normal thing for schools to offer it. We’ve found it’s really big here.
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“The city is surrounded by darts and is the base of the sport in the UK, the parents play it at home and at the weekend with their kids!
“The students don’t always see the educational side, but rather just have fun with it. I think it is really good that it is being brought into the school.”
The school organises the sessions once a week and currently has 24 young darts players.
13-year-old Josh Corns told the Daily Mirror: “My dad has been playing since he was my age. He taught me how to play darts and I’ve been doing it for eight years. I’m decent at it.
“I watch darts on the telly as well. I just find it fun. It’s something enjoyable and relaxing.”
Stoke is famous for its world class darts players, including; Andy 'X Factor' Boulton, Mark 'Frosty the Throw Man' Frost, Andy 'The Hammer' Hamilton, Ted 'The Count' Hankey and Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis.
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