It was the climax of a busy term of study support for the Saints Study Centre. Thanks to a Government-sponsored initiative begun five years ago, the Study Centre's 'Playing for Success' programme helps children from schools across Northampton. Using the medium of sport, the centre concentrates on improving literacy, numeracy and ICT, with key skills, self-esteem and motivation featuring in most of the eight to ten week programme of activities. 'Playing for Success' sits firmly within the Government’s push on raising standards.

Schools attending 'Playing for Success' this term were:
Thomas Beckett RC Secondary School
All Saints Primary School
Boothville Primary School
The Arbours Primary School
The Headlands Primary School
Thorplands Primary School
St Gregory’s Primary School
Spring Lane Primary School
St. James Primary School

In addition to these activities the Study Centre has been operating during the daytime for various schools who have asked for study support for a variety of reasons. These organisations include:
Unity College Breakthrough Project
The Barclaycard Reward Days
The Full Back programme for the BACIN team from Northamptonshire County Council
Northampton Academy's 'Improving Key Skills Through Sport' programme.
Slated Row Special School, Milton Keynes
The Montsaye Cluster days

Pupils and parents from the 'Playing for Success' programme and the Northampton Academy daytime programme attended the presentation evening at  Franklin's Gardens last night to celebrate their success. Over 300 people watched the pupils receive their certificates and goody bags provided by the Saints' Community Department from Saints first teamers Chris Budgen and John Brooks and Bernie the dog.

A great time was had by all!

Any school interested in finding out how the Study Centre can create a programme of activities for a group of students should contact either Pete Austen (Study Centre Manager) or Jeanette Campkin (Centre Administrator) on 01604 599152.