Knights Study Centre
Playing for Success is a national initiative in education that has been established across the country for the past 10 years. The project was first introduced in Doncaster with the opening of the Keepmoat Stadium in 2006. Due to the success of the project and the demand from schools another centre has been launched at the home of the Doncaster Knights, Castle Park.
The second purpose-built Playing for Success classroom, to be known as the ‘Knights Study Centre’ continues to build on the success at the Keepmoat Stadium. The second centre has meant that Doncaster can now target over 1000 pupils for the after-school PfS programme.
The Knights Study Centre accommodates a total of 14 pupils per session. It boasts the most modern technology for the pupils to work with, including 20 Macs, 15 MacBooks, 10 camcorders, 20 digital cameras, an interactive whiteboard and a plasma TV. The project is highly effective in building on a child’s self esteem and confidence through using the power of sport to deliver key concepts in literacy, numeracy and ICT. The innovative programme involves activities where pupils create their own 'photo book' that tells the story of their time around the stadium. They are also encouraged to write their own lyrics for a song and produce this as an mp3.
Lucy Welsh, a pupil on the PfS programme, stated “it’s awesome, I love learning how to make a movie and doing the orienteering was great fun. My confidence has built up loads since being here.”
David Williams (PfS manager) said “The trained teachers deliver top quality lessons and the equipment means the pupils can learn new skills. We have our own transport so schools feel we are working with them to help build on their pupils' experience of learning.”
The centre works with a large number of volunteers, who support the pupils in their learning. No previous experience is required and no knowledge of computers is essential. If you are interested in being a positive role model to the pupils who come to any of the centres please telephone Jo Laidlaw on 01302 765890 or alternatively email jo.laidlaw@doncaster.gov.uk
Mentoring at the Knights Study Centre
The Knights Study Centre is looking for people to help mentor students who come to work down at Castle Park. Below are the roles and requirements of the positions so please have a look and contact the Playing for Success team with any questions or problems.
Job Description for Mentors
To be an important member of an exciting and innovative Learning Team.
To act as a positive role model for the pupils by demonstrating a mature attitude to learning and demonstrating respectful behaviour.
Act as part of a team to implement the agreed aims and the programme of the Doncaster Knights Study Centre.
To assist the teacher with any specific tasks.
To work along side the pupils and teachers in helping raise individual achievement by:
v Being aware of the pupils' social skills and encouraging the less confident to join in.
v Being aware of any individual needs that may affect learning and progress and helping the pupils to overcome these.
To promote an informal and equally respectful environment by:
v Ensuring pupils have fun and demonstrate appropriate behaviour.
v Respecting adults and pupils in the Doncaster Knights Study Centre.
v Ensuring that the pupils are viewed as the clients and are the most important people during their time at the Doncaster Knights Study Centre.
To be punctual to the agreed hours of work.
Help prepare and clear the room before and after each session.
To take responsibility for the care and maintenance of resources, ensuring that equipment is kept in good order and reporting loss or damage.
To be aware of and act accordingly on the Doncaster Knights Study Centre’s Child Protection Policy.
To be aware of act accordingly on the Doncaster Knights Study Centre’s health and safety policy.
* To promote and adhere to the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
Person Specification for Mentors
The Doncaster Knights Study Centre expect Learning Mentors to have
A desire to work with young people and children.
A desire to have a positive impact on young people and children.
An understanding of young people and children’s needs.
A willingness to learn.
A willingness to contribute ideas to further develop Doncaster Knights Study Centre projects.
An enthusiasm to work as part of a team.
A willingness to be flexible in taking on a variety of tasks.
A commitment to attend sessions consistently over an agreed period of time.
Punctuality.
