Ross Smith joined pupils from Martinshaw Primary School in Leicester for the latest Bullseye Maths school session.
The PDC’s award-nominated Bullseye Maths scheme includes in-school visits around televised events, as top players help promote numeracy in fun, darts-based sessions.
Reigning European Champion Smith took time out from his preparations for his World Grand Prix second round tie with Joe Cullen to visit Martinshaw Primary School.
Wednesday’s session saw 28 pupils taking part in the Bullseye Maths session, which feature a mixture of worksheets encouraging problem-solving and practical activities at the dartboard.
“I really enjoyed the Bullseye Maths session and it was superb to see the kids having fun and getting involved,” said Smith.
“It’s trying to make learning more enjoyable for children; darts is a great game and it’s a great skill to have the maths.
“It was a privilege to be part of the Bullseye Maths session and I hope the pupils can be inspired to enjoy maths more in the future.”
Martinshaw Primary School Head Teacher Neil Elson said: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to welcome the PDC to Martinshaw Primary School.
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“The team working with our children were great and everyone had a super time improving their maths skills while also having fun playing darts.
“Other skills also came into play such as teamwork, resilience and empathy, but it was also great to see the children improve their fine motor skills as they honed in on their dart throwing accuracy.
“It was also a first for everyone to meet a professional darts champion – Ross Smith. He was super with the children and it was lovely that he was able to answer questions at the end.
“Many thanks for inviting us to take part in the initiative.”
Bullseye Maths was introduced in 2022 as a fun and inclusive way to promote numeracy, after studies found that numeracy levels amongst children had been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the scheme supported by numeracy charity Maths One Toast.
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Alongside an online Bullseye Maths portal, in-school sessions are run by staff from Nottingham College’s Room 180 Academy which include a combination of numeracy exercises and a darts-based game provided by GoDartsPro.
“The visit to Martinshaw Primary School was a great session of Bullseye Maths,” said Room 180 Academy’s Gary Horsley, who led Wednesday’s session.
“The children were slightly younger than many who have taken part but the impact was just as good and they were a wonderful group.
“Having Ross Smith with us was brilliant for them to see one of the sport’s top players and he was outstanding with all the pupils. It was one of our best Bullseye Maths sessions yet!”
The Bullseye Maths scheme has been shortlisted in the “Best Sports Community or CSR Scheme – Other Sports” category for the 2023 Sports Business Awards, while feedback from pupils involved has been overwhelmingly positive.
For more details, please visit www.pdc.tv/maths.
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Images: Courtesy of Martinshaw Primary School
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