World Darts Championship finalist Gian van Veen showed his support for National Numeracy Day on Wednesday at a special session of Bullseye Maths, in association with Vanquis.
Dutch darts star Van Veen is in Sheffield ahead of Thursday’s Premier League night at the Utilita Arena, where he will take on Gerwyn Price.
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The reigning European Champion and World Youth Champion took time out from his preparations for the event to join students at Watercliffe Meadow Community Primary School on National Numeracy Day.
Van Veen discussed his own experiences with maths as part of charity National Numeracy’s “Big Number Natter”, which encourages people of all ages to become more comfortable with numbers.
He then led two special sessions of the PDC’s Bullseye Maths numeracy scheme, which combines darts activities with maths challenges, involving Year Five students from the Sheffield school.
Dave Tompkinson, Year 5 teacher from Watercliffe Meadow, said: “The Bullseye Maths event really opened my eyes to the value of darts in primary schools and the brilliant influence it can have on mathematical developments.
“It was amazing to see children who really lack confidence in maths shine as the darts gave numbers a purpose. A 10/10 and a big 180 for us!”
Tim Schwarz, Head of Brand and Marketing from Vanquis, said: “As proud partners of the PDC, we’re delighted to support Bullseye Maths and bring learning to life in such an engaging way.
“Collaborating with National Numeracy Day helps us champion confidence with numbers, showing young people that maths can be both accessible and fun, whether in the classroom or through the world of darts.”
Sam Sims, CEO of independent charity National Numeracy, which runs National Numeracy Day, said: “Today is all about helping children and families build confidence with numbers and recognise that maths is everywhere.
“Bullseye Maths sessions like this are a brilliant way to bring that message to life, showing students how numeracy connects to the sports and activities they already enjoy.
“It’s a great way for pupils to learn together, have fun and build skills that will support them throughout their lives.”
The Bullseye Maths session was delivered by the JDC’s Education Team, and follows visits across England and Wales this year which have seen hundreds of students participate in the scheme.
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“Maths and darts just go together and today’s session really developed the students’ maths skills using darts as a fun example,” said JDC Director of Education Gary Horsley.
“It was wonderful to again be able to support National Numeracy Day and it was great to see how everyone at Watercliffe Meadow involved themselves in the sessions and showed such enthusiasm for Bullseye Maths.”
For more details about Bullseye Maths, in association with Vanquis, please visit www.pdc.tv/maths.
For more information about National Numeracy Day, please visit www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk.
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Images: Simon O’Connor/PDC
