School a shining cricket example

The school was number one out of the 3,500 schools who received Chance to Shine cricket coaching last year.

Teacher Craig Ellicott has driven the success of the sport and seen his pupils’ physical, mental and social wellbeing improve as a result.

The school used cricket to keep their pupils active through the Covid-19 lockdown in the spring and helped them to stay fit and healthy.

Ellicott has also brought cricket into the classroom in English and Maths and used the excitement generated by the PE lessons to support learning as well. He was supported in his efforts by Chance to Shine coaches from Staffordshire Cricket Board, Kathryn Whyle and Stuart Baker.

Ellicott said “It’s amazing to have won the award! Cricket’s really grown from strength to strength this year, every play time there’s cricket sets out and children having lots and lots of fun.”

And St John Bosco have also received praise from one of England’s stars, wicket-

keeper batsman Sam Billings who is currently on duty with his country in South Africa,

“I just want to say a massive congratulations to St John Bosco Catholic Primary School for winning Primary School of the Year,” said Billings.

“A great achievement for everyone involved. To the teachers, what you guys put in to give the opportunity to the students but also the students, in what’s been a really tough year, all of you guys working hard enjoy your cricket is great to see. All the best, keep active, keep working hard and keep enjoying it!”

The Chance to Shine charity gives children and young people a chance to play cricket and uses the sport to help them learn valuable skills like teamwork, communication and resilience to support them throughout their lives.

Working across England and Wales, in a typical year the charity supports over 500,000 young people to play cricket.