'Playing for Success' is part of a high profile government initiative aimed at raising standards in numeracy, literacy and ICT, for 10-16-year-old students.

The initiative uses the power of sport to engage and motivate students to learn through state of the art Study Centres, based at professional sports clubs.

The Edgeley Park Study Centre brings together a mutual partnership between Stockport Council's Children & Young People's Directorate, the DfES and Stockport County FC.

The award winning Study Centre is a purpose built building housed within Edgeley Park.

The main entrance, corridors and Study Centre room have SCFC graphics adorning the walls, giving children the real 'wow' factor!

In January 2006, the centre was refurbished and a sound proofed media room created, enabling the centre to further develop its curriculum through the creative use of digital film and radio.

Students are now able to record Podcasts, create animated films and also storyboard mini movies in a safe, clean and fun environment.

QUALITY

Since it was opened in February 2000, by the then Secretary of State for Education, David Blunkett, the centre has been awarded two prestigious kite marks for 'Quality in Study Support'.

The centre was awarded 'emerged' status in June 2001, and 'established' status in July 2004.

There are currently 20 'established' centres across the country and 6 'advanced'.

It will be going for 'advanced' status in October 2007.

The DfES use the 'QISS' process and its 'code of practice' to monitor and evaluate quality of provision within Study Centres.

The centre has also been used nationally by the DfES as an exemplar for its creative use of technology.

It is regularly visited by Premier League clubs to see examples of 'best' practice.

CURRICULUM

The authority funded centre offers all Stockport schools the opportunity to access an 'innovative' curriculum using technology schools do not have access to.

It offers a totally inclusive policy and works with children of all ages and abilities.

FACILITIES

The centre itself has superb views overlooking the Edgeley Park pitch and direct access to the stadium and all its facilities.

The stadium is regularly used by students for numeracy and literacy based activities.

It has an array of 'high tech' ICT facilities, and offers children the opportunity to use both a PC based Windows 2003 network, and an Apple OSX Tiger network.

PLAYER INVOLVEMENT

First team players regularly attend the centre for player interviews.

These are used to help improve students' speaking & listening skills and are also turned into Podcasts.

County's first team players also attend end of course presentation nights to award certificates, sign autographs, have pictures taken and hand out free matchday tickets and raffle prizes.

Over 300 students and parents regularly attend these events.

Any school interested in taking a place at the Study Centre please contact Gary Richards, Stockport Children & Young People's Directorate and Edgeley Park Study Centre Manager, on 0161 477 2959.