Darts at Priory Steps Up To The Oche

While Priory pupils are dreaming about the Ally Pally and walk-on songs, the staff are seeing an increase in early attendance to school, an improvement in maths skills and a general eagerness to be involved in extra-curricular activities.

Priory launched their Darts Academy in January and they are only the second school in the UK to be affiliated with the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC).

The affiliation means Priory pupils can compete against fellow arrowsmiths nationally and internationally with a structured scoring and progression system so, as well as for enjoyment, they can significantly improve their rankings.

Head of PE and Sport Mr Bullock said: “I was blown away by the response, I guess it’s how much darts is now on TV, but I have been amazed at how many pupils have come forward. Over 40 pupils have signed up and the interest is phenomenal.

“Being affiliated with the JDC means pupils have to calculate scores, track averages, compare data and more – skills that build confidence in real-world maths.

“Alongside the mathematical, speed, accuracy and strategic benefits, pupils will also gain opportunities to play against the best young dart players nationally and internationally, representing the school and the JDC.”

“The school bought eight boards but, due to our affiliation with the JDC, Winmau, one of the market leaders in darts, support our academy so we have 12 match quality boards and full lane set-ups that have just arrived. The pupils have been over the moon with the upgrades, and now there is excitement to get to the newest boards with lights!”

“Our Darts Academy sessions are  Monday-Thursday 7.45am-8.30am and so it has helped attendance and punctuality.”

“The pupils can also play at breaks and lunch-times and we have two sessions after school, it was originally one but we extended it because of its popularity.”

“The pupils have a JDC routine where we record their scores which is how they are ranked.”

Year 8 James said: “I love darts so this is great. My favourite player is Gary Anderson. I have a dart board at home and to play in school as well is really nice. It helps with my maths.”

Year 10 Charlie is top of the Priory leaderboard at the moment. He said: “It’s good I can practise in school as well as home. My favourite player is Nathan Aspinall as he is local.”

Year 8 Bobby has already considered his walk-on song. “I would come out to ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’ I do love the darts, watching and playing. I love the excitement of watching it.

“Playing in school has really helped me with my maths too.”

Harrison said: “I love the way Gerwin Price celebrates so he is my favourite. It’s great we can play darts in school. I don’t mind getting up early to come into school as I know it’s darts first.”

Year 8 Charlotte is the only girl of the 40-plus Year 7-11s so far signed up but she doesn’t mind.

“I have watched darts for years and I just enjoy it so it’s ok being the only girl. I like Nathan Aspinall due to his walk-on song ‘Mr Brightside.’ I also really admire Beau Greaves.”

There is still time to sign up. It’s £15 registration fee and £2 per week for each submission of JDC routine scores. The registration and 10 weeks of score entries are available on ScoPay and it’s a first-come, first served basis for places.