Mission Statement
Bluebirds Study Centre at Barrow AFC aims to provide a quality learning environment for children in Barrow and Furness, working with local primary and secondary schools to raise achievement. Learning activities will be provided, using a sporting ethos and developing links with Barrow AFC to encourage teambuilding, cooperation and community cohesion.

The learning programmes will be inclusive, motivating and delivered in a stimulating and positive learning environment, building confidence and self-esteem. All students attending Bluebirds are provided with an equal opportunity to learn and develop their skills and understanding, regardless of race,
gender or ability.

All students will be encouraged to extend their interest in life-long learning and will be supported in achieving their own personal best at all times.

Ethos statement is;

Every Child Matters
The centre curriculum and ethos is underpinned by the `Every Child Matters` initiative. We address the five outcomes through our work with our learners, these include;
Making a positive contribution, Achieving Economic Well-being, Enjoy and Achieve, Being Healthy and Staying Safe.

Barrow AFC has a long tradition of being a community club and through its partnership with Football in the Community initiated inclusion into the Playing for Success Programme. From these beginnings Bluebirds Study Centre arose and was officially opened in April 2006 by John Hutton M.P. The Primary programme had already been established successfully and had been running since September 2005. Both the Club and the Study Centre work in partnership and the positive relationship provides strong local links to develop community cohesion.

Barrow AFC
Pupils attending the centre have access to the club and take part in a tour of the grounds, including the players’ changing rooms, the Press Box and the tunnel. They sometimes have the opportunity to meet and interview the players. Additionally, in close partnership with the Barrow AFC Community Football Officer, they explore important issues through the “Kick out Racism” project, anti-bullying workshops and healthy eating advice. In summer school they are invited to take part in coaching projects.

Learning Environment
The study centre is comprised of two teaching areas, fully equipped with 16 PCs with Windows XP, Microsoft Office and a range of software. There are two interactive whiteboards, a video conference system and digital television and digital cameras. There are quiet seating areas, a small library and a refreshment bay. The children have access to excellent, modern technology which enhances and enriches their learning experience, developing their skills and fully engaging them.

After School Curriculum
The Playing for Success programme at Bluebirds includes a core offer of; Literacy, Numeracy, ICT

Each term a different theme is followed to add an extra dimension to the learning. Some of the themes explored have included, Remembrance, In the News, Sustainability and Environment and this year the World Cup. Over the next year we will be focusing on the 2012 Olympics and taking part in the PFS Pass it On initiative.

Pupils are encouraged to develop independence and personalised learning. The Every Child Matters initiative underpins the programme with reference given to the five outcomes as mentioned above.

The sporting ethos provides a strong background for the development of cooperation, team building and challenge. Developing relationships is key to working at Bluebirds and to promote this, schools are matched together to work in partnership during the 10 week course.

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