CHILDREN at Ipplepen Primary School in South Devon have been 'Bowled Over By Numbers' recently, thanks to an innovative new partnership with their village cricket club.

Pupils in year four at the school have taken part in six afternoon sessions, developing both mathematical and cricket skills, led by Ipplepen CC’s head coach Chris Partridge.

The Bowled Over By Numbers concept was dreamed up by Partridge - a qualified primary teacher - to help engage more children with their local cricket club and to make more of the natural links between cricket and maths.

"As a teacher, I know schools are always looking for practical opportunities for pupils to use and apply their learning in different contexts,” said Partridge.

“As cricket is so rooted in elements of mathematical understanding, there was an obvious opportunity to connect the two subjects together in a way which combines classroom theory and physical participation.”

Children in Willow Class have improved their mental arithmetic, times table knowledge and understanding of co-ordinate grids as well as their batting, bowling and fielding skills.

The final session of the project saw the children participate in a full game of pairs cricket, followed by a cricket tea and a reflection on the Spirit of Cricket.

Amanda Lacey, the head of the school, has been delighted with the enthusiasm of the children and the success of the project.

“Our children have thoroughly enjoyed the Bowled Over By Numbers project and it has been great to see them developing their skill levels and confidence in both cricket and maths,” she said.

Having completed the six-week programme with the year four pupils, Partridge will be back at the school next term to run the same project with children in year three.

All the key stage two children will be visiting the club towards the end of May for an inter-house cricket skills competition.