Pupils in Sheffield have used the power of sport to boost their computer and communication skills.
Students from two city schools took part in the six-week ‘Communicating for Success' project at the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield (EIS Sheffield).
Held at EIS Sheffield's Learning Zone, the project saw 14 Year Eight girls from Handsworth Grange Community Sports College take part in a netball-themed programme, while volleyball was the focus for 14 Year Six girls from Ballifield Primary School.
They enjoyed a range of activities including film and music production and DVD cover design.
The students also took part in coached sports sessions and carried out interviews with England U17 netball captain Lauren Potter and GB volleyball player Rachel Newton.
The programme was sponsored by BT and the Football Foundation. The British Volleyball Association and England Netball, who are both based at EIS Sheffield, provided coaching, tickets to exclusive European matches and signed netballs and volleyballs prizes for the children to take away.
EIS Sheffield is one of the only multi-sports venues in the country to run a prestigious Playing for Success (PfS) Learning Zone aimed at raising standards in literacy, numeracy and ICT and increasing self esteem in children aged 10 - 14 years old.
Jakki Marshall, centre co-ordinator for Playing for Success at EIS Sheffield, said: "This project was a great success. Not only did the children thoroughly enjoy themselves but they also learnt new skills at the same time.
"The programme provided pupils with opportunity to improve IT and communication skills and raise educational attainment, while also encouraging and inspiring them to participate in sport through playing, training and coaching."
Playing for Success at EIS Sheffield is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), Sheffield City Council and an in kind contribution from Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which manages EIS Sheffield.
