Celebrating 50,000 teachers: Premier League shares Primary Stars stories

Celebrating 50,000 teachers: Premier League shares Primary Stars stories

Premier League would like to thank an incredible 50,000 teachers joining Premier League Primary Stars by sharing some of their stories. Premier League Primary Stars is one of the great initiatives that we would like to highlight on the #Morethanfootbal Education Day Action Day.

From tackling important topics like racism through football role models to using football to lead learning across the curriculum, our 50,000-strong community of teachers bring the Premier League Primary Stars programme to life.

Here’s what they have to say: 

Ben Dinnigan: ‘We held emphatic discussions about racism’

Tell us a bit about yourself.  I am the Year 5 and Year 6 PPA and Management Cover Teacher, I am an avid sports fan and have run a vast number of sports clubs for many talented young children.

How have you inspired your pupils? My Year 5 and 6 PSHE Lessons have been holding prolonged and emphatic discussions about racism, with the help of the Divock Origi and Demi Stokes stories. 

The children have a really clear understanding of racism and how it affects people. Some said that they had feared taking part in sport, but said after listening to Divock and Demi’s stories that they would take on board their passion to prove that racist behaviour is wrong. Hearing stories from myself and my colleague too about how we dealt with racism, the children wanted to share their views and opinions on this subject.

In one word, how would you describe Premier League Primary Stars? Amazing!

And what football team do you support? Sheffield Wednesday but I have family and friend links to Manchester City (long before they were the club they are now).

Sean Phelan ‘It changed the boys’ attitudes to reading’

Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a Year Group Leader at a diverse 3-form entry central Manchester school.

How have you inspired your pupils? We set up a Premier League Reading Stars club for some of our reluctant reader boys, built around the Premier League Reading Stars activities. We set up a Premier League changing room, and even invited older brothers and dads to come in to read with them. It changed the boys’ attitudes to reading – they still come back and discuss books they’re reading.

In one word, how would you describe Premier League Primary Stars? Engaging

And what football team do you support? Coventry City – not easy surrounded by all these Man United and Man City fans!

Jade Stacey: ‘My Maths-hating boys are now working hard and enjoying it’

Tell us a bit about yourself. A sporty teacher who believes in active and engaging learning. I am lucky enough to work at an SEN school in Leicestershire, and work with a group of fabulous young people. 

How have you inspired your pupils?  It is often difficult in SEN education to find resources that are age appropriate, motivating, and suitable for their ability. As SEN pupils are working below the national curriculum level a lot of resources for their ability are aimed at younger pupils. They hate to feel like they aren’t capable of work other children their age can do and with the help of Primary League Primary Stars they are working hard and enjoying it!

In one word, how would you describe Premier League Primary Stars? Invaluable!

And what football team do you support? Leicester City Football Club

Tara Nicholls: ‘I am delivering PE lessons that challenge and engage my pupils’

Tell us a bit about yourself. I am in my second year of teaching, now a Recently Qualified Teacher.

How have you inspired your pupils? I’ve been working with Leicester City in the Community coach Ryan. I started teaching KS1 PE for the first time, and it was so different to my previous classes in KS2. Ryan and Premier League Primary Stars exceeded my expectations – they have helped me learn in a practical way how to plan my lessons, when you can’t always predict children’s reactions. I am now delivering lessons that challenge and engage my pupils.  

In one word, how would you describe Premier League Primary Stars? Outstanding.

And what football team do you support? I support Manchester United Men’s and Manchester City Women’s.

Ann Salisbury: ‘We are using football to drive learning forwards’

Tell us a bit about yourself. I have been PE subject leader for 10 years at River Primary School. I deliver outdoor PE lessons for all our classes and love sharing my passion for sport. I am a keen runner, and have previously run 2 marathons.

How have you inspired your pupils? Football is a big point of discussion in our school and this is a great resource to drive learning forwards at the same time. We love taking part in the competitions, and using the resources. Initiatives like Rainbow Laces have helped us to focus on diversity, and we use the Premier League values to encourage children to be respectful to each other.

In one word, how would you describe Premier League Primary Stars? Motivating

And what football team do you support?  Liverpool – and Dover are my local team.

Gary Sherwood: ‘The children love having Premier League Primary Stars across the curriculum’’

Tell us a bit about yourself. I am a PE teacher at Holly Spring, delivering PE from Reception to year 6. My main passion is football with Holly Spring as my main job and Academy work in the evening.

How have you inspired your pupils? The staff and children are big fans of the programme. We use Premier League Primary Stars not just in PE but across the curriculum. It helps children who are more sporty to also do well in the classroom. The children love accessing the website. Every week I award a ‘PE champion’ award based on the Premier League values. 

In one word, how would you describe Premier League Primary Stars? Fabulous

And what football team do you support? Best team in London – Chelsea FC