What began as a single dartboard used during a charity event has quickly developed into one of the school’s most popular breaktime and afterschool enrichment activities. Following overwhelming student interest, members of staff kindly donated two additional boards, meaning the club now proudly boasts three dartboards in regular use. With numbers continuing to grow, the school is always on the lookout for any additional darts equipment that could be donated to support the club’s expansion.
The club has attracted large numbers of students from Year 7 through to Year 11, with both boys and girls regularly attending. Sessions provide a welcoming and competitive environment where students of all abilities can take part, improve and enjoy the social side of the game.
Pupils play a variety of formats including 301, Round the Board, Killer, and the club’s own original creation — Balshaw’s Bully. Each game demands quick-fire mental maths, sharp addition and subtraction skills, strategic thinking and composure under pressure.
Because the club is run by Maths specialists, students are constantly applying the numeracy skills they develop in lessons — but in a fast-paced and engaging setting. The initiative is designed to capture the fun of Darts, and to strengthen numeracy, improve confidence and demonstrate that Maths has real, practical applications beyond the classroom.
To further refine their skills, students have studied the techniques of World Champion Luke Littler, analysing his focus, rhythm and consistency at the oche to help develop their own throwing technique and match-play mentality.
A member of the Maths department said:
“Darts is far more mathematical than people realise. Students are improving their number fluency, developing resilience and building confidence — all while enjoying healthy competition.”
Balshaw’s Darts Club is already proving to be a huge success, reflecting the school’s commitment to creating innovative opportunities that inspire learning beyond the curriculum.
We are now keen to connect with other schools who run a Darts Club and would welcome the opportunity to organise friendly inter-school competitions. If your school would be interested in taking part, please get in touch — we would love to set up a fixture and continue growing school darts together.
You can see a selection of photographs below:
You can see our range of fabulous clubs here.