Maths lessons from a world darts champ

Scott Waites, the two-time BDO World Darts champion player, gave tips on mental arithmetic, addition and subtraction during a visit to Rawson Junior and Infant School at Boothtown.

The sporting ace , who works as a repairs inspector for Halifax-based Pennine Housing/Together Housing group, showed the children how he uses maths in his matches, and stepped up to the oche to help them them brush up on their skills by using special soft-tipped darts.

Scott said he was delighted to give the pupils a chance to have fun with darts and learn maths at the same time.

“We had a little chat about what it takes to become a dart player, practise, concentration, determination,” he said.

“There was a chance to play a game of darts and we’ve taken a dartboard to use in one of their maths lessons by adding simple scores together.

“They all seemed like it they were learning so quick with the hands on approach to their maths lessons and it adds a different dimension to their classes. And they were all really really keen to learn,” he added.

Asked about whether Darts could be a future part of the curriculum and if he would encourage other professionals to help teach maths with the sport he said: “I think it’s good, really good teaching these kids.”

The pupils got the chance to play darts with the world champion and pose for photos with the Lakeside winner’s trophy.

Lianne Lomas, the head teacher of Rawson School, said: “The children and staff at school had an exciting assembly and everyone thoroughly enjoyed seeing Scott’s darts skills!”