Teacher of the Year

Burgmann Teacher Rewarded with Allan Border Medal Trip

Local School teacher Scott Prowse had a once in a lifetime experience recently when he attended the Allan Border Medal night as Cricket Australia's guest. Scott received the opportunity after he was nominated by Cricket ACT because of all Burgmann Anglican Schools hard work in promoting participation in Cricket amongst students.

"At Burgmann Anglican School we have identified Super 8's Cricket as an ideal activity for our Kindergarten through to Year 12 Physical Education Program. The nature of the game provides both girls and boys key learning opportunities, primarily the development of hand-eye coordination skills through hitting, bowling, catching and throwing in a fun and equal opportunity environment. The fact that Super's Cricket has modified rules where everyone gets a bat, bowl and to field (including wicket keeping), is unique in itself. What we discovered is players of all ages enjoy the sport and the inclusive nature of the game builds the enjoyment and fun factor - from all that the skill development just flows."

"One aspect which is unique to Super 8's Cricket is the girls are on an even playing field with the boys. It's not unusual for the girls to beat the boys in a traditionally male dominated sport. We have found the girls really embrace Super 8's Cricket, they really enjoy it and its obvious they want to learn about the game and play more of it. They really enjoy it."

"Cricket ACT have attended our school for a number of Development Days which has really helped to develop the skills and interest in the game of Cricket. Once basic skills are practiced, we try to put students into Super 8's game situations as soon as possible. Given the smaller boundaries of Super 8's, on one normal size oval you can fit up to nine games at once if you like. However, with a normal class of 30, its best to have 3 games going, 8 fielders and 2 batters in each. There's no one waiting on the sidelines to bat, you just rotate the batters from the field, there's always participation from all. We try to keep everything as an eight (8). 8 bowls, 8 wicket keeping chances from 8 bowls, when you score 8 runs - someone else has a turn to bat. In one lesson everyone has a chance to bowl, wicket keep, field and bat - its great and the students can't wait till next lesson."

Each year Cricket ACT gets to nominate 1 teacher who they believe has gone above and beyond expectations in regards to promoting Cricket within their school. The lucky recipient receives an all expenses paid trip to Melbourne to attend the Allan Border Medal.

If you are aware of a local teacher who you think Cricket ACT should know about, please let us know;

Email: kpiper@cricketact.com