Tackling Numbers is an interactive numeracy programme for young children, developed and delivered by Premiership Rugby clubs in partnership with MBNA. The five week programme aims to teach 8-9 year olds the importance of number skills in everyday life.
The rugby-themed programme is delivered in schools by representatives from Leicester Tigers and the 11 other Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs, through classroom sessions and practical number-based rugby games.
This innovative and engaging programme makes learning about numbers fun, exciting and rewarding. It also inspires children to both improve their numeracy skills and physical health.
In the 2011-12 academic year the programme reached 8,400 children in 280 schools within 14 regions across England. The schools also received a lasting legacy of equipment including a Teacher Resource pack containing all the programme content, access to an online information resource, and tag rugby equipment so that the school can continue to play.
The CIPR PRide Awards recognise outstanding public relations work in the UK regions and nations. The winner of the award will be announced at the CIPR North West PRide Awards taking place next Thursday 29thNovember at The Monastery in Manchester.
This latest nomination rounds off a stunning year for Premiership Rugby's Community Department, which has developed a number of ground-breaking initiatives including the Aviva Premiership Rugby Schools Programme, the MBNA Tackling Numbers project and the award winning social inclusion programme Hitz, as well as the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup and the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Cup.
Earlier this year Hitz was honoured by being named the Best Community Programme at the Sport Industry Awards 2012, which was followed by Premiership Rugby being shortlisted as the Best Governing Body in Sport at the Beyond Sport Awards.
Wayne Morris, Community and Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Premiership Rugby, said: “Rugby has a great ability to engage with children and this can be used to transcend into the classroom. The Tackling Numbers Programme in partnership with MBNA utilises the power of rugby to promote the understanding and learning of numeracy in a fun and enjoyable way. The classroom sessions are supported by practical PE sessions that unite an active mind with an active body and it’s a great honour that the programme has been nominated for a CIPR PRide Award.”
