Scrum half Ollie Frost joined Europe’s largest credit card provider MBNA and Premiership Rugby to launch the Tackling Numbers project, which uses the power of rugby to promote the understanding and learning of numeracy among seven to nine year olds.
Ollie visited Pitmaston Primary School in St John's to help teachers deliver a maths lesson with a difference.
Frost, said: “Rugby is a fantastic way of getting young people engaged with maths and numeracy. It’s great fun and a brilliant way of tying the classroom to the sports pitch. Maths and basic financial literacy are so important and Tackling Numbers helps bring them to life. I just wish my maths classes had taken place on the rugby pitch when I was at school.”
The event marks the beginning of the Tackling Numbers campaign, delivered by Chester based MBNA, Premiership Rugby and all Premiership Rugby’s 12 clubs. It is anticipated to reach more than 800 primary schools in England over the next three years. Launching the scheme, Ollie not only demonstrated his teaching skills but he was also able to offer some valuable rugby playing tips to the youngsters.
Ian O’Doherty, Europe Card executive for Bank of America Europe Card Services, which operates the MBNA brand, said: “We are delighted that Olie Frost, a hero for many young rugby fans across the country, is supporting our launch of Tackling Numbers.
“We must equip young people with the knowledge and tools to help them manage their money in the future –and how better to do that than to engage them in mathematics ina practical and enjoyable way, with some of the stars of English rugby. We hope this programme provides the foundation for good numeracy skills in adulthood and a memorable experience which will last them a lifetime.”
Sarah Mason, AST Mathematics (BSC HONS PGCE), who helped MBNA and Premiership Rugby develop the programme, said: “Being numerate is, beyond doubt, an essential skill for all pupils to leave school with.
“We ensure that pupils are given the passion and encouragement tocontinue to improve their mathematics at an early age; this can be achieved by creating more exciting and accessible ways of learning. Mathematics is used daily in all walks of life and rugby union is a fantastic medium to show pupils how important and fun it can be.”
Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby added: “Rugby has long been seen as a social game that unites and brings people together. In more recent years rugby’s ability to engage with children is being used to transcend into the classroom.
“The Tackling NumbersProgramme utilises the power of rugby to promote the understanding and learning of numeracyin a fun and enjoyable way. The classroom sessions are supported by practical PE sessions that unite an active mind with an active body.”
The key aims of the project are to improve young people’s understanding of the importance of basic financial and numeracyskills; while increasing physical exercise and activity amongst young people. The work will count as a contribution towards the five hour offering of high quality PE and sport.
MBNA, a Bank of America company, has funded Tackling Numbers through its Bank of America Charitable Foundation.