Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs have rolled out the Tackling Numbers programme to in excess of 240 schools to 12, 960 boys and girls, in its first year alone.

Aviva Tackling Numbers has had a positive impact on children’s’ uptake and enjoyment of PE and their understanding of the importance of numeracy in everyday life.

Starting in September, Newcastle Falcons will be heading out to 40 classes to deliver this programme, starting in the Gosforth, Throckley and Billingham areas and then rolling out to the rest of North East and Cumbria.

Tackling Numbers is an innovative, engaging programme that makes learning about numbers fun, exciting and rewarding. We all want the best for our children and, with Aviva’s help, we’ll help kids learn the skills to take control of their personal finances right from the start.

After Tackling Numbers Year One, 96% of teachers think that the programme is extremely effective or highly effective in delivering National Curriculum numeracy.

The course has four parts:

1. A five-week programme of numeracy using all things rugby to help increase children’s understanding of and confidence in number skills.

2. A practical and theory course for teachers to learn the basics of tag rugby to help kids learn in an exciting, innovative way.

3. Parents’ assembly and homework club to show how the programme helps children learn and encourage home support.

4. Rugby festivals and showcases to bring it all together.

Aviva Tackling Numbers also marks the first time rugby stars of the future encounter the game. After year one, a whopping 90% of teachers are now more confident in coaching rugby, thanks to this training.

Our community coach, Dan Simpson, says: “This programme always go down really well with the schools, the mixture of rugby and maths really helps to engage the kids because they don’t get too bored of one thing.

“Offering a different perspective on the maths by tying it into sport means some kids who find it hard to engage can really tune in to our delivery.”

At Newcastle Falcons, we’ll be visiting these schools in the September/ October term:

St Charles

Gosforth Park

South Gosforth

St Stephens Longbenton

Milecastle Primary

Throckley Primary

St Cutherberts (Walbottle)

Knoplaw Primary

Whitehouse

St Paul’s Primary

Oakdene Primary

Bewley Primary

Pentland Primary