getstats is excited to hear that ’Tackling Numbers‘ – an interactive numeracy programme for young children developed by Premiership Rugby and run in partnership with MBNA - has been shortlisted for a Sports Marketing 360 Award in the “Making a Difference” category.

Representatives from all 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs deliver Tackling Numbers, an interactive rugby-themed numeracy programme for 8-9 year olds across 5 weeks of classroom sessions and practical number-based rugby games.

In the 2010-11 the programme reached 8,400 children in 280 schools across 14 English regions. More than three quarters of teachers reported the programme  improved and strengthened pupils’ attitude to numbers.

It’s great to hear about children getting fit, doing data work and gaining basic numeracy know-how which will underpin their development of quantitative skills in the future.  Also by starting to think about how they will – one day – manage their money, they are taking their first steps on the path to financial literacy.

Making teaching meaningful is key. It’s the application of numbers that we are all most interested in. Teach Statistics through the subjects that young people are interested in, make it clear how they can use Statistics, make it fun too and you’ll have them hooked.

See this short video of rugby star, Tom Wood and teachers at a Northamptonshire primary school lending ‘Tackling Numbers’ help to year 4 pupils in the classroom and on the pitch.

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