Ospreys in the Community staff have kicked off the revamped Schools Programme, with the target of reaching a minimum of 30 primary schools in the region every term.
The new-look programme was relaunched at the end of 2015 in conjunction with Ospreylia based Aspire2Be, one of the UK’s leading education technology companies, and supported by Sony UK Technology Centre, allowing the OitC team to work with schools and education sectors to improve children’s education and aspiration, whilst helping support teachers deliver lessons which engage with all pupils including the hard to reach.
The specially designed educational programme has been developed with education departments at the three unitary authorities in the region to ensure it satisfies National Curriculum objectives and assists in the development of key skills.
Thanks to the involvement of Aspire2Be, delivery of the programme has been transformed for 2016 with the new core area of digital competence at its heart.
Paul Whapham, Foundation Manager, Ospreys in the Community said:
“A lot of hard work has gone into the revamp of the schools programme in conjunction with the new curriculum and we are very excited to finally be taking it out into the primary schools across the region.
“Groundbreaking when originally launched in 2012, the new look programme is at the cutting edge of education as the first such initiative to combine rugby and digital literacy, all mapped into the new educational curriculum. Best of all, because it links directly into the curriculum, the programme isn’t a ‘nice to have’ that teachers can take or leave, it can be part of their core timetable.
“Aspire2Be has exceptional credentials in the sector and their knowhow and experience has helped to develop a really innovative programme that uses the Ospreys brand and players to create interest and excitement in children who may struggle in class with traditional messages. This is a first class example of how Ospreys in the Community can make a real and tangible difference to people’s lives.”
In preparation for their involvement in the programe, Aspire2Be delivers full programme to participating teachers, providing CPD around digital literacy.
The programme incorporates the six main areas of the new curriculum helping to increase attainment in children at Key Stage 2. Pupils also enjoy a fully interactive tour of the Liberty Stadium, home of the Ospreys, before the programme culminates with an inclusive rugby festival for all 30 schools.
This week saw Pencoed Primary in Bridgend and Terrace Road Primary in Swansea become the first schools to welcome players as part of their involvement in the new-look programme, with children getting the opportunity to research their special guests before putting their questions to them in person.
Aspire2Be Co Owner and Director, Simon Pridham, said:
"Aspire 2Be pride ourselves on empowering clients within the education sector with bespoke skills so that they develop both individually and collectively. Our partnership with the Ospreys is a wonderful opportunity to do this further. The programme will provide all schools across the region with a sector leading framework of skills which will enable schools to embed into the new curriculum in Wales with digital competences a key driver."
Currently working with 30 schools per term, next year will see the target doubled to 60 per term.
Launched in November 2015, Ospreys in the Community, is a new, not for profit Foundation that will work in close partnership with Ospreys Rugby.
Whilst sharing a strong relationship and forming a key part of the Ospreys’ long-term business strategy Ospreys in the Community will operate on an entirely independent basis to the professional rugby organisation.
Working in conjunction with commercial partners, public sector bodies and third sector agencies to generate financial support and resources, the aim of Ospreys in the Community is to create a vibrant and sustainable Foundation that utilises the undoubted power of the Ospreys brand, and players, in a positive fashion, to harness social good and make an impact in communities.