Premiership Rugby is aiming to inspire the current generation of primary school pupils with the launch of its new Premiership Rugby Champions education app. Developed with support from both the CVC Foundation and BT Supporters Club, this app represents a significant advance in the Schools programme within Premiership Rugby’s ‘Plan To Improve A Million Lives’ with a target of engaging 10,000 teachers by the end of the 2019/20 season.

Premiership Rugby Champions is an interactive cross curriculum-based digital app, developed with expert learning technology company, Aspire 2Be, to inspire primary school children across multiple subjects whilst developing their digital literacy as well as important life skills.

It uses the inspiration and role models of Premiership Rugby Clubs to connect pupils’ learning to the world around them, via themed digital content and lesson materials. Initially aimed at primary schools, the app aims to improve the educational outcomes for young children, increasing their digital literacy, self-esteem and raising their aspirations.

Aspire 2Be Education Partner, Simon Pridham said, “We are extremely proud and honoured that the Premiership Rugby Champions Education Programme is today being launched in conjunction with all thirteen professional clubs. After working closely with Premiership Rugby, Saracens Sport Foundation and Herts Schools Partnership, as well as lots of schools and teachers, during the pilot phase, this application will undoubtedly help all Primary Schools across England promote key areas of the curriculum through a digital platform and engage pupils through the sport of rugby. As one of the UK’s leading Learning Technology Companies, we truly believe that Premiership Rugby should be applauded for taking such a proactive approach to digital learning and health and wellbeing, in education”

Developed by teachers for teachers, Premiership Rugby Champions will provide free interactive themed project-based lesson plans for use in the classroom and outside. With digital literacy at the heart of all content, the first resources will tackle health, with modules on tackling numeracy and character to follow as the Rugby World Cup progresses this autumn.

“Professional rugby has a huge opportunity to improve the lives and educational prospects of children and young people,” said Wayne Morris, Community & Corporate Social Responsibility Director at Premiership Rugby. “With rugby firmly in the spotlight this autumn, we have the opportunity to influence perceptions, attitudes and behaviours for life. Our players will become role models to so many young people, so the launch of the Premiership Rugby Champions app is incredibly timely. The Premiership Rugby Champions app uses the power of rugby to inspire young children to learn, be active and discover their own inner champion to help them achieve their potential.”

Pilot testing of the app was carried out among a group of teachers in Hertfordshire, in partnership with reigning Premiership Rugby Champions Saracens and the Hertfordshire Sports Partnership.

Initial feedback has been incredibly positive with teachers and pupils complimenting the ease of use of the platform and its effectiveness of meeting curriculum requirements.

“All of the sessions really engaged the students. As a teacher, it gives me everything I need and is packed with relevant curriculum links and resources.” Year 4 Teacher, High Wych Church of England Primary School

“We got how it worked straightaway, it was really simple and effective. I really enjoyed that we all had to work as a team together.” Year 5 Pupil, Bedwell Primary School

To find out more about Premiership Rugby Champions, visit http://www.premiershiprugby.com/champions and download the app.