Students to experience the DHL New Zealand Lions Series in classrooms

May 11 • General News, International • 1313 Views • Comments Off on Students to experience the DHL New Zealand Lions Series in classrooms

Blues players go back to school to learn about Britain and Ireland
Education programme uses Lions Series for learning and physical activity
2,400 schools to receive innovative education resources

Calculating how many kilometres a rugby ball can be passed, learning national anthems, and creating a travel budget for fans are just some of the lessons Kiwi kids can take out of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series with the help of an education unit sent to more than 2,400 schools today.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has developed a programme that will appeal to teachers and students from Year 1 to Year 8 in schools around New Zealand. The resource includes a comprehensive study guide on the four nations that make up the British & Irish Lions as well as workbooks on values, activity sheets and a rugby ball to encourage kids to get outside, pass the ball and record how far they throw it.

Nigel Cass, NZR General Manager for the DHL New Zealand Lions Series said the education resource provided schools and students with a unique opportunity to connect learning in the classroom with the iconic rugby tour.

“Students around the country are already getting excited about the upcoming Lions Series and the education unit provides great resources for teachers to build on this interest in a classroom setting. Whether it’s geography to find out about where in the world the four nations are from, history to learn about the links between the UK, Ireland and New Zealand, or maths, calculating how far across New Zealand they’ve passed a rugby ball.

“In just over three weeks, New Zealanders and international rugby fans of all ages will be following the six-weeks of rugby with great interest, right from the opening match in Whangarei as the Provincial Barbarians kick-off against the British & Irish Lions to the last match on 8 July when the All Blacks take on the visitors at Eden Park. Extending the excitement of the Series into the classroom is a great way to ensure students around New Zealand can join in.”

The education programme was launched today at Remuera Intermediate School by Blues players Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Tupou and Stephen Perofeta, who spent time with the Year 8 students learning about the countries that make up the British & Irish Lions.

All Black and Blues loose forward, Kaino said it was neat to spend some time with the students learning more about their upcoming visitors.

“Facing the Lions as a young player in 2005 was a career highlight for me and I remember the colour and excitement the visiting fans brought to the whole Series. It’s great that kids can be part of it, learn something and stay active too. You never know, some of the kids could be facing the team in 12 years’ time.”

The resource, being sent to schools this week features a 50-page workbook, values book, ABC frieze, rugby ball and ‘Pass the Ball’ chart, “Follow the Lions Series” score poster, hard copy activity sheets and a Nehe Milner-Skudder poster. The unit is supported by comprehensive online resources on www.ruggerland.co.nz.