Morobe hails Rugby4Schools

By LARRY ANDREW
SCHOOLS in Lae, Morobe, have welcomed Pacific in Union Rugby4Schools officials who launched the pilot cross classroom curriculum project in the province.
Country manager Paul Joseph and his officer Douglas Guise visited Lae Christian Academy, Coronation College, Huonville, and St Paul’s with SCRUM staff to pilot the AusAid programme.
Joseph said the cross classroom curriculum was a ready to use resource for teachers and they did not have to have a rugby background.
The programme is introduced in the classroom and will complement field activities of the SCRUM schools programme that started in 1996.
The purpose is to incorporate the curriculum with core subjects mathematics, English, social science and science and use rugby as a vehicle to promote social development in healthy lifestyle, gender equity, student leadership.
It will advocate to students the life values and motivate them to attend school and engage in quality educational activities.
The Rugby4Schools cross-curriculum has been designed in a way that can be implemented:
l    As part of 4-6 weeks integrated cross-curriculum rugby union-themed unit of work in schools alongside the field practical lessons and culminating in a rugby festival;
l    as a part of an existing unit of work about health, diversity, values and sports;
l    as part of health and physical education curriculum (roles and responsibilities, personal health, relationships, human movement, community health) whereby one or more classes are involved;
l    as a part of existing rugby programme in HPE or sport curriculum whereby a targeted group engages in the programme; and,
l    As an extra-curricular programme for interested students, teachers and class groups in or out of school hours.
The game has been modified so both boys and girls can take part in the three categories that have been outlined – Green for 6-9 years (touch rugby), Blue for 10-12 years (intro, scrum and lineout) and Yellow for 13-16 years (full level rugby contest).
Teachers at the schools visited applauded the team and will take on board the curriculum to discuss with their administration.