The Tackling Heritage Programme is a five-week, curriculum-linked series that uses the proud history of Northampton Saints Rugby Club to inspire pupils’ understanding of local and global heritage. By blending classroom learning with active rugby sessions, students explore how the stories of people, places, and communities shape identity, belonging, and resilience, developing historical knowledge while celebrating diversity.

The programme connects directly with local history objectives and supports progression across Key Stages:

 • KS1: Learn about significant people and places in Northampton, comparing life in the past with today, and recognising how events have shaped the community. 

• KS2: Study a local history unit in depth, including Northampton during WWI and WWII, while exploring how individuals like Edgar Mobbs and Frank Anderson contributed to local and national heritage. 

• KS3: Make connections between local stories and wider historical themes, such as migration, diversity, conflict, and social change, using primary and secondary sources.

Delivered over five weeks, the programme includes ten hours of content, comprising one-hour classroom sessions led by Foundation education staff, exploring local and global heritage themes, and one-hour practical rugby sessions led by the Saints Community Coaching Team, linking rugby values with historical stories.

Students investigate the history and legacy of Northampton Saints, exploring iconic players such as Edgar Mobbs, Frank Anderson, and Arthur ‘Freddie’ Blakiston, and learning how individuals and communities contributed to local and national heritage. The programme celebrates diversity, promotes resilience, and encourages reflection through interactive activities, including an adapted Blakiston Challenge.

Tackling Heritage supports schools in meeting local history curriculum objectives, strengthening cultural capital, and highlighting diverse contributions in sport and the community. It develops historical enquiry, critical thinking, and reflection skills, while promoting values such as resilience, teamwork, and respect, helping pupils connect history to their own lives.

Teachers and leaders value the programme for making local history meaningful and relevant while supporting wider priorities around diversity, inclusion, and cultural development. By combining classroom learning with physical activity, Tackling Heritage provides rich opportunities to demonstrate impact across Ofsted’s key areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and personal development.

For more information or to book, please contact EducationManagers@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org.

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