Sage, regarded as a leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses, has created the interactive programme to help tackle the educational gap in the area.
The programme comes at a time when only 47 per cent of disadvantaged pupils in Sunderland and 52 per cent in South Tyneside are reaching the expected Key Stage 2 standards in STEM subjects.
This is compared to more than 70 per cent in less deprived areas.
The programme, which is called Tackling Insights, has been co-designed by Sage Foundation, Sage’s social impact arm, sports technology company Sportable, and Newcastle Rugby Foundation.
It combines STEM education with rugby, to help inspire disadvantaged pupils and equip them with the skills and confidence to thrive in education and beyond.
Sage is using real match data to help bring STEM to life for pupils, helping them build confidence and explore future careers in tech and sports.
The programme, which is in its third year, has expanded into South Tyneside and Sunderland for the first time, working with 30 schools and engaging around 900 pupils.
This brings the total number of participants to 2,500 since the programme’s launch.
To date, the schools that have taken part in previous years say the initiative has sparked a 15 per cent rise in students’ enjoyment in maths and science, while plus 14 per cent have gained confidence in using maths and numbers.
Additionally, 11 per cent of participants said they felt more assured working as part of a team.
Helen Devanny, VP Sage Foundation, said: “Sage is committed to making a difference where it matters most.
“Tackling Insights helps young people in Sunderland and South Tyneside see how STEM skills can shape their future, breaking down barriers to education and opportunity while inspiring them to aim beyond where they believe they can.”
The Tackling Insights programme uses rugby as a springboard to engage young learners in STEM subjects.
Key features of the programme include:
Smart Ball Technology: Students use Sportable’s AI-powered Smart Ball to explore data collection and analysis, measuring pass speeds, distances, and other metrics through interactive games.
Hands-On STEM Activities: Over eight weeks, pupils tackle rugby-based challenges involving coding, data analysis, and teamwork, making STEM engaging through practical lessons.
Supporting Disadvantaged Areas: The programme targets schools in deprived communities of South Tyneside and Sunderland, bridging the STEM education gap and opening new career opportunities.
Melanie McGee, head of Newcastle Rugby Foundation, said: “Our mission at Newcastle Rugby Foundation is to change lives for good across the North East, and our partnership with Sage helps us expand our impact.
“This initiative gives children in deprived areas a unique opportunity to explore STEM through Sportable’s technology and understand the role of data in professional rugby.”
Poppy Corr, a teacher at Stanhope Primary, said: “We can’t wait to get going with the programme.
“Hearing about the impact that it has already had for other schools, makes us excited for the opportunities it can bring, to change mindset around careers associated with STEM subjects and ignite enjoyment of lessons that may be perceived be front of mind for these kids.
“We’re so thankful to Newcastle Rugby Foundation and Sage for this chance.”
Tackling Insights culminates in a tag rugby festival at Kingston Park Stadium on May 21, where participating schools celebrate their achievements.
