The project launched in May 2003 is called The Second Half and provides Primary Schools with an out-of-school learning experience. Although the children have to complete four hours of schoolwork whilst at Rodney Parade the visit also has some memorable moments built into it, moments, which the children won’t forget.
Just one of the day’s many highlights includes the youngsters having the opportunity to interview one of The Dragons star players. “Within the National Curriculum, the National Literacy Strategy expects the non-fiction writing of Year 5 pupils to include recounts of events, activities, visits, news reports etc. Unfortunately these requirements are far too often not met in the classroom simply because the realisation of those needs are just too difficult to organise. However, this has been changed with the Second Half. Prior to meeting the Dragons player the children are briefed that they are to act as journalists working for The South Wales Argus and are to think of questions they’d like to ask.
“Each child is expected to produce at least three questions. With the room arranged theatre-style and mirroring a press conference the children get to put the player under the spotlight,” explained Rodney Parades Rugby Education Officer, Phil James.
However, pupils of Pontymoile Primary had a treat as they got to interview not one but two Dragons star players who are also current Welsh Internationals! Naturally this moment was met with relish from the children and proved to be very popular. Indeed such was the impact the players had on the youngsters that they produced an exceptionally high standard of work
