As the Rugby World Cup kicks off this weekend, the Telegraph is launching its Rugby World Cup Schools Project 2007 - a project which aims to develop Key Stage 2 pupils' geography, literacy, history and numeracy skills in a fun and topical way.

Each pupil who takes part in the six-week programme will receive a 16-page colour workbook filled with attention grabbing newspaper activities themed on the Rugby World Cup, a copy of the morning compact Belfast Telegraph each Wednesday as the main classroom resource, glossy colour poster with match schedules, groups, venues and flag stickers for their research work and a certificate of achievement upon completion of the project.

Belfast Telegraph's Newspapers in Education executive Jennifer O'Reilly, who has developed the programme, said: "Following the tremendous success of the summer Eurolearn project, the Rugby World Cup provides yet another opportunity for pupils to develop their literacy skills in a topical and fun way.

"Through their workbooks, pupils will be asked to write reports, keep an activity diary, work out some mathematical equations and practice their atlas skills in locating participating countries. There are also many fun activities. The poster will keep them up to date with all the matches and provides space for them to include the scores.

"Children love stickers and so we have again included sticker flags to complete the poster."

She continued: "Having a special page of the Belfast Telegraph dedicated to the project each week is an added bonus as it provides an excellent focus point for pupils doing their class work.

"And then, of course, there is the excellent high quality kitbags for participating schools, which I know will be an invaluable PE resource.

"I hope everyone, both pupils and teachers, will enjoy doing the project and let's hope Ireland last a little longer in the competition than they did in the last Rugby World Cup."

Schools can find out more about the scheme by ringing 0800 028 5101. The deadline for registration is Friday.