My sixth week on placement involved me sitting in a meeting with my mentor, Fraser and the PE teachers of Smithycroft Secondary School. I attended this school as a pupil and worked very closely with the PE department as a Sports Leader and Young Ambassador, so I was excited about discussing the current clubs and events being organised within the school.

The PE department at Smithycroft Secondary was going through a transition as new PE teachers had just started and previous had just left. This meant that as well as trying to get to meet deadlines, the new PE teachers were also becoming familiar with the staff, pupils and the school’s ethos.

The main topics of discussion were Inter House League, Clubs and Parents evening. We discussed how the clubs on offer could be linked to the inter house league. For example, I suggested that because I run an Athletics Club in the school that we could use this as a training tool for the inter house sports day in June. I feel this would give the pupils a chance to improve their skills in a variety of disciplines which could therefore earn them more points and a better place in the sports day. Furthermore, as a coach I feel that gaining experience in competitions and open environments allows for athletes/players to apply what they have learned in training into a practical situation.

I feel I gave some invaluable points within the meeting and chose to speak at the correct times. As a former pupil I was able to give the teachers an insight the decision making and reasoning of a young person in secondary school.

At the end of the meeting the PE department thanked me for my input and stated they would use my opinions and experience to improve the pupil experience within the department. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of this meeting and I am looking forward to building a close working relationship with the new staff during my placement.

-Stephanie.