After reading the description of the module during the module selection I knew this was the best module for me. It is a way for me to improve vital skills which can help me after my degree.
I have connections with my old high school PE department and the active school’s coordinator. I thought it would do no harm to email and ask if they would need a spare pair of hands, to which my Active School’s Coordinator was more than happy to take me on. I have previously gone to a sports coaching academy which was ran by my mentor so I already felt comfortable with her.
Going to the first meeting to get my pre-placement documents filled out felt very surreal as I was back in my old high school, not as a pupil but as a student volunteer. I was not anxious to get my documents signed as I was familiar with the environment and the people.
Wednesday 29th of January was the first day of my placement where I was able to observe and shadow my mentor during a lunchtime club and an after school club. Each club took place in different primary schools, highlighting how strenuous it is to be an Active School’s Coordinator (she was at another school before the lunch club).
Initially, walking into a new environment was quite nerve-racking but as soon as I saw my mentor I felt at ease. The lunchtime club took place in Bothwell Primary School and had 35 Primary 2 pupils (yes it was very loud in there), there was six primary 7 pupils who are young sports leaders helping out too. The number of pupils was overwhelming at first but once I got used to it, I felt keen and ready to go. The after-school club took place at Muiredge Primary School had 15 Primary 4 pupils. There was also another student helping out from UWS, which calmed my nerves as I knew her from when we went to the same dance club when we were younger and that she was on the same boat as me.
Next week, I will have to consider the difference in skill level from the primary 2s and primary 4s as it is quite significant. With the primary 4s being able to play full games of basketball and the primary 2s playing different versions of tig.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience and loved getting to know everyone. I am excited to see what next week has to bring!
This sounds really good, I’ve done placement experience with active schools in the past aswell it’s a great way to develop your skills and experience with coaching! Hope it goes well for you.
Kim
Really enjoyed reading your first blog here, my placement is also within Active Schools so it will be interesting to share experiences. – Keir
I’m glad it is going well for you, hopefully you continue to enjoy it. Iona
This sounds really fun and you will gain a lot of knowledge and experience from this placement! I hope you enjoy it!
Amy.
I’ve really enjoyed reading your first blog. Happy to hear that you’re enjoying it and that the placement is providing with a broad experience-Sara