Student goals on target thanks to partnership

Students are already seeing the benefits of a new educational programme being delivered by the Wensum Trust in partnership with Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF).
 
The Physical Education Teaching (PET) programme based at Hellesdon High School Sixth Form provides students with a structured and supported pathway into careers such as PE teaching and the wider sports sector. 

The two-year course allows 16 to 18-year-olds to choose their own education package, selecting from a range of A-Level and vocational subjects. These are then complemented by the chance to obtain the Level 2 Certificate in ‘Supporting Physical Activity and School Sport’, alongside additional coaching qualifications with the Foundation.
 
Throughout the programme the students have the unique opportunity to benefit from in-school work placements delivering PE across all four key stages of the Wensum Trust’s infant, junior and high school levels, providing “real life” opportunities to put the skills being developed through the programme into place.
 
Current student, Lucie,  said she has found a love of coaching whilst taking part in the programme: “I really enjoy this course and the first year has been great. It has given us so many opportunities, opened a lot of doors and I think it’s broadened all our horizons. When I started the course, I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy coaching and now I am looking at taking that course at the UEA.” 
 
Those that achieve the required entry grades will be guaranteed a place on the University of East Anglia’s BSc Physical Education course. Something which another student, Lloyd, said attracted him to the programme: “Everything we learn is relevant, engaging and versatile. It gives us a pathway to follow and whilst it is helping me with my future plans to be a teacher, it is also providing me with skills and information I can use elsewhere.”
 
Richard Taylor, Director of Sixth Form at Hellesdon High School, said: “The first year of the PET course has gone amazingly well - we couldn't have asked for a group of more active and committed students”.  The PET course is providing experiences that allow students to have a clear pathway from GCSE, through A Levels and on into a Sport related degree with our higher education partner, the UEA.  Next year we will build on this with more visits and talks designed to inspire students on to their next steps.” 
 
Stevie Bramble is Head of Curriculum at Norwich City CSF. He said: “The course is unique that it offers teaching experience placements across a variety of settings, vocational qualifications to further enhance CVs and skill sets, whilst the partnership with the UEA is ensuring the next steps are already being supported for our students to achieve”
 
Daniel Thrower, CEO of the Wensum Trust, said: “Our unique partnership with Norwich City Community Sports Foundation is providing so many incredible opportunities for young people. As a Trust we aim to broaden children’s horizons and provide them with a learning journey where they can reach their full potential. To hear we are achieving this within the first year of this programme is wonderful. I wish all of the students the best of luck in their second year and I look forward to welcoming more young people into the Trust where they can take advantage of the many opportunities we offer.”
 
For more information about the Hellesdon High School Sixth Form, click here
 
For more information about Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, click here