Erin’s decision to study at Riseholme College was driven by her desire for a more interactive, engaging learning experience. She knew she wanted to break away from the traditional school system and immerse herself in a college environment that encouraged active participation and a more personalised approach to learning. Erin discovered that Riseholme offered a refreshing atmosphere.
‘’On Monday mornings, I have Sport Leadership lectures, and on Monday afternoons, I learn about Professional Development, which helps me understand different careers in sport. On Tuesday mornings, I have practical sessions, which help me stay active in college and practice new sports. On Tuesday afternoons, I learn about Practical Sports Performance, which is divided into practical and theory sessions. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I'm not in college as I'm a part-time student. This means I go to my part-time job, which is working with horses. I think this is beneficial as it allows students to gain work experience while also being a student. The college day runs from 9 AM to 5 PM, which is longer than a regular school day, but it is balanced out with two days off and also this prepares me for the world of work after college. On Fridays, I have a new topic called Research Methods in the morning. In the afternoon, I have a Group Tutorial, which is a session that allows us to talk about our experiences in college—what we enjoy, what we need help with, and a chance to catch up on assignments.
The staff are very supportive, and they are very helpful with any questions or queries on work experience, assignments, or around revision. There is always a member of staff happy to assist, and I always feel there is no judgment, no matter how big or small the question.
So far, we have been on two trips during this course. The first was an educational visit to England Golf, where we learned about careers in sport and explored potential opportunities in various sports. The second trip was a rewards trip for my class to Ninja Warrior UK, which was an amazing experience and so much fun! Additionally, we had a member of the Golf Foundation visit our practical lessons to teach us about coaching skills for primary-age children. This was a great opportunity, as it allowed me to realise I have a passion for coaching and that this could be a potential career choice for me.''
Erin now realises that her career possibilities extend beyond her initial dream, and she’s excited to explore the various opportunities that a career in sports can offer. This course is helping Erin build a solid foundation for her future and making her feel confident about stepping into her next chapter—whether that means pursuing higher education or diving straight into the sports industry.
‘’This course will help me massively as it allows me to get into university to achieve my goals of being a physiotherapist. It has provided me with a lot of knowledge in sport and has given me many career ideas such as physiotherapy, sports psychologist and a sport coach in many different settings. Although my dream is set on being a physiotherapist this course has opened my eyes too many opportunities that could have in the future.’’
