Tell us a bit about yourself and what drew you to your course? 

I have always been very athletic and interested in sports and PE. I specifically have a great interest in working with SEND children and adults within a sporting environment. When looking at the different courses available at Leeds Beckett, BA (Hons) Physical Education stood out, as there are so many different options and modules to suit individual career choices. The specific modules of Inclusive Practice and SEND stood out to me as the knowledge I have gained throughout my experiences has provided me with opportunities to carry this into a future career. 

What made you choose Leeds Beckett? 

Location wise, Leeds Beckett is close to my hometown of Harrogate so that aided my decision. In addition, the variety of sporting facilities, sporting clubs and career development opportunities also helped to make my decision.

Which modules have you gained the most from on your course so far and why?

The Inclusive Practice and SEND modules. They have provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in this field. Additionally, the way the modules are set out with practical lessons to build on the knowledge learnt in lectures has allowed me to practically demonstrate my learning as well as learn as I go along. I also enjoyed how the assessments were set out, this again allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge.

What opportunities has this module provided and what did you get out of it? 

These modules have provided me with opportunities to learn in a more practical setting through the teaching of a disability sport to primary school children in Inclusive Practice and through a placement in a specialist school in the SEND module. My favourite has definitely been the specialist school placement. This has allowed me to talk to professionals as well as SEND children to further my skillset and knowledge. I have also learnt how adaptions are made to suit every individual need as well as how to deal with challenging behaviour.

How will this benefit your career? 

As I want to pursue a career around teaching PE and sport to SEND children and adults, the practical experiences have allowed me to gain experience, improve knowledge and widen my skillset. It has also provided me with key contacts and social networks that I can utilise further down the line. In addition, the influence of these modules has resulted in me completing my dissertation on KS3 PE teachers experiences of teaching SEND students within mainstream education. This has again allowed me to widen my knowledge on this subject area.

What support have you been given for life after university?

Social networks have been built through placements, we are constantly provided with placement and working opportunities as well as support once we graduate. Within modules we are encouraged to apply the knowledge gained to a working situation. During third year, we are also provided with many post-graduate opportunities such as a PGCE year and a Master's course.

What advice would you give someone thinking about studying this course? 

If you are interested in PE then definitely chose this course, it gives students vast learning experiences through placements and work experience. The course also provides students with multiple different routes to go down, whether this be primary or secondary PE teaching, a focus on SEND or a more scientific focus. The lecturers within the course are also of an extremely high quality, providing fun but educational sessions as well as setting enjoyable assessments.