YST: What attracted you to the role of FESCo?
MS: I thought it was a natural progression from SSCo work – the idea of
extending and enhancing physical activity provision in college was a
big draw.
YST: How long have you been in post for as a FESCo?
MS: I started on April 1st.
YST: How many days do you work as a FESCo?
MS: I work two days as a FESCo and still lecture in college for two and a half days.
YST: What have you done since being in post?
MS: Audit students via moodle and paper to give baseline figures. I then started to design an extended programme of enrichment provision for September. This is to include several slots for “sport for fun” type competitions/leagues. New activities will include trampolining, archery, fencing, kayaking and dance classes.
YST: How are you going to ensure there is sustainability of these activities for the students? Are you linking with community
providers? If so which ones?
MS: We are linking with The Young Peoples Service to provide the OAA stuff - they have an Outreach programme for 16-19. The trampolining is linked to Rebound Club in Huddersfield.
YST: How have you advocated the FESCo role in your college?
MS: Staff were introduced to the initiative during briefing. I have established a notice board and activities are advertised on the board as well as in the college daily bulletin.
Other staff in the college are quite positive about the post. I have had one or two come forward to offer their services for "fun" sport during enrichment. The Senior Management team are always positive in relation to activities which would raise the profile of the college. They have been very positive in the financing of the job and have put £40,000 forward to kit out the new fitness suite - this is purely to expand the fitness provision for enrichment.
YST: How have you linked with the local School Sport Partnership?
MS: I have close links with both of my PDMs having worked with them previously. I attend meetings with SSCOs and have timetabled meetings every half term starting in September.
YST: What are going to be your priorities for next year?
MS: My action plan has three target areas:
- Participation/enrichment – increase the number of activities on offer and to offer these in a greater number of enrichment blocks.
- Leadership and Volunteering – offer a minimum of three CSL awards in the enrichment timetable. To increase the college uptake of Step into/out of Sport.
- Competition – extend the college fixture timetable.
YST: What do you think are going to be the challenges in the FESCo role?
MS: Increasing participation of the pupils who do no college sport at all – to try and motivate pupils who have free time to do physical activity instead of study time. I also think that accessing funds to help facilitate the new activities will be interesting.
On a practical basis Greenhead has very few onsite sports facilities so accommodation is also a major challenge.
YST: What do you think are the priorities for a newly appointed FESCo? What should they be doing in the first two months of the role?
- Review existing provision
- Design audit and questionnaire students
- Network and meet PDM, SSCO, CSP
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Design action plan and select one activity/target group to start with.
Click here to read our interview with Kathryn Purnell - FESCo at Yeovil College