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Our Year 12 CTEC Sport students visited St Mary’s University Twickenham recently to take part in a Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development BA (Hons) lecture with current university students.

They discussed the course with lead lecturer Andy Stopher and toured the campus too. The trip provided pupils with an invaluable insight into university life and how a campus operates. Alongside a tour of sports and educational facilities, students were fortunate enough to gain access to a first year practical session, working side by side with university students who were in Year 12 themselves just 18 months ago.

Our sixth formers worked alongside university students to develop games that would support KS2 pupils to develop key motor skills such as running, jumping and throwing. Importantly, this gave students an insight into how theory from lectures frames the subsequent practical sessions and continues to build knowledge in a logical and developmental order.

Mr Belcher, CTEC Sport teacher

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Hope, Year 12, writes…

The visit to St Mary’s University in Twickenham was truly an amazing and eye-opening experience which looked into life and education at a university.

It gave lots of vital information regarding student finances, for example.  Student finance is something which we often worried about with regard to going to university and it gave us all more of an insight into living costs and student loans.

The visit also taught us the importance of independence which is crucial when living and learning at university. The Sport session we participated in was extremely engaging and gave a look into the practical side of the course. We were able to converse with other university students to get advice on life at university.

We were taken on a tour around the campus. Speaking on behalf of my fellow students, I can say we were astonished and impressed by all the facilities, including the library, the refectory, gym, athletics track and sports hall. As we entered the library there was an array of books and comfortable space to independently revise. 

Overall it was simply an amazing day. I’m sure all my fellow students will agree that we were very grateful for the opportunity to visit St Mary’s and speak to students and Mr Stopher, the lecturer.

Hope, Year 12

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Carnegie, Year 12, writes…

Our trip to St Mary’s University was amazing! It was very beneficial for me and a real eye opener as it informed me about what university life is really like and the entry requirements I need to go to a university.

We joined a group of first year students who study Sport Teaching, Coaching and Development. We took part in a double practical lesson with them where we had to plan and lead an indoor athletics competition. I can see myself doing something like that in the future.

I was interested to see and learn about all the different courses that you can do when at St Mary's or at other similar universities. I also learnt what UCAS tariff points were, which has pushed me to try and better my education and work ethic now so I can get as many as I can to get into the university.

I also enjoyed when Mr Stopher, the lecturer, was discussing with us as it really showed clearly the living conditions, the amount of money we will need to live there and the variety of courses there are. The way he spoke, it really showed how passionate he was about the subject he was teaching which motivated me. Overall it was definitely one of the best trips I have been on.

Carnegie, Year 12

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Find out more about the Physical Education, Sport and Youth Development BA (Hons) course at St Mary’s University Twickenham.