Students studying Sports Development, Coaching and Fitness at Bridgwater & Taunton College have been working closely with students from the College’s Learning for Life and Work programme to offer them an opportunity to make use of the College’s fantastic gym facilities.
As part of their course, students on the Development, Coaching and Fitness course are required to complete a Personal Training and Instruction unit, which involves working with people with a variety of disabilities, in order to raise their confidence and self-esteem.
The Learning for Life and Work (L4LW) students were each provided with a tailor-made fitness programme that met their individual goals for improving their general fitness and fine motor skills such as balance and co-ordination. The sessions also benefitted those students with a range of learning disabilities as they were able to develop their social skills through communication and interaction.
Dominic Hodges, Course Leader for YMCA Fitness courses at Bridgwater & Taunton College said,
“This was a great opportunity for both sets of students to learn from each other and added real value to their educational programme. The L4LW group in particular were given opportunities that they may have not had in the past which served as a great motivator for them. The sport students had a valuable chance to be strong role models whilst improving their soft skills and teaching strategies for different types of client, which also provided a really effective avenue for them to explore for their future careers.”
Student Megan Stephens said,
“I really enjoyed coaching Liam from the disability group; he is so energetic, positive and enjoys exercising. I believe that coaching him every week has improved his confidence and social skills, especially around people he may not know. My confidence has improved massively as a fitness instructor and trainer as I now have a much broader knowledge of the environment.”
Thomas Edwards, who is studying the Learning for Life and Work course at Bridgwater & Taunton College added,
“I really enjoy working in the gym with Josh, he helps me to use the equipment. I have become friends with Josh and he talks to me when I see him around College.”
If you would like more information about studying Sport courses at Bridgwater & Taunton College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234.
