inFOCUS


ENGLAND SHEFFIELD


SET MEMBER LEANNE WHITTAM IS A


LECTURER IN SPORT AND A DEPARTMENT HEAD AT THE SHEFFIELD COLLEGE.


Sport plays an important part in the cultures of both the UK and the Netherlands and, in this issue, we compare the working lives of sports teachers Leanne Whittam and Leontine Toussaint, and discover that both are adapting to new curriculum demands.


Leanne ended up in teaching somewhat by accident. Having completed a Masters degree, she was given some teaching work at a local college while she considered her career options. And, like so many, Leanne was bitten by the FE bug and subsequently completed her PGCE on the job. Ten years later, she is teaching at Levels 3, 4 and 5, with approximately 24 hours spent face to face with students, and the remaining 13 hours devoted to planning, preparation and marking – a broadly similar working week to that of Leontine. Leanne is also head of quality of


teaching, learning and assessment for land-based sport, protective services and business at her college. She says that, increasingly, her students are seeking to move straight


NETHERLANDS NIJMEGEN


into employment after college, rather than into higher education. This has brought new challenges for Leanne and her colleagues, who must develop the curriculum accordingly to meet changing demands, and ensure students have suitable pathways enabling them to succeed in their chosen careers. The introduction of T Levels will also have an impact on teaching and learning, she says. Continuing professional development (CPD) is important for both Leanne, who is a Member of SET, and Leontine. The Sheffield College, a SET Corporate Partner, runs regular CPD sessions which include speakers plus several whole college development days. Leanne can also apply for support for her training needs. She strongly believes in creating interactive sessions to help students become independent and curious learners. She uses Google Classroom as the virtual learning environment (VLE) and most of her summative feedback is provided on there. She also uses peer and self-assessment.


LEONTINE TOUSSAINT IS A SPORTS AND LIFESTYLE TEACHER AT ROC NIJMEGEN, AN INTERMEDIATE-LEVEL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.


Leontine started teaching at ROC 14 years ago, having previously worked in the industry as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, including running


her own gym. She teaches a range of subjects, including fitness, personal training, nutrition and dance. Leontine has a Level 4 qualification in training and the health industry, and a Level 5 teaching qualification. Her students study at intermediate level and most of them will go on to study at a higher level before seeking work. ROC Nijmegen ensures that all are placed on internships to enhance their readiness for future


employment. Changes in the enrolment strategy for the sports courses mean that there is now far less selectivity, so the college accepts anyone who wants to study sports-related subjects. While this aids access, it has meant that some students can, at least initially,


lack the focus and dedication that sport and dance demand. Leontine has had to adapt the way she teaches as a result, offering more guidance and coaching to help some students grow as people during the course. She still works in the industry


and keeps herself up to date with the latest developments. The college has supported her financially and time-wise on some courses, although mostly Leontine pays for them herself and takes them outside of work. Her approach to teaching differs from Leanne’s – she describes herself as a “traditional teacher”. She likes to teach the theory and knowledge, before getting learners to practise techniques and carry out related assignments. She does, however, include student self-assessment in her approach.


THE SHEFFIELD COLLEGE is a large general further education college which had 16,000 students and apprentices on its books in 2018-19. It is home to The LEGO Education Innovation Studio, a facility to support younger learners and teachers.


THE NIJMEGEN ROC (Regionaal Opleidingencentrum or regional education centre) is called a vocational school but more closely resembles a UK FE college. It offers a variety of courses in addition to sport. Its facilities include a training bakery, restaurant, and hairdressing and beauty salons.


8 ISSUE 38 • WINTER 2019 inTUITION


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