Grace spent her work experience placement with the Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, diving into the daily life of a sports coach and tutor. From coaching on the pitch to mentoring in the classroom, it was a week to remember.

During her placement, Grace got to experience two completely different sides of sports teaching, splitting her time between primary and secondary schools.

"I've had the best week!" Grace said. "I've been lucky to work in primary schools, working with the children in their PE sessions, teaching them cricket and other sports within their lessons. I love how much they enjoyed me teaching them and how much they interacted and engaged with me. It was very rewarding."

Moving from the playground to the classroom, Grace also assisted with older students to focus on the mindset behind the games.

"I also went to secondary schools and did more classroom and theory-based work with them," she explained. "We looked at how teamwork and self-esteem are important within life and sport."

The placement has done exactly what work experience is supposed to do: cement a passion for a future career. Seeing the impact she could make on young people has given Grace a clear vision for her next steps.

"This experience has been invaluable. I really want to work with primary school children, so I'm going to do a teaching qualification after GCSEs and go into teaching. I now know what to do in the future and I'm really excited for it!"

The  team at Plymouth Argyle Community Trust were thoroughly impressed by her energy and hands-on approach.

Aina, from the Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, said:

"Grace has been really enthusiastic and has fully immersed herself in the experience. She's willing to learn and, most importantly, got really involved with the children- which is the most important thing!"

A huge well done to Grace for representing Stoke Damerel so brilliantly. We can't wait to see her back in the classroom as a qualified teacher in the future!