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Taking Sixth Formers to the Next Level
Case Study – The Sixth Form College, Colchester. Discover how 1st4sport qualifications are providing students with a clear pathway to further education and careers in coaching – offering invaluable insights into the responsibilities and rewards of the profession
By integrating 1st4sport qualifications as part of an additional ‘fourth subject’ during their A Levels, The Sixth Form College Colchester ensures that aspiring coaches gain practical experience and a solid foundation for their future endeavours.
If glowing praise from Ofsted, commendations from External Quality Assessors, and a growing number of students advancing to coaching careers and university degrees are the benchmarks of success, then Tim Grimsey, take a well-deserved bow (and perhaps we can bask in some of that reflected glory).
Tim, a tutor at The Sixth Form College Colchester, has designed a Level 3 Coaching Programme using 1st4sport qualifications to offer an industry-relevant vocational study pathway for students aspiring to pursue a career in coaching.
This innovative approach is enhancing students’ future employability prospects by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the coaching profession.
The programme has been “highly successful”, says Tim: “These courses have helped to equip the students for a degree in Coaching at university, and we have seen many students decide to pursue coaching degrees.
“We have also found that the 1st4sport qualifications have provided valuable transferable skills – teamwork, communication, planning and evaluation skills – for students pursuing other degree courses, such as Teaching, PGCEs, and Sports Science Degrees.
By the end of their courses, the students are well aware of what is expected of them as a coach because the skills they gain enable them to go into fully paid coaching roles delivering coaching sessions.
Tim Grimsey, Tutor, The Sixth Form College Colchester
The programme Tim has put together includes the following 1st4sport courses:
- 1st4Sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching: Available to Year 12 students, this option has 90 participants. The course requires students to attend two periods a week, comprising both theory and practical lessons.
- 1st4Sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching: Available to Year 13 students, this option has 66 participants. The course requires students to attend three periods a week, including two practical sessions and one theory session.
A Primary lesson in applied coaching
The purpose of the course is to provide students with an understanding of what it is like to be a coach and the responsibilities that accompany the role. To help them put the theory they learn in class into practice, students go back to school!
In addition to their college studies, this year’s Sixth Form students attended Prettygate Junior School on a weekly basis, engaging in practical sessions with Years 1-6. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply relevant theories, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world coaching.
Nearly all the Primary School’s PE curriculum was delivered during the course of the academic year, with the children experiencing over 20 different sports,” says Tim – a former head coach at Colchester Rugby Club and England Counties, who spent 20 years coaching at Northampton Saints Academy, including three years as Coach Development Officer.
Tim Grimsey
When Prettygate Junior School had an Ofsted inspection in 2024, it was praised for its sports provision, with the inspector noting the diverse range of sports being delivered to the children.
“I have been hugely impressed by the levels of empathy shown by my Level 3 coaches in coaching Reception Class children, many of which had never come across sport before,” adds Tim.
“They also showed great adaptability and creativity when faced with the challenge of coaching children who didn’t speak English, having to communicate through demonstration.”
Feedback and Assessment Process
- It was important to provide a way that students can receive constructive feedback after each practical session.
- Primary school teachers provide initial feedback, and this is then reviewed by the tutor.
- Students are encouraged to discuss their sessions, and a two-way feedback process is established where the tutor and students share their observations.
- These sessions are recorded and reviewed, with peer assessments also conducted. Typically, one student delivers a 15-minute session while another reviews and assesses; then they swap roles. The final 15 minutes are co-coached, applying learnings from the previous sessions.
- An Internal Verifier (IV) regularly assesses the sessions, which are also recorded for evidence. During the Easter holidays, a dedicated day is set aside for the tutor and IV to discuss student competencies. The IV’s feedback is shared with students, both during visits and through recorded sessions.
- The college has a robust Curriculum Review process, where other departments observe lessons. This year, coaching sessions were observed by an Assistant Principal, who provided valuable feedback.
- Additionally, regular weekly voice notes and emails from the tutor keep students informed about observations and objectives.
- An External Quality Assessor (EQA) visits annually to verify the courses and maintains regular communication with the tutor through phone calls and monthly email updates that contain more valuable feedback.
- Students, meanwhile, have to evidence their learning in a coaching portfolio provided by 1st4sport.
According to Tim, 1st4sport offer the best qualifications to equip students who want to enter full-time employment as a coach, or those looking to go to university to study a coaching degree.
We chose 1st4sport because of their excellent overall reputation and the quality of their accreditation, which is of the highest standard.
Tim Grimsey
But don’t just take Tim’s word for it. Here is some feedback from the students themselves on how the 1st4sport Level 2 and Level 3 Certificate in Coaching courses have increased their confidence and competence in delivering practical sessions and applying the coaching pedagogy they have been taught.
Student testimonials
“My coaching course with Mr Grimsey has allowed me to develop numerous transferable skills, such as improving my confidence in giving instructions. The course also allowed me to demonstrate in my university interview that I’m capable of being responsible for a group of people and that I have very good patience and determination to succeed. Alongside that, the course has been a way to take my mind off other college stresses and enjoy my Thursday mornings. The course has been valuable to me and will help me in many aspects of my life, now and in the future.” – Felix Sears
In my time doing the coaching qualification, I have gained extensive knowledge about the world of coaching through both the practical and theoretical sides. I have thoroughly enjoyed applying my learning in coaching sessions at the Junior school. Working directly with the children and my coach, I always come away from every session with new ideas and skills.
Cameron Bowden
“I think this course is perfect for those who want an insight into coaching. It will help develop key skills and practical knowledge to be able to give enjoyable, active coaching sessions.” – Cameron Bowden
“I feel that my communication with children of different ages, and also sometimes with the teachers, has been a brilliant transferrable skill that I can use in everyday life.” – Maya Osborne
“The 1st4sport qualification has allowed me to improve as a coach, developing greater understanding of how to provide the best environment for participants to develop in sport as well as keeping them active and engaged. The self and peer reviews allowed me to positively adapt my sessions using the advice and suggestions given.” – Elen Purcell
I have been able to develop the types of training methods that I deliver to participants that best fits my method of training. This has also allowed me to coach a variety of sports with different age groups and abilities. I have really enjoyed coaching in my first year and so grateful that I have been able to carry it on into my second year.
Mia Gallent
“The Level 2 coaching course is a great course. The theory lessons are insightful and provide useful knowledge which is then effectively transferred into the practical sessions. The practical sessions are exciting and interesting, being useful for developing the skill of coaching in a relaxed environment. I have learnt many valuable transferable skills and would recommend the course to anyone looking for more opportunities in their sport or for coaching opportunities.” – Eloise Saltwell
“Sports coaching is what I want to do as a career, so having the option to gain a qualification in this area gives me a head start when applying for jobs. It also allows me to be certain that this is the career I want to pursue. The Tutor/Assessor has supported me through the practical side of the course by giving me advice on how to structure a session to increase involvement and also in the theory, especially how to ensure my sessions are always including KPIs and are always safe.” – Keira Atkinson
This coaching course has been incredible for improving my leadership skills and resilience. When working with young participants I have learned to be prepared to adapt my session at times to fit their different needs.
Evie Williams
“Through our hands-on exercises and practicals, I have been able to gain a valuable insight on effective communication, active listening and goal setting, all of which is key to delivering an inclusive coaching session. With the supportive and structured feedback, I have been able to refine my coaching approach and style to help improve the session for the individuals, allowing them to get the best out of it.” – Madison Thorne
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