"From a young age, sport – and hockey in particular – has been a constant in my life. Having two operations, a myringoplasty surgery and a minor foot surgery, helped me realise how much hockey is a constant for me. Taking long periods of recovery showed me how much I depended on it. My strength and patience was shown when, immediately after I was authorised by my foot surgeon to play, I played and won our school semi-final Challenge Cup match. Throughout this time period I was supported by not only my team but also my teachers. My passion for hockey is what drove me towards a sporting career, but looking up to my PE teachers helped me develop a love for teaching and helping children find their love for sport. Just as my teachers inspired me to push myself and rely on sport as a safe place, I hope to one day be a role model to younger students and children, showing them how much sport can impact their lives.
Alongside my core subjects of Advanced Higher Physical Education, Chemistry and Higher English, I am working through a Level 6 Leadership course. This has helped me to develop and strengthen my communication skills, adaptability and decision-making abilities. Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to lead younger pupils in activities, where I can put these skills into practice. Additionally, I am building my Advanced Higher PE project, which includes collecting data from all aspects of my hockey performance. Looking back and analysing my play has helped me develop my self-reflection skills and take constructive criticism seriously.
Through working with the younger girls at hockey club, I have been able to put my leadership into action. My love for sport also led me to research how wealth affects Olympic success, which I developed into my English folio piece.
Beyond the classroom, I have continued to challenge myself and develop transferable skills. Completing the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards has honed my organisation, resilience and adaptability. Singing in the chamber choir at school has perfected my teamwork skills.
Coaching hockey at my own school also taught me professionalism, as I learnt to treat everyone fairly despite knowing them and their struggles personally. Being part of the Head Girl Team and serving twice as Hockey Captain has further strengthened my leadership, teamwork and ability to uplift others, while playing hockey competitively has taught me how to work under pressure.
Other activities such as competing in badminton championships and league matches, volunteering with younger pupils, YPI mentoring, and gaining work experience in PE classes have all helped me develop the skills I know will be essential as a teacher.
All of these experiences - combined with my dedication to hockey - have confirmed my ambition to become a PE teacher. Sport has always been the one constant in my life, and now I want to help others discover the same passion and strength that it has given me."
Shannon, VIS