Charlotte Grant

Charlotte is a BSc (Hons) Applied Physical Education and Sports Coaching (Top-Up) student currently studying her Level 6 qualification at Newcastle College University Centre. Find out more about her passion for sport and her University experience.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant?

I'm an ex-swimmer and I started competing at eight or nine years old and just continued all the way up until I was about 18. I teach swimming and I'm a lifeguard, so I'm very interested in the water sports side.

Why did you choose to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

I was already a student at the college doing my BTEC and I liked the idea of having smaller classes as well as being able to engage with my tutor. Rather than go to a big university and you can't get a hold of the tutor, I like the idea of just having a small class as I found that it would be easier to learn.

What was it about this course that made you want to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

I was convinced I wanted to teach PE so the course catered to that but also had the sports coaching side. With my experience in being a swimming coach and with what I’ve been learning on my course it has that dual aspect that I can use.

After I finish my degree, I'm going to be a primary school teacher.

What benefits do you think there are in studying at Newcastle College University Centre?

The smaller class sizes. I think you get a lot more help, but there's also a lot of support groups. For example, the Academic Coaching staff, who are there whenever you need them. There's just lots of help there whenever you need it.

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student?

There's lots of sports facilities, we've got the sports hall and multiple gyms. We often use the Newcastle Eagles facilities too, which are great.

Even the food facilities on campus are great! It's easy to go and grab something to eat in the HE Hub and then they can go downstairs and crack on.

What do you enjoy the most about your degree?

Probably all the different subjects you get to learn. You dive deeper into subjects you wouldn't associate with teaching and coaching. Like a lot of psychological stuff and well as physical. It’s a nice variety, but also all the opportunities we are given. We get to do lots of coaching badges, learning different sports and meeting different coaches as well.

What inspires you?

I think I just like to help others. When I’m teaching, you've got six children that just listen to every word. I want to go into teaching because those little people’s minds are amazing.

Tell us about how you have worked with industry whilst studying your degree (i.e. talks / live briefs / projects).

At the Eagles, we've met with Mark, the head coach of the Eagles, and watched him and see how he coaches. It was good to see a professional coach in action.

How would you describe the staff at the University Centre?

Really helpful and they’re excited to help you as well. They’ve always there for whatever you need.

Have you overcome any challenges either before or whilst studying for your degree?

Within my job as a lifeguard, I had a particularly traumatic experience. Earlier this year, I helped a little girl have a cardiac arrest, when she was in one of my swimming classes.

My tutor, Keshia, give me the time I needed to work through all the aftermath of that and give me the avenues for emotional support that the University Centre offered. I was grateful for their understanding.

What kinds of support have you received during your studies?

We had help from an Academic Coach, Sam, to help with our academic work. Sam would look at the way we were wording the sentences and structuring the written work. It was helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes on your work who wasn't on the course.

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College University Centre?

We went to Malta as part of our course and it was good to see how a different country was able to do a similar course there. Seeing all their facilities was great and we went kayaking and paddle boarding too!

What’s Newcastle like as a student city, in your experience?

Very lively. You've got lots of universities in the same place, so you get a big mix of students. Even here at the University Centre, we've got different students and that have been to different universities and then have come here. It’s very lively and is very friendly. The world is nice in Newcastle.

In what ways do you think your degree at Newcastle College University Centre has prepared you for employment?

There is lots of experience on the course and we’ve to go out and find our own work experience. We’ve also taken part in interviews so now I have lots of practice. We did lots of lesson planning so that we were prepared for them too.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I'm going to do my PGCE and become a primary school teacher.

Describe your student experience in three words.

Totally worth it!

What are your top five tips for studying at Newcastle College?

Get to know your tutor- the better you know your tutor, the more you learn.
Make friends. It's a big campus.
Explore. I was a student rep and I really enjoyed it.
Make the most of the facilities.
And turn up!