Meet the Team - Hannah Robson

Role - PE Educator & PECS Mentor

Favourite quote: "Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success."

What is something Primary School headteachers and PE co-ordinators have to deal with that you want to fix?

From the schools that I have worked in there has always been a lack of funding for PE in comparison to other curricular subjects. Often schools have basic and bare minimum equipment which does not always allow pupils to experience a breadth of sports and skills, limiting them to traditional activities such as football, netball and not allowing them to explore others like handball, orienteering and skill circuits. School ratings and inspections often focus on the 3 core subjects – Maths, English and Science, resulting in Physical Education receiving less attention, despite a recent surge in encouraging active lifestyles in children. Schools therefore have to try and balance the requirement to show progress and success in the core subjects, whilst also addressing physical activity needs.

What do you do at PEAK?

At PEAK I am not only a PE Educator, but I also deliver the PECS programme. This means that I not only deliver PE lessons to the pupils, but I also support and guide staff to improve their lessons. I therefore work closely with head teachers, PE co-ordinators and individual class teachers to ensure they are getting the best out of their PE curriculum and lessons. To help with this I have helped to create curriculum maps, to guide schools with what needs to be taught across the school year, as well as helping to improve the confidence of class teachers in delivering PE.

I have also introduced and run lunch time and after school clubs, as well as supporting the introduction of Sports Crews to allow children to take responsibility for their own learning. Another aspect of my role, involves talking to head teachers and PE co-ordinators about competitions and events outside of the school that pupils can take part in. When offering advice to clients I ensure that I not only give advice regarding improvements but also praise staff and schools for things they are doing well. I hope that this allows clients to have a respectful relationship, where they feel confident opening up to me about areas they would like to work on.

What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position?

Before working for PEAK, I completed a BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development Course at Middlesbrough College. Here I was awarded a distinction* for the overall course. I also completed a Level 1 Basketball Coaching Badge, Level 2 Sport Leaders Awards and Gym Instructor Qualification. I then started my journey with PEAK in 2018, when I was lucky enough to secure a Level 3 Specialist PE Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship.

University never really appealed to me as I have always been more practical, than academic and therefore I believe going down the apprenticeship route really has been a benefit to me, as I have still succeeded in getting to the position I have always wanted to be in. I believe opting for the apprenticeship route has put me at a slight advantage than others in the field, who may have spent more time in formal training at University, rather than learning through experience.

What’s your Archetype?

• 46% Athlete

The Athlete's focus and drive are unparalleled. Staying healthy and being fit are paramount to them (as for winning, that doesn't hurt, either).

• 27% Caregiver

Friendly, sincere, and compassionate, the Caregiver finds their reward in helping others. No one could ask for a better best friend.

• 27% Tastemaker

The Tastemaker is always on top of the trends—or starting their own. Their sense of style is second to none and their taste, impeccable

What do you like about working at PEAK?

My favourite thing about working at PEAK is having the opportunity to see both the pupils and teachers that I support via the PECS course improve. Seeing improvements in confidence and capability across the schools I work with is extremely rewarding and provides me with self-fulfilment that what I am doing is helping others. The clients themselves are very personable and supportive of what I am there to provide, which helps to make me feel part of the school family.

PEAK also has a very supportive culture, with employees being willing to help one another. We operate as a collaborative unit to provide each other with advice and ideas for lesson activities, helping one another to grow and develop.

What’s your background?

I have lived in a village called Hurworth, on the outskirts of Darlington, all my life and this is where I also attended school. When I was younger, I would always follow in my sister’s footsteps and do everything she did such as dance, singing and drama. However, when I was 9, I decided I wanted to do something for myself. I saw an advert in the newspaper for a girl’s football team at one of the local clubs, Darlington Spraire Lasses and from the first training session I have never looked back. I played for Darlington Spraire Lasses from the age of 9-12. Within these years I competed in many tournaments, became captain of the team and was in the Top 3 goal scorers of the league. Following this, I played for Middlesbrough Centre of Excellence up until the age of 17 when I then joined the Middlesbrough Ladies Team. I continue to play for Middlesbrough Ladies today.

What are the values that drive you?

· Enthusiasm – Making sure I have a positive and encouraging attitude to keep the pupils engaged and enjoying sport.

· Commitment – Having played a team sport for most of my life where commitment is key, this is something that I naturally apply to my job.

· Empathy – having a difficult time at school growing up, I understand that things are not easy for everyone. Therefore, I think it is important that people can be sympathetic to people’s backgrounds and circumstances.

Your top 3 favourite Podcasts/Books?

I have never really enjoyed reading books or listening to podcasts. I am much more of a visual person and when wanting to learn more about a topic I often use tutorials on websites, as well as YouTube videos. I find these methods easier to engage with and I take on board more information this way. If I want to relax, I enjoy listening to music.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

When I am not working, alongside my football with Middlesbrough Ladies, I enjoy walking my new cockapoo puppy. I have enjoyed exploring new places with my new furry companion. I also enjoying (when permitted) socialising with my family and friends.