Embarking on a transformative journey, transitioning from being a student coached by CoachBright to becoming a coach within the same school, is a testament to the profound impact that coaching can have on one’s life. This journey signifies not only personal growth but also a dedication to empower and uplift others. In this conversation, we dive into the story of one individual whose path is characterised by support and a determination to make a positive difference in the lives of other young learners.
It must be quite a journey, going from being coached by CoachBright to becoming a coach yourself at the same school. Can you share a bit about what inspired you to take on this role?
What inspired me to be a CoachBright coach was the thought of being able to support other students with their educational journey the way I was supported by a coach during my GCSEs. I was prone to exam stress and struggling with maths, so being able to get reassurance from my coach that I would get the grades I wanted, and to get that 1-1 coaching in Year 11, felt amazing. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to do the same for others so that they, too, could feel reassured and confident about doing well.
Reflecting on your time as a pupil coached by CoachBright, are there any specific moments or experiences that you feel have had a lasting impact?
Yes, when CoachBright supported me during the coronavirus pandemic and GCSEs got cancelled. It led to many of us feeling incredibly anxious about what the outcome was going to be for our GCSE grades. My anxiety was particularly in maths, but with CoachBright’s support, we did online sessions, which also helped in case GCSEs were suddenly back on. The fact that CoachBright had remained available to help us during a time when most were just celebrating the fact that school was closed, was heart-warming and it was that coaching support that contributed to my passing. In addition, they also provided support towards A-level courses. So I was also able to gain much more insight into my A-level subject English Literature which was very helpful when I got into year 12.
How did your experience as a former pupil shape your approach as a coach? Are there any lessons from your own journey that you tried to pass on to pupils?
My experience as a former pupil shaped me to be incredibly patient. When I was a pupil I always asked questions, and my coach was always patient and made me feel so comfortable. I implemented that when I became a coach, because being patient and listening to your pupils with their own particular needs, ensures that they are engaged and getting the help that they need. It also helped me when it came to making session plans so they were able to have tailored sessions.
As someone who has now seen both sides of the CoachBright programme, what aspects did you find most rewarding as a coach?
When I was a pupil, I struggled immensely with geometry. There was a time when I always got questions wrong despite my coach coaching me really well. Due to my coach’s constant support, I was then able to get the questions right! Seeing my coach smile and congratulate me on that one singular question I got right, made me realise it is truly the smallest accomplishments that have a huge impact. It was so rewarding. This was exactly the same when I became the coach; seeing my students thank me for helping them just as I thanked my coach for helping me - that was the most rewarding aspect.
CoachBright aims to empower young people. How has your personal experience influenced the way you empowered and supported pupils? Are there any strategies you found particularly effective?
I made sure pupils didn’t feel low about making mistakes. At school, we had top and bottom sets and I was in the bottom set until Year 10. But I didn’t let that get me down because your set does not define you. My group of pupils believed that being in the lower set meant you would get bad grades - absolutely not. As someone who had dealt with those thoughts, the strategies I used with my students were always positive reinforcement - making sure I congratulated the smallest achievements and not letting mistakes be seen as a huge thing. Instead, I always told them that making mistakes was their ‘bridge to success’ because making mistakes is the way we learn, advance and improve.
Are there any similarities or differences you’ve noticed between your own coaching experience and the coaching you received as a pupil?
I wouldn’t say there have been any differences between when I was a coach and when I was a pupil. A similarity, however, was the support that was given. When I was a pupil, I received a lot of support from CoachBright and when I became a coach, I was given that same amount of support.
Can you recall a specific breakthrough or proud moment you’ve had with pupils that made you feel like you’ve truly made a positive impact, similar to how you were impacted during your time with CoachBright?
I was so happy and proud when my pupil thanked me for helping them with their anxieties around exam practice and perfectionism. I was a perfectionist during my time in school, and it always stressed me out whenever I used to get lower grades and I didn’t ever want to get help either. Being part of CoachBright made me acknowledge that it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s okay to ask for help, and knowing that I can make a student feel better about themselves, is heart-warming. You are not defined by your grades, but rather by your perseverance and your personal accomplishments.
Has CoachBright influenced your personal and professional goals? If so, how?
CoachBright influenced my personal and professional goals of helping others. I always considered myself an altruistic person, and have loved the thought of helping people by any means necessary, especially with a child’s educational journey. Since sixth form, I noticed the lack of opportunities experienced by people of lower backgrounds, and being part of CoachBright helped me with the goal of helping disadvantaged people reach their potential.
In terms of my professional goals, I was studying social work at university. However, I decided to change courses and I am now studying to become a teacher! It is all thanks to CoachBright which helped me find my true passion, which is to educate young lives. I want students from disadvantaged backgrounds to know that your background does not define where you go - you can be whoever you want to be.
Have you ever shared your story of being coached by CoachBright with your pupils? How did they react, and did it seem to inspire or motivate them in any way?
I did share my story with my pupils about being a pupil with CoachBright. It motivated them and helped them realise that they too can succeed.
As you move forward in your journey, what lasting impact do you envisage for yourself and the pupils you’ve coached during your time with CoachBright?
As I move forward in my journey, I envisage that my pupils will continue to try their best, and not feel like they always have to feel low about themselves and should strive to try their best and to always ask for help.
