Meet Our Sports Graduates: Kiera and Charlotte
Once pupils at Bancroft's, Kiera and Charlotte have now returned to the school in a very different capacity: as sports graduates in their first roles after university.
Both went on to study at the University of Nottingham, with Kiera choosing Economics and Charlotte opting for Physiotherapy.
We caught up with them to hear what it has been like revisiting familiar corridors, navigating the odd sensation of seeing former teachers as colleagues, and finally crossing the sacred threshold of the staff room. They gave us an honest insight into how their year is unfolding.
What encouraged you to return to Bancroft’s as sports graduates?
“It was nice to return to a familiar environment,” Charlotte says. “We already knew the teachers and PE staff, so it felt comfortable. Plus, giving back to the school while gaining experience for our future careers felt really valuable.”
Kiera added, “It’s a step into the working world. We get the routine of a full-time role, but with support and flexibility. The grad scheme gave us structure without being overwhelming. We could grow into the role, try new things, and figure out what comes next.”
How would you sum up your role as a sports graduate?
Kiera explains that their days as sports grads are varied, balancing administrative tasks with teaching PE and running games.“We assist teachers, help run games, support tournaments and see pupils of all abilities. It is rewarding to see pupils who struggled at the start of the year to then score in a game and improve week by week.”
Charlotte continues by adding “a lot of our time is spent with the pupils, motivating them and making PE lessons fun and enjoyable. We get involved in everything. From netball and hockey to badminton and climbing. Even if it is not our favourite sport, we are there to make it fun for the pupils.”
How did it feel to return and find your former teachers now greeting you as colleagues?
“At first it felt strange walking into the staff room!” Kiera admitted.
“The teachers treated us as colleagues straight away. That really helped us settle in.”
Touching on being part of the Bancroft’s community again, Charlotte reflects, “The community is amazing. Teachers keep in touch and OBs Day brings everyone together and there is a real sense of support.”
What is your favourite memory from your time as OBs?
For Kiera, it is the funny memories she made in her House that really stick with her. “I loved doing a lip-sync video for our house. Mrs Coyne made it so much fun and Mr Smethurst let us get creative with it. It is memories like that you never forget.”
“We were both very sporty, so sport was central. One of the highlights was going on tour to Barbados in 2019 with the hockey and netball teams, it was such a fun experience and a great way to finish our time at school.”
And finally, what are you both hoping to achieve this year?
“Growing my confidence and teaching larger groups is a big goal,” Charlotte says. “It is great practice for explaining things clearly, motivating people and preparing for the working world. The pupils are so respectful and it is rewarding to see them listen, engage and genuinely enjoy the lessons.”
Kiera concludes, “And being a role model for the pupils. Helping them enjoy sport, see their progress and just being there for them – that is special.”
Returning to Bancroft’s has given Kiera and Charlotte the chance to revisit old memories, plan their next steps and make a real impact on pupils. They seem to have settled in with impressive ease and we have no doubt the rest of the year will run just as smoothly.
