Physical Education plays a crucial part in pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing. As such, having dedicated qualified personnel supporting it is key. LMP Education offers a specialised Sports Teaching Assistant programme to help learners develop their skills. One such learner is Rhianna Hall, a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Sports Pathway apprentice at St Michael’s primary school. Here is her story:
“I chose this Level 3 Teaching Assistant Sports Pathway apprenticeship because it combines my passion for supporting young people with my strong interest in sports and physical activity. I’ve always enjoyed encouraging others, helping them build confidence, and seeing them develop new skills and this programme gives me the chance to do that in a real school environment. The sports pathway really appealed to me because I know how valuable physical activity is for children’s wellbeing, teamwork, and confidence. I want to help create positive, engaging sessions where pupils feel motivated and supported. Working in a school while training also means I can learn from experienced staff, develop my communication and behaviour-management skills, and gradually take on more responsibility throughout my time.
I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted to learn in a real working environment rather than through purely academic study. I learn best by doing, so being able to apply new skills straight away really appeals to me. An apprenticeship gives me hands-on experience, a recognised qualification, and the chance to work alongside experienced staff.
The main benefits of an apprenticeship programme are the chance to gain real hands-on experience while studying and working towards a recognised qualification. Learning in a professional environment helps skills develop faster and makes the training more practical and engaging. Another key benefit is earning a wage while you learn, which makes the route more financially manageable than full-time study.
I am most proud of the progress I’ve made in building meaningful relationships with pupils and becoming someone they feel comfortable approaching for support. Over my apprenticeship, I’ve grown much more confident in managing groups, helping students stay engaged, and adapting activities so everyone can take part despite ability.
The best thing about my role is being able to make a positive impact on pupils every day. I really enjoy supporting them during sports activities, especially when I see their confidence grow or watch them achieve something they didn’t think they could do. It is such a rewarding apprenticeship.
My work has had a positive impact on both the pupils and the overall school environment. One of the biggest differences I’ve made is helping to increase pupils’ confidence, especially during sports and classroom activities. I regularly support children who doubt themselves, and with reassurance, patience, and encouragement, I’ve helped many of them overcome challenges they didn’t think they could manage.
My LMP Tutor has also played a huge part in my progress. They’ve supported me through my coursework, helped me stay on track with deadlines, and checked in regularly to make sure I understood each part of the programme. Their advice and feedback have made a big difference, especially when completing assignments or preparing for observations.
The most important skill I’ve learnt during my apprenticeship is patience. Working with pupils of different ages, abilities, and personalities has taught me how important it is to stay calm, understanding, and supportive. No matter how little progress you make it is still progress.
My next step after completing this programme is to go to university and work towards gaining my Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The experience I’ve gained during my apprenticeship has confirmed that I want to continue developing my skills in education and eventually become a fully qualified physical education teacher.”
Best of luck in the future Rihanna!
Are you passionate about making a difference in pupils’ lives? Discover our Teaching and Early Years apprenticeships!
