Learning Coaches

Cymraeg

Roger Evans, Co-ordinator of PSE and Progress Files , Y Pant Comprehensive, Pontyclun

Who are your typical clients?

11-18-year-olds

What do you do all day?

I teach, and I’m a form tutor.

What's the best bit of your job?

Getting a buzz out of seeing kids learn and progress.

Are there any downsides?

The biggest problem is the number of low ability children coming in to secondary education and people not being trained to deal with them.

What are your work history highlights?

I thoroughly enjoyed being Head of Geology (my degree subject). Field trips and ski trips are great fun.

What is your dream job?

Ski-ing coordinator in the Austrian Alps.

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

Get out into the countryside; coastal and mountain walks; watch sports on TV and live; go down the local pub.

Which modules have you done so far?

The Mentoring Process.

What do you hope to get out of the course?

I hope to get the accreditation, perhaps pointing me in a different direction in the latter part of my school career. I’m seeing a pathway towards more one-to-one/mentoring in school, which is part of the school’s development plan. All sectors should be aware of the development of the individual and recognise it.

What have you got out of the course so far?

It’s good to meet people and listen to their experiences, good and bad. There are people from all different sectors and associated jobs.

How has the course improved your work with young people?

I’m not sure yet. After teaching for 30 years, I’ve realised that I haven’t done many one-to-ones, and realised the factors that play a part, for example the child, their background, expectations of the child, targets and SATs. It’s not simply a case of talking to the kids and asking, “Why aren’t you performing in maths?”.