How I helped to tackle inequalities in education
George Coulton is a Sport and Exercise Psychology student at Coventry University. He tells us about how working with pupils in a local Coventry secondary school through City Year UK has made an impactful difference.
“I had an up-and-down high school experience. I enjoyed the social aspect of school, but found the academic side difficult. I managed to gain a two year football scholarship with the club I was playing for and I graduated with a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise. This led me to Coventry University and more opportunities educationally, meeting new people and having better employment prospects.
I chose City Year UK for my placement year, volunteering in a local Coventry school, mainly due to my own school experience. I have always been passionate about giving young people equal opportunities to succeed so City Year’s goal of tackling educational inequality really resonated with me.
I definitely feel that the pupils I worked with felt like they had someone to rely on. They felt confident in asking for support both in lessons and in a mentoring environment because I helped them feel valued and listened to.
The experience was challenging, but the feeling of making a long-lasting impact to a young person is worth so much more. You are on the frontline, part of the movement, making an impactful difference, working towards giving a child an opportunity they might not have had if you weren’t there. You’re a role-model, mentor, listener, provider, supporter, leader, teacher, rejoicer, and motivator… all in one role.
