Sport and Public Services' Enrichment Week brings learning to life
Last week, the NSCG Sports and Public Services departments celebrated their annual Enrichment Week, offering students the opportunity to engage in an exciting range of activities to build on their learning beyond the classroom.
On Monday, students had the exciting opportunity to hear from two local industry specialists who shared their journeys to successful careers.
Matthew Hancock, CEO of Port Vale Football Club, provided insights into the world of sport, reflecting on his 20-year career spanning both community and professional football. He was followed by Cam Brown from Swan Physio, Health, and Rehabilitation, who discussed his path into healthcare and the diverse opportunities available within the sector.
Students also took on practical challenges at Rowley Park, participating in an athletics training session where they tested their skills in key disciplines such as shot put, long jump, and 100-metre sprints.
Tuesday featured guest visits from Staffordshire Police’s Dog Unit, firearms officers, and West Midlands Ambulance Service.
PC Luke and PD Charlie shared real-life stories from their experiences on the job, offering insight into the challenges and rewards of their careers. They were joined by paramedic Nicky Griffiths, who led an interactive session where students got hands-on experience with essential first aid techniques, including CPR and defibrillator use.
The day concluded with an inspiring talk from Team GB Paralympian Jack Rutter, who shared his story of resilience. Jack had been on the verge of signing his first professional football contract with Birmingham City when he became the victim of an unprovoked attack after a night out. The incident left him with a brain injury, forcing him to relearn how to play football. With the support of the charity Headway, he found a new path in cerebral palsy football, earning 14 England caps—nine as captain—and leading Team GB at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Wednesday focused on the Public Services sector, featuring another visit from Staffordshire Police.
Students had the opportunity to hear from Inspector Rebecca Price, who shared her journey through the PC to Inspector Fast Track Promotion Programme. She was joined by PC Elias Casey, who provided a firsthand look into life as a Response Officer, including the responsibilities and challenges of carrying a Taser.
Bringing the day to a close, NSCG’s very own Head of Security, Sam Barber, offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the diverse roles within Public Services. He also gave students an inside look at what a typical day on the Newcastle College campus entails, highlighting the role of Security in an educational environment.
On Thursday, Stafford College welcomed Crewe Alexandra striker Kane Hemmings (MSc) for an engaging live podcast in the Auditorium. Teaming up with lecturer Alex Brown, Kane shared insights with over 120 Sport and Sports Science students, reflecting on his 16-year professional football career. He discussed key topics such as mental health in the industry, the evolution of Sports Science, and memorable moments from his time on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Sport students had the pleasure of hosting over 80 Year 5 and 6 pupils from Castlechurch Primary School for an action-packed day of activities. Since September, our learners have been building a strong relationship with the school through coaching sessions, and this visit was the perfect opportunity to welcome the pupils to NSCG and showcase the outstanding facilities on offer.
The young students eagerly took part in a variety of interactive sessions, including an Anatomy and Physiology workshop exploring how the heart and skeleton function during exercise, Lego-themed team-building activities, a multi-skills and fitness session, and an exciting dodgeball match to round off the day.
The week concluded with an insightful visit from PCSO Tim Leathers, Positive Action Officer from Staffordshire Police, who spoke about the wide range of career opportunities available in policing.
Students also had the chance to engage with the Newcastle Local Policing Team, who shared valuable insights into their community engagement roles and answered students’ questions about life as a police officer.
Students even got hands-on experience with public order equipment, including shields and batons, and even had the opportunity to explore the inside of a riot van—bringing their learning to life outside of the classroom.
