Work Experience

We know how important it is for our young people to get experience in the world of work as they choose their path in life.

Due to a high demand, we prioritise providing work experience placements for young people that attend a state school within the London Borough of Merton. During their time with MSSP, students will gain experience in various sporting capacities such as sports coaching, event organisation/delivery and sports leadership.

Students will be given the opportunity to gain real experience within school sport. During the week, students will be assisting in the following areas:

• · Primary sports competitions
•   Primary/Secondary sports days
• · PE/extra-curricular club delivery in a primary school setting
• · General admin work: completing databases, registers, reports

Work Experience Application

The process for applying for a work experience placement with MSSP is detailed below. Parents and guardians will be expected to offer support and guidance, but for the personal development of the applicant, please allow them to complete as much of the process themselves as possible. During the application process, please make us aware of any additional needs or support that you may require during your time with us.

Your Cover Letter:

• Introduce yourself, and include key information like which school you attend and which year group you are in.
• Any skills, experience and interests that you think would make you suitable for a work placement with MSSP.

Work Experience Application Process:

• Complete the application form (download below) and cover letter – send to Fraser Addo (f.addo@harrismorden.org.uk).
• MSSP will confirm application has been received.
• If the student is successful in the application stage, then an online meeting will be set up to discuss any requirements and confirm the applicant’s suitability for the role. A parent/guardian will need to be present during the duration of the meeting.
• If successful in the online meeting stage, MSSP will then confirm and offer a work experience placement in writing.
• MSSP will coordinate with the applicant’s school.
• Risk assessment, applicant’s timetable and all necessary documents will be sent prior to the agreed start date.

To apply for a work experience placement, please prepare a cover letter, along with the application form (download below) and send via email to:

Fraser Addo – Volunteering & Leadership Coordinator

Merton School Sport Partnership

Tel: 0792 789 6062

Email: f.addo@harrismorden.org.uk

Work Experience Placements 2024-25

This academic year, MSSP will host a total of 7 students for their work experience placements. Each student receives a timetable tailored to their individual skill sets, and related as much as possible to their potential future career plans. They are all offered the opportunity to shadow PE teachers in schools, assist with the logistics and/or coaching at our events, as well as completing admin tasks in our office. Some are placed with us a for a full week, whilst some will only request to help at specific events.

Each full time student will also be required to complete a workbook during their placement. The workbook asks the student to answer MSSP related questions linked to the events they have attended and the policies and procedures that must be followed during the week. They will also complete a event report for our website, as well as undertake a lesson observation on a PE teacher that they are shadowing.

Students this year from:

• Blossom House
• Coombe Boys
• Coombe Girls
• Melbury College
• Southfields Academy
• Ursuline

Testimonials

“I enjoyed it so much, the experience was amazing. I enjoyed the fact that I was allowed to organise and manage pupils, and have the responsibility over them, which I think is the most important thing that a next student should be opened up to. To be independent over a group, as a test.” (work experience placement – E)

“I believe I have grown in my cooperation, communication and my ability to work well with students and different adults, from spending time with pupils and all the different coaches, and working with them enough to get a better understanding of how to work with them.” (work experience placement – E)

“This placement made me think that I might really enjoy working with children perhaps teaching or leading in sports. I am already very passionate about sports but this helped me appreciate it in a different way – like how it directly relates to positive development for children” (work experience placement – A)

“A had the best time!!!!! Thank you for all your hard work and all the encouragement from the team. She was so happy all week long!” (work experience placement parent)