My Open Campus Placement Experience - Cadi Jones

My role within Open Campus was to deliver inclusive and inspiring multi-sport experiences. These sessions included basketball, hockey, athletics, badminton, netball and gymnastics, and were aimed at children aged 5–17 within the Cardiff region. Group sizes typically ranged from 15 to 30 participants. The programme was designed to cater for a wide range of needs and abilities, ensuring all participants could engage meaningfully.

If I had to summarise the most important lesson I learned, it would be the value of inclusive practice. Given the diversity of abilities and needs, delivering safe, enjoyable and inspiring sessions required adaptability and awareness. Developing inclusive and flexible coaching approaches was a key skill that I strengthened throughout my placement, supported by continuous professional development (CPD) training in inclusivity. This significantly improved my confidence when delivering inclusive sports sessions.

I also learned how crucial organisation and communication are to the successful delivery of Open Campus sessions. Organisation involved preparing equipment, managing time effectively and structuring sessions with clear progression. Communication extended beyond my immediate colleagues to include Cardiff Met Sport staff, teachers and other practitioners. These experiences have helped me develop a more professional approach to delivering physical activity.

The placement enabled me to gain valuable knowledge across a wide range of sports. Through CPD opportunities, including activator and Level 1 courses in sports such as basketball and hockey, I broadened my practical and theoretical understanding. This is particularly important to me, as I aspire to become a secondary school PE teacher. Having a strong foundation across multiple sports will enhance my ability to deliver engaging lessons and inspire pupils.

Additionally, I developed effective time management skills. Balancing academic studies alongside placement responsibilities required careful planning and discipline. I learned to allocate time for session planning, punctual delivery, and post-session reflection. This is a valuable skill that I will continue to apply in future professional contexts.

Resilience and adaptability were also key throughout the placement. Sessions often required adjustments due to varying age groups, differing ability levels, fluctuating attendance, facility limitations and changing weather conditions. Being able to respond effectively to these challenges strengthened my confidence and will support a smooth transition into a professional career.

The support provided through CPD opportunities and the Cardiff Met Sport staff contributed to a seamless placement experience. Access to high-quality facilities at Cyncoed, along with a familiar and supportive environment, helped reduce stress and allowed me to focus on delivering effective sessions.

Overall, this placement reinforced that the more effort and commitment you invest, the more rewarding the experience becomes. Taking full advantage of the opportunities and resources available is essential for maximising development.

One aspect that surprised me was the high number of Sports Coaching students participating in the placement, compared to relatively few Sport, PE and Health students. I strongly believe this placement offers invaluable experience and knowledge for Sport, PE and Health students, and would highly recommend it to those considering a career in education or coaching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ji2n54zqHY