Peer Coaching – meet Carla and Ryan from East Sussex College Group
Carla and Ryan are part of the Peer Coach programme at East Sussex College Group. Peer Coaching provides opportunities for learners to develop their skills by being paired with a peer in their college. Here we find out more about them and the Peer Coaching programme.
Why are you part of the Peer Coach programme?
Carla – my Tutor recommended me for the role, she thought I would be good at tutoring and that it would increase my confidence.
Ryan – My Wellbeing Mentor told me about it. During one of my sessions we talked about how I was struggling with English GCSE and she suggested I give it a try.
Can you describe what sort of things you’ve done though the programme?
Carla – I tutored students retaking GCSE English and supported A Level French students as I speak French. I also worked as a Peer Coach Ambassador, working at college events such as Open Days and enrolment.
Ryan – we met every Wednesday for an hour in the library. Sometimes we would go over a past paper, or sometimes Carla would look at my creative writing. At the end of the session Carla would ask what I wanted to focus on next week.
What would you say you’ve gained by being part of the Peer Coach programme?
Carla – I definitely think it helped my confidence and communication skills. I had to speak in front of 30 students, which previously I would probably not have been able to do but I feel that college and being a coach has given me much more confidence. I have also made new friends in the other Peer Coaches which has been really nice.
Ryan – the best thing was having one-to-one support with someone who knew the subject and who also understood the pressures of college. It was also really nice to meet someone new, it was nice to chat to Carla who does completely different subjects.
What advice would you give someone thinking of becoming a Peer Coach or getting a Peer Coach?
Carla – I would really recommend it. For me it has been a great experience. I have gained new skills and it has been really rewarding to help students and see them progress.
Ryan – I would say go for it! For me it really took some of the pressure off, knowing that every week I had an hour of revision with someone who could really help me. Carla helped me a lot, this is the most confident I have felt so far in the exams.
To find out more about the Peer coaching programme watch our video here.