Read about Ciara's experience as a Literacy Achievement Coach

"I was originally introduced to the Students in Classrooms scheme by my course leader. I was enthused about the idea of supporting young people's educational journeys within my community, while also gaining practical experience outside of the university setting.

The opportunity to support literacy development felt particularly important to me, as literacy is a foundational skill that has profound influence on academic success. As a Nottinghamshire citizen, I saw the Students in Classrooms scheme as an opportunity to support my community, build positive relationships with students and help foster a supportive learning environment.

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a Literacy Achievement Coach has been witnessing the progress and growth in confidence of the students I’ve worked with. By the end of the scheme, the students engaged more enthusiastically with reading and showed clear improvement in their vocabulary, spelling, and inference skills. It has been incredibly fulfilling to witness the student's growth, especially when they express pride in themselves and their work.

It has also been a privilege to build trust and rapport with pupils who may have previously struggled with literacy, and to know that my support has had a positive impact on their learning experience.

Being part of Students in Classrooms has enriched my time at NTU by offering the opportunity to learn and apply my skills in the real world. I have also been able to develop a deeper understanding of the educational challenges and needs of my community. Overall, the Students in Classrooms programme has strengthened my communication and leadership skills, as well as given me a clearer sense of purpose in my academic and professional journey.

My experience with Students in Classrooms has deeply impacted my own student journey by showing me the true value of community engagement within/between secondary and higher education.

I think the Students in Classrooms scheme is incredibly important for the Nottinghamshire community. It is an excellent opportunity for any student who is passionate, interested in community engagement, and wants hands-on experience in the education system.

I strongly recommend joining the scheme!"