From Sports Science Student to Teacher
Former North Notts College student Callum Lister has returned in an exciting new role as its new Sport and Public Services Tutor. The former Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science student first studied at Retford Post-16 Centre in 2014 and has recently passed his Pre-Service Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at University Centre Rotherham (UCR).
Callum has joined the Sport and Public Services team on a full-time basis after impressing on his placement as part of his PGCE and as a casual lecturer with Rotherham Education Services (RES).
Callum said: “I’m really pleased to be joining the team at North Notts College. I feel like I’ve come full circle from starting at Retford Post-16 Centre as a student to now teaching at both Worksop and Retford. It’s been an incredible journey!
“When I first started studying, never in a million years did I think I’d become a teacher! I started the course with a desire to become a coach and halfway through my studies I thought I wanted to go into physiotherapy. When I started studying Level 6 Sports Science I had come back to wanting to coach. It was actually a suggestion of my mentor, Charlotte Prentice, that I get into teaching. She thought I had the right sort of temperament for it – and it inspired me.”
Outside of teaching Callum manages to pursue his original passion for coaching. He has been a football coach at his former primary school for the last five years and has previously played football to a high standard. He has also picked up additional qualifications as a Gym Instructor and Lifeguard as well as holding a Kinesiology qualification.
Callum adds: “I think I’m in a good place to offer useful advice to students at the College. My journey shows that the pathway to a career isn’t necessarily linear – and it’s important to take every opportunity and see where it takes you.
“I’m so lucky that in both teaching and my coaching role I get to see young people find their confidence and learn about themselves. It gives me a real buzz to see young people grow and progress.”
North Notts College Curriculum Manager for Sport and Public Services, Claire Bunclark, was on the interview panel when Callum was interviewed for the position.
Claire said: “I’m delighted to appoint Callum. It was an incredibly competitive interview process but what shone through was his enthusiasm and his ability to connect with his students.
“Callum will be a real asset to our Sport and Public Services courses – and we look forward to seeing him grow and develop his career with us.”
Find out more about our Sport and Public Services courses.