Rhino Sports Academy is an innovative sports company whose vision is to raise the bar in coaching in local schools.  We have a team of coaches who specialise across different sports and we want to share our passion and knowledge of these sports with schools. Working with Rhino gives students the chance to experience professional coaching in a fun and engaging environment. They learn leadership skills and develop an understanding of healthy competition, as well as gaining a deeper appreciation of the rules of the game whilst learning and honing new and specific skills.

When I finished sixth form, I applied for osteopathy at university, however, I deferred my offer as I wanted to explore the possibility of becoming a sports coach and working in schools. I started off working at after schools clubs and holiday camps before joining the Rhino team, which has led to my position at Blisworth. In addition to taking afternoon P.E. sessions and after school clubs, I am now pursuing my teaching ambitions by working as a morning T.A. across the school. This work has convinced me that I do want to become a teacher in the future.

Blisworth Primary School and Rhino Sports Academy work in partnership to bring the role model of sports coaches to the classroom.  In partnership, we train the Rhino coaches to become teaching assistants in lessons as well as their substantive role of being sports coaches teaching Physical Education.  The impact of coaches in the classroom upon pupils has been significant and pupils tell us they are excited and look forward to the days that the coach will be back in helping them with their learning.  Coaches at our school can be found supporting individual pupils and groups in core learning in the classroom, but they also take learning beyond – basketball phonics and football maths are very much enjoyed!  All the coaches are well known to the children and this creates a unique relationship where confidence thrives.

As well as being skilled sports coaches, the team have a good standard of education so are able to support progress well.  If you are interested in having a teaching assistant sports coach, please contact Sam Mennell at Rhino.  If you want to find out more about how it works within the school setting, you are welcome to contact our headteacher, Miss Leah Jenkins.