Anne's journey within Active Schools began back when she was a mature student at Falkirk College, where she completed a year before moving on to Jordanhill College. However, Anne’s passion for sports and physical activity had shaped her path even before she had pursued her qualifications in higher education. Since the age of 16, Anne had worked as a swimming teacher with her local council area, Clackmannanshire.
While studying and teaching swimming, Anne also gained experience through supporting additional council projects, the most notable being the PHIZ project (Physical Health Improvement Zone), based in Park Primary School in Alloa. A pre-cursor to the active schools programme, which focused on promoting physical health and activity, this project was a perfect preparation ground for Anne and her career journey ahead.
"It came from a chance discussion," Anne recalled. "Someone said that there were new jobs coming up over the next couple of years with sportscotland involved, that type of thing. I was encouraged to apply for one of the first Active Schools jobs, so that was in 2004. Obviously, they were brand new jobs. It was a new initiative. However, I'd had that little taster in that PHIZ project."
Adapting to Changing Times
Through her time as an Active Schools Coordinator, Anne admits there has been a significant evolution in her responsibilities. Over time, with the maturity of the project, Anne has noticed an increased autonomy given to coordinators at the school level.
However, the core mission has remained unchanged — to inspire kids to embrace a lifelong habit of activity and participation in sports. Now though, there’s an additional stronger focus on developing leadership qualities in students, helping them grow in confidence and take on new challenges. Anne has enjoyed seeing the programme flourish, adapting to the needs of different schools and communities whilst continuing to impact on participants.
"I mean, Active Schools has become huge," she shared.
"Every local authority has active schools within it in some way or another. I know that we're all different, and we don't all follow the same path, but it’s really amazing to have seen it grow."
"It feels like we're given a lot more responsibility now, given things to run with, and we see where it takes us. It’s been great. Through this, we've been able to develop relationships with Falkirk College and Stirling University."
Staying the Course
Despite the programme expanding across Scotland, Anne has remained with Clackmannanshire Council throughout her career.
"It's definitely evolved and grown from the beginning," she said. "Clacks is the smallest authority, but whenever you go out and meet other coordinators, you just see what a huge project it is — and has been. It’s crazy to think that obviously when I was at school, it didn't exist."
Anne takes pride in the fact that Active Schools has become a recognized and respected programme, to the point where children now see it as a potential career path. "Now children are talking about Active Schools as a possible career. It's becoming embedded, and it's become something that you would maybe want to be. You can be a PE teacher or maybe a sports officer. So, from that side of it, it's been really kind of positive."
In her time with Clackmannanshire Council, Anne has worked in 10 or 11 of the 19 primary schools in the area. For her, the job is about making a difference, even in small ways. "What is the best, is when you might be having a bad day and then just somebody, a pupil, or a parent in the school, just makes a comment about the difference you've made to that child. That just gives you that little boost."
Looking Forward
Anne is passionate about encouraging all young people to get involved with Active Schools, regardless of whether they consider themselves "sporty."
To her, the programme is about so much more than just the physical fitness side — it's about personal growth.
"You don't have to be a sporty person. You can come along," she stresses to the students she works with. "Even if you’re not sporty, the other forms of development, such as leadership, confidence, communication, a whole load of different qualities can be developed."
Looking ahead, Anne’s goal is simple: to continue growing the programme and making a positive impact on the lives of young people. "I’m still very much enjoying my job. I wouldn't be here if I didn’t enjoy it. I’ve met lifelong friends who've gone off to do other things, and I am still in touch with them. That, on top of the impact I can have – that’s what motivates me to continue."
