An innovative ‘Sport and Social Change’ module at the University of Bath, which was supported by ConnectSport CIC, has earned a prestigious award.

Dr Emma Rich, from the University’s Department for Health, received the annual ‘Innovation in Learning and Teaching Award’ as part of the University’s wider Education Awards.

The award, which followed students creating a powerful series of short films about sport’s role in tackling social issues, was made in recognition of a significant contribution to innovation in curriculum design, content or delivery.

ENGAGEMENT

The award’s citation read: “Her unit ‘Sport and Social Change’ has empowered students to identify social issues and produce, direct, and edit short films with agendas for social change. This co-creative approach has not only equipped students with essential digital and engagement skills but has also led to impactful social campaign films addressing issues such as knife crime, mental health, and period poverty.  An inspiring event is the film festival day held in December, where students screen their films to internal and external guests.

“The impact of these films extends beyond the classroom, with collaborations with local organisations like Bath City Football Club. The films are also hosted by ConnectSport, further extending their reach and impact.”

You can view the films on the ConnectSport website here, and read more about how we worked with the University here.

ConnectSport founder and managing director Simon Lansley delivers guest lectures on sport and sustainable development to multiple Universities, and provides one-to-one support for students interested in working in the field and raising awareness of the sector. Find out more.

Emma said: “"It is a great honour to receive the Innovation in Teaching Award.

“This recognition is not an individual achievement; it reflects the collective effort to create meaningful, real-world learning experiences, and this award belongs to all involved.”

INSPIRING

She added: “I feel privileged to have worked with such exceptional final-year BSc Sport Management and Coaching students in the Sport and Social Change unit. Their energy, creativity, and commitment to producing films that could drive real-world change in and through sport were truly inspiring.”

Simon commented: “At ConnectSport, we work with a growing cohort of students based at numerous Universities to produce compelling written, video and audio content which demonstrates how sport and physical activity are being used every day across the UK to tackle inequalities, improve lives and strengthen communities. We’re proud to have played a small role in supporting the students at the University of Bath who have produced these short but impactful films.”

Read the full story at bath.ac.uk

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