Secondary Weekly Highlight: Connected Through Learning

Last month, The PE and Sport faculty hosted the prestigious FOBISIA PE and Sport Conference. The event was a major success, bringing together over 150 PE and sport professionals from across South East Asia to share best practice and learn from some of the world's leading experts in the field. The conference provided a platform for attendees to network, exchange ideas and gain new insights into the latest trends and developments in PE and sport. Our Director of Sport, Danny Hodnett tells us more in this week’s Secondary Blog…

A highlight of the conference was the opportunity to hear from world-renowned speakers, such as Manisha Tailor MBE, Neil Rollings, James Simms, Tracey Neville, Will Swaithes and Ross Howitt. Each of these experts brought their own unique perspectives and experiences to the event, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration for attendees. Manisha Tailor MBE, for example, shared her journey through football, mental health, well-being, mental resilience and diversity in sport. Neil Rollings, on the other hand, offered leaders valuable guidance on culture shaping and philosophy within teams.

Other guest speakers included James Simms, who discussed the role of technology in PE and sport, and Tracey Neville, who shared her experiences as a successful international netball coach and the importance of creating a culture of excellence in sports teams. From a curriculum perspective, Will Swaithes and Ross Howitt shared their experiences and insights, providing valuable information and inspiration for curriculum and examination PE.

In addition to the presentations and speeches, the conference spread its wonder to the wider Alice Smith community. Ross Howitt and Tony Corcoran sparked imaginations by running bespoke examination sessions with our students and teachers, while Manisha Tailor MBE offered wellbeing seminars with Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students followed by a wonderful football session with our Under 18 girls and Under 13 boys teams. Manisha also became the first female guest on the ‘A conversation with’ series, hosted by our Head of School, Sian May. The wonderful array of sessions was concluded when international netball sensation, Tracey Neville delivered a netball coaching exhibition to a number of students, staff and coaches.

Overall, the 2023 FOBISIA PE and Sport Conference was a valuable and inspiring event for all those who attended. It provided a platform for PE and sport professionals from across South East Asia to come together, share best practice, and learn from some of the world's leading experts in the field. Teachers are lifelong learners - our development never ends and we invest the outcomes of this ongoing learning and developmental growth into our students’ learning experience. Our PE and Sport educators have been truly inspired by this opportunity.