Around 18 months ago now, I had made the bold decision to step away from a full-time position as a Head of Physical Education and explore other opportunities on the back of the success of ‘Wanna Teach PE’. One unbelievable opportunity came in the form of working for the International School Sports Federation as part of their ISF Academy Team. For reference, the International School Sports Federation hosts a range of sports competitions for school children around the world. They host individual sport events and a ‘Gymnasiade’ event bringing over 20 sports together at an event with the next Gymnasiade scheduled for Bahrain in October 2024.
After meeting with ISF Sports President Laurent Petrynka, the opportunity was too good to turn down. My remit was to support the ISF Academy, the educational arm of ISF Sports to engage as many PE Teachers from around the world as possible. As such, this year we have delivered to over 10,000 PE teachers via online and onsite events.
On joining, the President explained the vision to host an event for PE Teachers from around the world to come together and represent their country at the inaugural ‘World Teacher Games’. Taking place from 5th – 10th May 2025 in Region Sud, Metropole Toulon Provence Mediterranee in France, The event is supported by the European Commission with the vision being to create an event that would provide networking and collaborative opportunities like no other. Having delivered the aforementioned webinars to over 18 countries this year, I have found the similarities and differences of Physical Education provision fascinating. All too common challenges such as funding, space, time and profile have been shared by PE teachers from across all countries. That said, the real commonality between PE teachers has been the passion for the subject, the content and the willingness to circumnavigate or blast through challenges to provide a positive and holistic Physical Education experience for their children.
It is this shared passion that really excites me about the World Teacher Games. In addition to representing your country in Beach Rugby, Swimming Relay, Beach Volleyball, Trail Running and Air Badminton, there is an extensive educational programme included too. The prospect of teachers sharing their experiences from their unique contexts and listening to the vast range of areas of expertise from teachers around the world is incredibly exciting. The educational programme is designed so that discussion, debate and challenge is led by the delegates. Workshops are to be based around the themes below with the aim being that the discussion is organic and originates from the delegates sharing their experiences as PE pupils and PE teacher.
Workshop Topics:
- Engaging Girls in Physical Education – Sharing effective methodology around motivating girls in Physical Education and Sport.
- Effective Teaching Styles and Approaches – A review of different pedagogical approaches PE teachers can adopt to engage young people.
- Use of Technology within Physical Education – A review of different technologies available to enhance the PE experience of young people.
- Enrichment – Experience of facilitating extra-curricular activities that go above and beyond to engage young people.
- Curriculum Design – Examples of innovative practice linked to curriculum design improving the outcomes of young people.
- Assessment in Physical Education – Formative and Summative Assessment methodologies that are implemented effectively to support young people.
- Physical Literacy – A review of the Physical Literacy Concept and how PE departments can apply the concept to support the development of young people.
- Inclusivity in PE – How PE departments can ensure their practices are inclusive to all young people in their schools.
Naturally, bringing together PE teachers from around the world is going to provide an opportunity for rich cultural exchange and celebration too. As such, built into the World Teacher Games programme is a cultural festival of celebration as well as an opportunity for delegates to explore the beautiful city of Toulon and the Region Sud.
Personally, the opportunity to be working on such an event is a pinch me moment! It would be great to see a UK contingent in attendance at the event! If you have any questions linked to the World Teacher Games or ISF Sports, please just give me a shout and I will be more than happy to pick up the phone and answer any queries you may have!
To find out more please visit www.worldteachergames.com
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