On the surface, physical education may seem like an opportunity to keep students active and to teach them important concepts and skills, like teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. However, this educational experience extends much deeper, often teaching students important 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and resilience.
With a values-based physical education programme in place, One World International School in Singapore is able to nurture sportsmanship in our students.
Sportsmanship in Education
Sportsmanship within the educational context is defined as the ability of students and peers to treat one another with respect as they engage in physical activity and competitive sports. Whether they are playing a football game during recess, a cricket game in PE class, or participating in an athletic competition after school, students should be able to play by the rules, cooperate with their teammates and treat the other team with the respect they deserve.
Sportsmanship is a life skill. Not only does physical education help students learn how to play sports and keep their bodies fit, but it also teaches them how to behave and the right way to engage with both teammates and competitors. With respect and good conduct at its core, sportsmanship in education benefits children on the athletic field, in the classroom and in their daily lives.
The Role of Physical Education in Schools
While it may differ from academic subjects, such as mathematics and science, physical education is a critical component of any well-rounded curriculum aiming to impart relevant 21st century skills.
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, physical education plays a pivotal role in schools by:
- Supporting the development of gross motor skills.
- Encouraging cognitive development.
- Showcasing the power of an active lifestyle.
- Teaching students how to play sports respectfully and courteously.
- Helping students learn resilience in the face of adversity.
- Modelling positive behaviours during sports activities and competitive events.
Physical education supports the holistic development of students by providing them with an opportunity to get active, discover new interests, develop leadership skills, and support their emotional well-being.
Fostering Teamwork and Cooperation Through PE
While other subjects may require students to complete most of their coursework independently, physical education provides an opportunity for students to work together in a cooperative and competitive environment.
At One World International School’s campuses in Singapore, we use the following activities and exercises to encourage collaboration among our students:
- Partner Stretching — At the beginning of the PE class, we ask students to find a partner and stretch together to warm up.
- Collaborative Challenges — To improve critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills in our students while keeping them active and engaged, we use collaborative challenges in our physical education classes. One example of a collaborative challenge is asking a group of students to build an obstacle course that they then have to complete as a group.
Emphasising Fair Play and Respect
Most sports activities and team events have a set of rules and parameters to abide by. These rules provide students with an introduction to boundaries, and they highlight the importance of fair play when competing. Teachers actively work with students and monitor gameplay to ensure that participants are adhering to the guidelines and treating all teammates and opponents with respect.
Setting and Achieving Goals in Physical Education
Physical education provides children of all ages with the perfect introduction to goal-setting. A qualified, well-trained PE teacher can help students set personal goals that are realistic and attainable, allowing them to see that it is possible to live a healthy, active lifestyle.
Dealing With Wins and Losses in a Sportsmanlike Manner
In athletics — and throughout life — there are going to be winners and losers. Physical education introduces students to competition and allows them to experience victories as well as defeats. These experiences can elicit strong and overwhelming emotions, and students sometimes need help in navigating these situations gracefully. When integrated as part of a holistic, values-based approach to education, PE instruction can teach students to deal with wins and losses calmly and respectfully, fostering a sense of sportsmanship that extends beyond the playing field.
Activities and Strategies to Promote Teamwork and Cooperation
In the 21st-century landscape, fostering collaboration and teamwork isn’t just a valuable life skill—it’s an essential one. Physical education provides a dynamic platform to instil these qualities in students, nurturing a sense of collective responsibility and shared accomplishment. Let’s explore some specific activities and strategies that educators can implement:
Collaborative Challenges
Building Obstacle Courses: Divide students into groups and task them with designing and constructing an obstacle course using available equipment. This activity encourages creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation as students navigate the challenges they’ve created together.
Team-Based Games and Sports: Incorporate physical education activities that rely on cooperation, such as relay races, team-building games, or modified sports. These experiences teach students to rely on each other’s strengths, strategise together, develop sportsmanship, and celebrate shared successes.
- Group Problem-Solving Initiatives: Present students with physical or mental challenges that require teamwork to overcome. This could involve deciphering clues in an outdoor scavenger hunt, solving a puzzle using physical movement,or navigating a simulated “escape room” scenario.
Partner and Group Exercises
- Partner Stretching and Yoga: Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups to assist each other with stretches or yoga poses. This promotes trust, communication, and a sense of responsibility for each other’s well-being.
- Cooperative Fitness Circuits: Design fitness circuits where students rotate through stations, supporting and encouraging each other as they complete various exercises.
Leadership Development Through Physical Education
The benefits of physical education at OWIS go beyond just improving physical fitness. By actively participating in PE activities, students aren’t just exercising their bodies, but also their minds, fostering a range of leadership skills that will serve them well in all aspects of life.
Building Leadership Skills
PE activities at OWIS are intentionally designed to nurture specific leadership qualities:
- Confidence: Overcoming physical challenges and mastering new skills instils a sense of confidence in students.This self-belief translates into the ability to take initiative and inspire others.
- Communication: Effective teamwork relies on clear and concise communication. Physical education activities require students to articulate their ideas, listen to others, and provide constructive feedback, thus honing their communication and leadership skills.
- Decision-Making: Many PE games and sports involve split-second decisions and strategic thinking. Students learn to analyse situations, weigh options, and make informed choices under pressure.
Encouraging Student-Led Initiatives
At OWIS, we believe in providing students with opportunities to practise leadership in a practical setting during physical education classes. Some examples include:
- Team Captains: Students are regularly selected to lead their teams in various sports and games. This allows them to develop organisational skills, motivate their teammates, and create strategies to succeed.
- Peer Coaching and Mentoring: Older or more experienced students are encouraged to guide and support their younger peers, creating a culture of mentorship and shared learning.
- Student-Organised Activities: Students are given the chance to design and lead warm-up routines, organise friendly competitions, or even create their own games, fostering creativity and initiative.
Incorporating Values Education in PE
A values-based education can easily be woven into physical education. In addition to helping students learn how to conduct themselves appropriately and respectfully while engaging in competition, teachers also emphasise the power of integrity and the importance of ethics. These are life lessons that can be applied in any scenario, not just within an athletic context.
At OWIS, we go a step further, ensuring that students grasp the true meaning and impact of these values. We achieve this through:
- Explicit discussions and reflections: Teachers facilitate open discussions about fair play, honesty, sportsmanship, and respect during physical education. Students are encouraged to reflect on their own actions and those of their peers, fostering a deeper understanding of ethical behaviour.
- Scenario-based learning: Real-life situations are presented to students, prompting them to analyse and discuss the ethical implications and make informed choices. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and apply their values in practical contexts.
- Role modelling and positive reinforcement: Teachers lead by example, demonstrating integrity and sportsmanship in their own interactions with students and colleagues. Positive behaviour and ethical choices are acknowledged and
celebrated, encouraging students to emulate these values.
Building Leadership and Communication Skills
The activities and team sports that are incorporated into the physical education curriculum provide the perfect opportunity for students to begin building critical leadership skills. Sporting events and activities can help students feel more confident, and they will quickly learn to share tips and tricks with others. This organic approach to leadership development also supports the growth and development of communication skills, which are required when working with a team and competing in an event.
Discover How We Nurture Sportsmanship at One World International School in Singapore
One World International School in Singapore is considered a leading international school, largely because of our kindness-based, holistic approach to education. We offer two vibrant campuses with well-equipped sports facilities – OWIS Digital Campus and OWIS Nanyang. We offer a rigorous academic curriculum and incorporate physical education, sports and athletics into our learning environment, ensuring that all students learn to stay active, engage in friendly competition and work as a team.
To see what daily life is like at One World International School in Singapore, schedule your campus tour today.
