Event Report - SGD PE Teachers at PHASE HK 2023

It was an excellent way to end the school year with a conference as a group of PE teachers from Singapore immersed themselves in learning and contributing to the Professional Development of other PE teachers teaching in International Schools at the PHASE Conference held in Hong Kong, held from 10-12 November 2023.

In the spirit of sharing, growing and learning as a community of PE professionals, a group of PE Teachers from Singapore were grateful to be given the opportunity to share on their professional journey in various topics ranging from assessment literacy, e-pedagogy, affective learning and development of 21st Century Competencies.

We also had the opportunity to learn from our dynamic and energetic counterparts teaching in international schools globally.

The friendship and networking developed over the past few days will serve us well as we continue to play an active role in raising our professional standards so that our students will benefit from a quality learning experience during PE lessons, hopefully, to inspire them and those around them, a lifelong pursuit of an active and healthy lifestyle!

We hope to see more of our colleagues in action!

Our thoughts...

This is my 2nd time at PHASE (previously known as APPEC). I really love not just the venue, but also the camaraderie and collegial atmosphere that everyone showed. Fellow participants and presenters are so encouraging and they are the ones who give you the confidence to move forward with your areas of expertise, no matter how small it may seem to be. For those of you seeking to gain experience in presenting at overseas PE conferences, I recommend this one. I gained lots of confidence after presenting here in 2018 and haven’t looked back since. The network that I managed to forge with fellow educators from around the world has been priceless! Great to see friends from the global PE community talking and breathing PE, absorbing the great ideas and opportunities to be brought back to their own schools - in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and even Africa!!

Mr Nasru Mizzy, Master Teacher, PESTA

Stepping out of my comfort zone wasn't just a catchphrase; it was a full-on adventure that showed me the world is way bigger and more awesome than I thought. Being a first-timer presenter for the PHASE conference in Hong Kong is like diving into a pool of unknown. Thanks to Francis, Hui Juan, and Linus from PESTA, their encouragement meant a lot during this transformative journey. Linus connected me with Louis whose insights were invaluable. Amidst the initial confusion at Hong Kong International School, Nasrun from PESTA offered assurance. Having a companion from a familiar face made the adventure less solitary. At PHASE, it was enriching to attend physical workshops by Dr Tim Fletcher the author of Meaningful Physical Education, Jarrod, founder of ConnectedPE and many more. My takeaway for everyone is: in the realm of conferences and connections, remember you're not alone. The networks we build and the bonds we form are the true treasures of our professional journeys. Embrace uncertainty, value connections, and let the support of fellow PE teachers around you guide you and create a global community of self discovery and growth.

Ms Adele Lim, PE Teacher, School of Science and Technology Singapore

Attending the recent PHASE conference in Hong Kong was an incredibly rewarding experience for me as a Physical Education teacher. Engaging with fellow professionals in the field opened up a wealth of innovative ideas and best practices that I'm eager to implement in my classes. The workshops and presentations were not only informative but also inspiring. Connecting with educators and experts alike provided a valuable network of support and a renewed sense of enthusiasm for my role. In essence, the conference was a fantastic opportunity for professional growth, creating a community committed to advancing the practices of physical education.

Mr Harold Seah, Senior Teacher, Hougang Primary School

This was my first time attending and presenting at PHASE, and it could not have been more rewarding. This opportunity had not only enriched my own learning, but also it gave me a renewed and refreshed sense of purpose going forward. The various workshops and talks have also provided me with ideas that I am keen to embark on with my students. The networking opportunities with the other educators within and outside of our local community have also opened doors to many future possible collaborations. I look forward to many more similar sessions with like-minded people I have crossed paths with here!

Mr Wong Keng, Subject Head (PE), Hougang Primary School

Embarking on my first overseas adventure to conduct a dance workshop at the PHASE Conference was an exhilarating and transformative experience. The vibrant energy of the unfamiliar setting, coupled with the enthusiasm of participants from diverse backgrounds, created an atmosphere of shared passion for movement and expression. As I navigated through cultural nuances, I discovered the universal language of dance that transcends borders, connecting us through rhythm and movement. What made this experience even more fulfilling was the heartening feedback from the participants who found the workshop not only engaging but also immensely useful.

Many shared how the framework and choreographic insights enhanced their teaching methods and invigorated their approach to physical education. The practical applications of dance as a tool for fostering teamwork, creativity, and physical well-being resonated strongly with the educators in attendance. Witnessing the positive impact firsthand, as participants expressed their newfound enthusiasm for incorporating dance into their curricula, added a profound layer of satisfaction to the entire experience.

The workshop became a melting pot of ideas, where I not only shared my expertise but also gained invaluable insights from the rich tapestry of perspectives present. The exchange of knowledge and the forging of new connections not only enriched my professional journey but left an indelible mark on my personal growth. This overseas venture was more than just a conference; it was a celebration of cultural exchange, unity through dance, and the boundless possibilities that emerge when people come together to explore the joy of movement.

Ms Karen Heng, Teaching Fellow, Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS) / NIE

Attending the PHASE Conference for the second time has been an incredibly moving journey that transcended mere knowledge. Engaging with passionate individuals from diverse cultures and expertise was not just about sports but unity, growth, and empowerment. As Nelson Mandela once said, "Sport has the power to change the world." This resonated deeply as I witnessed how PE & sports transcended boundaries, fostering inclusivity and understanding. I deeply respect and appreciate our international educators who leave the comfort of their homes to pursue their passion and make tremendous efforts to travel to connect, learn and share. This trip, I spent more time understanding and learning from their life experiences and vision for PE & sports development in their work areas.

I had the privilege to learn from the author of Meaningful PE - Dr Tim Fletcher; founder of ConnectedPE and The PE Geek - Mr Jarrod Robinson; author of Play with Purpose - Dr Shane Pill; mental fitness and leadership coach - Mr Andy Riise amidst many more. Each session unveiled innovative approaches and progressive ideologies grounded in purpose, significance and coherence. Conversations extended far beyond strategies and techniques, delving into the realm of social change, mental well-being, and the transformative power of physical activities.

I am grateful for the learning opportunities SPEA has provided me, especially to my co-presenter Louis, who has mentored me through meaningful discussions and exploratory research and one who has made our presentation workshop an invaluable experience! To our PE fraternity, THANKYOU for all the hard work and heart work you have contributed to creating a safer and braver space for our little ones to learn in and making our fraternity one that we take pride in! May we press on towards a Quality PE and sports education journey and beyond, together as one!

Ms Yap Sze Hui Stella

Teacher, New Town Secondary School

Committee Member, SPEA

Acknowledgement

We are grateful that the organisers of PHASE 2023, 21st Century Learning is offering our members a discounted rate for relevant conferences, as part of our partnership. Do stay tuned for more updates. Contact enquiries@spea.org.sg for more details.

Photo Source: Photographers by Event Organisers and presenters from SGD

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