My 35 Years of Teaching

Mr Abdul Nasir, PE Teacher

“Every Child that passes me will taste success”.

That was my philosophy when it came to teaching.

I started teaching in 1991 at Yishun Secondary School, teaching Physical Education, History and English. Back then, schools had two sessions, and I taught the afternoon session. As long as you are posted to the school, you hit it running. Besides the teaching load, I was assigned 2 CCAs. NPCC is on Saturday morning, and football is played twice a week in the morning. Saturday is considered half a working day in the early years of my teaching career. I started as a non-grad teacher and decided to pursue my degree as I wanted to stay in the teaching profession. After three years of teaching, I got accepted into the BA/BSC programme; I graduated with 2nd Class Upper (Hons) and continued with the Master's later in my teaching career. Always looking for ways to improve and keep myself relevant, I took numerous certifications to upgrade myself and become a better teacher.

Why a PE Teacher?

Growing up with six brothers who are football crazy, I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. My love for football grew over time, and I enjoyed many other sports with my friends. I love playing sports and enjoying interaction in team sports, and I thought that would be a great way to embark on a career that I love doing. Until today, I have loved what I am doing, which has given me great personal satisfaction.

When I learned of the College of Physical Education (CPE) as part of NIE, I was already doing my homework during my Pre-U Days on the requirements to qualify as a PE teacher at CPE. So, after my National Service, I signed up for the Physical Proficiency Test (PPT), and the rest was history.

My journey as a PE teacher is truly colourful and spans over nine schools. Starting as a beginning teacher in Yishun Sec, I had a short stint in East View Secondary and Coral Secondary (both schools had merged now). At Canberra Sec, where I took the role of HOD PE/CCA, I was able to enact a strong PE curriculum with the support of my dedicated PE teachers—I started the Sports Festival, where Track and field was combined with other sports and games, to make it an inclusive activity for all.

Back then, winning awards was the order of the day, and the CHERISH AWARD was the pinnacle for me. When I did my secondment to Northlight School, the character development component took centre stage in the PE curriculum. An experienced HOD in Northlight made me relook at the various strategies for enacting the PE curriculum, which focus on strong Outdoor Education and experiential learning.

My next stop at Spectra Secondary School allowed me to explore different pedagogies for full engagement in the delivery of PE lessons. I had the best time in my teaching career working with like-minded staff and school leaders.

While my current portfolio has changed in Changkat Changi Secondary School, my love for PE has never stopped because PE lessons are one of the best ways to engage students. Making the best experience for my students matters most in my lessons. That is why PE lessons are my time with my students.

My hope for PE in Singapore:

Every child looks forward to PE lessons, and I strive to find ways to engage and involve the students in active participation.

My wish for SPEA100:

Continue to grow the PE fraternity by supporting the good work of various organisations promoting Physical Education in Singapore. Spare a conscious effort to mentor beginning teachers in their pedagogy and pace them out so they have positive teaching experiences.

Contributed by:

Mr Abdul Nasir received the OPETA award in 2005. After 35 years of service as a PE Teacher, he is currently teaching at Changkat Changi Secondary School and is the Manager of the MOE Men’s and Women’s Football Team.

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