Physical Education is more than just sports—it’s about teamwork, leadership, and lifelong fitness habits. At the International School of Creative Science in the UAE, PE teacher Maryrose Camara is bringing all of this to life in a dynamic, culturally rich program that’s engaging students in ways that go far beyond the gym.
Building Character Through PE
Maryrose and her team focus on character development alongside physical fitness, ensuring students grow mentally and socially as well as physically. With 20–25 students per class, the program balances individualized attention with efficient classroom management. PE classes run twice a week, incorporating not just skill-building exercises but also ethical sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership training—all while blending local cultural values with global best practices.
“Physical education is about more than just staying active—it’s about building discipline, leadership, and confidence that students can carry with them for life.” – Maryrose Camara
A Passion for PE on an International Stage
With seven years of experience teaching in the UAE, Maryrose has found her passion in helping students develop resilience and leadership skills through movement.
“I love seeing my students grow, succeed, and enjoy learning. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching them develop not just physical skills, but also teamwork, perseverance, and a true appreciation for fitness.”
Her background in Leadership and Management (and her current pursuit of a PhD in Curriculum Design) fuels her commitment to making PE fun, engaging, and impactful.
Unique Activities That Bring Culture Into the Gym
One of the standout features of this program is its integration of local culture. Students participate in traditional Arabic games, get a taste of camel racing simulations, and even learn desert survival skills, activities that aren’t commonly found in PE programs around the world.
“Bringing elements of the UAE’s culture into our PE curriculum helps students connect with their heritage in a fun and active way. It also broadens their perspective on sports and fitness beyond the usual activities.”
On the tech side, Maryrose and her team use integrated fitness tracking technology to monitor progress, ensuring students see their growth and stay motivated.
What Students Love Most
Ask any student about their favorite part of PE, and you’ll hear about everything from basketballs and footballs to reaction balls and balance boards. The program keeps things fresh and exciting with gymnastics mats, badminton, obstacle courses, and interactive tools that make every lesson engaging.
“We use a mix of traditional and modern equipment to keep students engaged. They love the interactive elements like fitness trackers, reaction balls, and balance boards because it adds a fun challenge to their workouts.”
Challenges of Teaching PE in an International School
Teaching in a multicultural environment comes with its challenges. Different cultural backgrounds mean students bring varied comfort levels and customs regarding physical activity. Maryrose works to adapt lessons accordingly, ensuring all students feel included and motivated.
“Every student comes from a different background, and their experience with sports and movement varies. It’s my job to make sure everyone feels comfortable, engaged, and excited to participate—regardless of their skill level.”
Language barriers can also pose challenges, but through creative communication and inclusive teaching strategies, she keeps students engaged.
Advice for Fellow PE Teachers
For educators teaching PE internationally, Maryrose has some key advice:
- Create an inclusive, encouraging environment so all students feel welcome.
- Stay flexible and adaptable—every student learns differently.
- Lead by example and show your passion for movement.
- Incorporate technology to enhance engagement.
- Emphasize mental well-being alongside physical fitness.
- Keep learning and sharing with other PE teachers to stay inspired.
“Make PE a class students look forward to. When they’re having fun, they’re learning without even realizing it.”
A Lasting Impact
At the end of the day, Maryrose hopes her students leave PE with more than just skills—they should take away confidence, teamwork, and a love for movement that lasts a lifetime.
“I want my students to remember that being active isn’t just about playing a sport—it’s about taking care of their body, building resilience, and finding joy in movement.”
Above all, she wants them to remember the encouragement, teamwork, and positive energy they felt in every PE class.
One Response
It’s inspiring to see PE being used as a platform for character development, especially in an international school setting where diversity adds another layer to learning. PE naturally fosters values like teamwork, resilience, and respect — it’s great to see these intentionally emphasized.