In the world of international education, there are those who simply teach, and then there are educators like Allison Deakin, Head of Department for Elementary PE and Swimming, JV & Varsity Badminton Coach, and former Activities Coordinator at GEMS Dubai American Academy (DAA). With over 30 years of teaching experience spanning Canada, Singapore, Jakarta, and Dubai, Allison has crafted a Physical Education (PE) program that not only caters to her students’ physical needs but also nurtures a lifelong passion for fitness and health. Here’s a closer look at her journey, her innovative PE program, and how she continually keeps students engaged, even amid the unique challenges of teaching PE internationally.
A Journey of Passion and Dedication
Allison’s path to international education is as impressive as it is inspiring. Growing up as an active sports enthusiast, she took her passion to the next level by earning a Physical and Health Education Degree and completing Teacher’s College in Canada. After a decade of teaching high school PE in Canada, she moved abroad, bringing her expertise to students around the globe. Allison’s career has seen her positively impacting young lives in Singapore, Jakarta, and now Dubai, where she’s spent the past 15 years. Beyond the classroom, her role has evolved to include serving as an Assistant Athletic Director and ultimately heading the Elementary PE and Swim programs at DAA.
Allison’s commitment to education goes beyond professional dedication; it’s deeply personal. As a mother of three, she has watched her children thrive in international school settings, excelling in sports and academics alike, and eventually graduating from DAA to attend university in Canada. Her family’s journey reflects the heart of her educational philosophy: sports and fitness are universal languages that connect us, regardless of borders.
Crafting a Comprehensive K-12 PE Program
Under Allison’s guidance, DAA’s PE program is anything but ordinary. Designed for students from kindergarten through high school, the program introduces young learners to a balanced mix of traditional sports and unique activities. For elementary school (ES) students, Allison has integrated two 45-minute classes each week—one focused on PE and another dedicated to swimming. The foundation of their ES PE Program is based on Physical Literacy, encouraging students on their lifelong journey pursuing physical activity and health and wellbeing.
The school also boasts an Olympic-size pool, allowing students to develop swimming skills from as early as Kindergarten, with dedicated swim teams spanning Grades 2 to 12.
As students progress to middle school (MS), they enjoy 90-minute PE sessions every other day, providing them with more time to delve deeper into skills and teamwork. High school students, meanwhile, take PE in grades 9 and 10 and those entering grade 11 graduate with two credits of PE, allowing them to pursue physical education on a more advanced level.
The program follows an American curriculum and offers not only common American sports but also an impressive range of after-school activities (ASA) with both internal and external providers. By creating these diverse opportunities, Allison ensures that every student, regardless of skill level, has a chance to discover and develop their athletic interests.
In addition to ASAs, students join school teams starting in Grade 2. This early development continues until Grade 8, preparing the Junior Varsity and Varsity teams who compete internationally in countries such as India, Oman, and Qatar.
Embracing Innovation in PE Equipment
Allison understands that engaging students requires more than just traditional sports. To keep students excited about PE, she incorporates vibrant, innovative equipment, much of which she purchases from Gopher. From colorful parachutes and jump ropes to an assortment of balls, Gopher’s equipment adds a playful yet purposeful element to her classes. Among the student favorites are unique games like Mission Impossible, Bench Ball, and Gaga Ball (a game for which Allison is eager to have a dedicated pit!).
Allison’s approach to equipment is practical yet imaginative—whether she’s improvising with gear she has or introducing new items to spark student interest. Her advice to other PE teachers? “Be innovative with the equipment you have. Visit the Gopher website and explore other PE sites to discover new ways to use your tools and engage your students.”
Bringing the Local Culture to Life
One of the challenges of teaching in an international setting is finding ways to incorporate local culture into the curriculum. While Dubai may not have a wealth of traditional games, Allison seizes every opportunity to connect her students with the local culture through themed activities.
She’s a participant in the Dubai Fitness Challenge, an annual event that encourages physical activity in the community. Through activities like the Dubai Run, the Dubai Ride, and stand-up paddleboarding at Hatta, Allison encourages the community (students, staff, and parents) to participate in a variety of events and classes around the cities. And during DFC 30×30, her team organize the mini-marathons, inviting all to run on their track in the mornings. Basically, if there’s a chance to get people off the couch and having fun, Allison’s already there, proving that staying active can be a blast, no matter where you are in Dubai.
Rising to Challenges and Embracing Community
Teaching PE in an international school isn’t without its hurdles. Allison notes challenges like limited instructional time, shared gym spaces, and, of course, the heat of Dubai’s climate. But she has turned these obstacles into opportunities. Allison’s focus on networking—both with other schools and through international PE conferences—enables her to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to her curriculum.
Her advice for international PE teachers resonates with wisdom: “Network, stay connected, and always be willing to innovate.” By collaborating with colleagues across the globe, Allison continues to evolve her approach, ensuring her program remains relevant, exciting, and inclusive.
Building Lifelong Memories and Skills
For Allison, the goal of PE is simple yet profound: she hopes her students remember their time in her classes as fun, inclusive, and empowering. She strives to show every child that physical activity is for everyone, regardless of skill level, and that there’s joy to be found in moving your body. Her philosophy is one of inclusivity, aiming to build not only athletic skills but also confidence, teamwork, and a love for health that students can carry into adulthood.
Allison Deakin’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact dedicated PE teachers can have, especially in an international setting. Through her commitment, innovation, and passion, she has created a PE program that’s as diverse and dynamic as the city of Dubai itself. For PE teachers reading her story, Allison’s message is clear: keep learning, stay connected, and never lose sight of the joy that physical activity brings to young lives.
For those looking to add that extra spark to their own classes, Gopher equipment, with its wide range of innovative tools, can be a great place to start—because, as Allison shows, a little creativity and the right resources can go a long way in transforming PE from just a class to a cherished experience.
This blog serves as a tribute to the dedication, passion, and creativity of PE teachers like Allison Deakin, who go above and beyond to make a difference in their students’ lives, one game, one swim lap, and one jump rope at a time.
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