Imagine trying to design a PE program that engages over 1,800 students, ages 3-18, from more than 75+ nationalities, all while adapting to different skill levels, cultural backgrounds, and languages! That’s exactly what Megan Lockett and her team of 11 PE teachers and 7 Thai PE Academic Assistants at NIST (New International School of Thailand) do every day. As part of Thailand’s first full, not-for-profit IB World School, Megan is part of a vibrant, inclusive physical education program that plays a crucial role in shaping the students’ physical, social, and emotional development. With a background in sports from her childhood in Liverpool, England and experience teaching internationally, Megan brings a unique passion and energy to her role at NIST. Here, she shares the ins and outs of the school’s PE program, what it’s like to teach such a diverse group of students, and the challenges and rewards of working in an international school setting.
A Comprehensive PE Program
Megan shared an overview of the current PE program at NIST. “Our class size is capped at 24 students, with 6 classes per year level. We have a team of 11 PE teachers and 7 Thai PE Academic Assistants who co-teach with us. The school runs on a 10-day schedule. Elementary students have 5 PE lessons within the 10-day cycle, while Secondary students have 4 lessons in the same period.”
This structure allows the school to create a tailored, supportive, and dynamic environment for students across different year levels. The team of highly qualified educators collaborates to deliver a balanced program that encourages both individual and team-oriented activities.
About Megan: A Passion for PE Born in Liverpool
Reflecting on her own background, Megan explained how her childhood set her on the path to teaching PE internationally. “I’ve been active since childhood. Growing up in Liverpool, my brothers and I loved ‘playing out.’ We created games, rode bikes, and played street cricket or ‘Kirby,’ where you hit the sidewalk with a ball. Since schools in my area were mostly single-sex, I had many female role models, which further fueled my love for being active.” It was her experience volunteering in Togo, Africa, where she taught sports and arts and crafts, that solidified her passion for PE teaching.
Curriculum and Incorporating Local Culture
NIST’s PE program shines in its ability to creatively adapt traditional sports and activities to meet the diverse needs of its students. Megan Lockett emphasizes how the curriculum is thoughtfully designed to offer a balanced mix of activities. “We offer various games, health-related fitness, individual pursuits, adventure challenges, and movement composition,” Megan explains.
Being located in Thailand also brings unique opportunities, particularly with swimming, as the school’s excellent facilities allow for a strong focus on aquatic activities. Additionally, cultural immersion is a key element of their approach. “We incorporate local culture by introducing Takraw or using Takraw balls in various activities, and students explore martial arts, including an introduction to Muay Thai,” Megan says. With Thailand’s many islands, snorkeling is also integrated into the curriculum. This blending of local culture with a global perspective enriches the PE experience, and Thai PE teachers further enhance lessons by bringing in authentic cultural elements, with signage displayed in Thai and activities reflective of the local environment.
Favorite Equipment Among Students
When asked about student-favorite equipment, Megan noted that the students particularly enjoy using brightly colored Gopher dodgeballs in a variety of activities. “They also love scooter boards, parachutes, and team-building games like VolleyBound, ACTION! Knockout, BounceBlast, and Stick It,” she shared, emphasizing how engaging tools can make physical activity more fun and collaborative.
The Challenges of Teaching PE Internationally
Teaching PE in an international school setting, especially within the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, presents certain challenges. “As an IB World School, we are implementing a concept-based curriculum. In our PE teaching, we encounter challenges such as finding a balance between the freedom to develop innovative lessons and addressing the practical needs of the class,” Megan explained. She also mentioned the need to adapt to different spaces and weather conditions, which can significantly affect lessons.
Advice for International PE Teachers
Megan’s advice for fellow international PE teachers is invaluable:
- Create a Positive Environment: Foster a safe and inclusive atmosphere with positive language and encouragement to boost student confidence.
- Embrace Flexibility: Adjust lessons based on student needs and interests to keep them engaged.
- Include a Variety of Activities: Use a variety of modified games and activities to cater to different learners.
- Incorporate a Concept-Based Approach: Focus on key concepts that connect skills and activities for deeper understanding.
- Encourage Collaboration: Create a collaborative environment where students support and learn from one another.
- Reflect and Adapt: Regularly reflect on teaching practices and adjust based on student feedback and observations.
Lasting Memories from PE
When asked what she hopes students will take away from their time in PE at NIST, Megan’s response was heartfelt: “I hope students will remember PE as a space that provides opportunities to explore, be creative, and develop diverse skills while considering different learning domains. I hope they reflect on their teamwork experiences, personal growth, and the joy of trying new activities. Most importantly, I hope students will carry a lasting love for being active, confidence in themselves, and an appreciation for the importance of physical well-being.”
Through her dedication and thoughtful approach, Megan Lockett continues to inspire students to not only stay active but also to find joy in movement, collaboration, and self-improvement at NIST International School.
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