Sport Can Support Success In Education, Agrees Panel At 7th Global Education & Skills Forum
Leading lights from the world of education and sports took to a panel to debate how sporting activities can enhance learning in the classroom
Sporting activities and their ability to enhance learning in the classroom was one of the topics of discussion at the seventh annual Global Education & Skills Forum (GESF 2019), a Varkey Foundation initiative, held at The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, UAE.
A panel of sporting and education experts from around the world discussed their own personal and professional experiences of how physical activity is fundamental to a well-rounded and all-encompassing education. Panel members highlighted how success on the football pitch or running track can convert into higher levels of confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude amongst school kids.
A Top 10 finalist of the Global Teacher Prize 2017, Marie Christine from Germany said:
“Sport is truly one area than transcends everything – race, creed, colour – and therefore is such a powerful way to encourage integration. We’ve been working with children from Afghanistan and Syria in our school in Germany and have set up a dedicated sports programme to encourage the participation of all in a way that engenders confidence and interaction, where no child is different from the next.”
Paralympic Athlete Susannah Rogers said:
“It’s clear that sport and physical activity can only enhance the learning experience for school kids – teaching fundamental life skills that are more than just about competition. Paralympic athletes in particular demonstrate what’s possible, how to push boundaries and overcome perceived challenges such as physical disabilities.
“From my own experience, it wasn’t until I was at university age that I started swimming seriously – teachers didn’t know what to do with me at school and often during PE sessions I was left in the library. I think this comes down to knowing what individuals are actually capable of and ensuring that they are made to feel comfortable no matter what that level of involvement in sports might be.”
Panelist, Former West Indian Cricketer Brian Lara, said:
“I come from a family of 11 and marrying sport and education for me was always an important part of growing up and finding time to express myself outside of the classroom. It can really open up doors for young people – giving them an outlet and a sense of confidence and achievement – especially for those who are less academically driven.”
Panelist, Juan Sebastian Veron, former Argentinian footballer added:
“I wasn’t particularly good in school and started my career in football. In Argentina, it’s very common for boys to be driven to becoming professional footballers for their families and for financial reasons, but what really is needed is a series of changes that mean that education and sports can both be accommodated in a child’s schedule, so that they don’t have to choose one over the other.”
GESF 2019 this year was attended by five former Presidents and Prime Ministers and 40 Education Ministers. World leaders were joined by a new generation of change-makers, including grassroots activists, philanthropists, tech developers and many more, that are shaping the world with new voices, new ideas and new technologies.
