From the Head of PE & Sport 04.05.2024

At the end of each FOBISIA Games, I usually find myself reflecting on the results and the performance of the team and thinking about what went well and where the next steps for growth and development are for sport at KIS. Whilst that is certainly again going through my mind, what I am also thinking about is how incredible it has been to see our 24 students in action over the course of the past three days of competition and what a privilege it has been to go on this journey with them. In this particular instance, the team may not be bringing home any trophies from overall placings, but what they will be bringing home may be far more valuable in the long term to their personal growth not only as athletes but also as young people. 

Engaging in sports competitions is not just about winning medals; it’s about nurturing essential skills and values that extend far beyond the playing field. For students, participation in sports competitions offers a myriad of benefits that contribute to their holistic development and well-being. 

Teamwork and Collaboration

Sports competitions provide a fertile ground for learning the value of teamwork and collaboration. Students must work together, communicate effectively, and trust their teammates to achieve common goals. On the first moring of competition, I could hear the Vipers shouting from the stand of the athletics stadium, above all others, urging on their friends across the finish line. The team were alway full of support for each other, on hand to offer congratulations after a victory or words of comfort following a disappointing performance. Through shared victories and defeats, they developed camaraderie, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards their peers, essential qualities for success in both personal and professional life. 

Leadership and Responsibility

In sports competitions, students often assume leadership roles, whether as team captains, mentors, or role models. These positions foster qualities such as decision-making, problem-solving, and accountability. Students learn to lead by example, inspire others, and take ownership of their actions, preparing them to become effective leaders in any endeavor they pursue. One of the best examples of this during the three days was when Mr Denyer handed over the coaching duties to the students in their final t-ball match of the day. The students took charge of offering advise to their peers, instructing them on base running decisions and fielding plays. Seeing how they chose to talk to each other and work together was brilliant and they did a great job as they came within 1 run of winning their first match of the day after a home run hit from Hafiz in the final play.

Resilience and Perseverance

Athletic competitions are rife with challenges and setbacks, testing the mettle of participants. Through losses, injuries, and setbacks, students learn the invaluable lessons of resilience and perseverance. They develop the mental toughness to overcome adversity, bounce back from failure, and stay focused on their goals despite obstacles. This was seen time and time again on each and every day from our Vipers. One particular moment that stood out for me was the girls in their final football match against the competition leaders Uplands. Playing against the undefeated and in form team, and despite not having got a win themselves that day, the team took to the field with positivity and a steely determination to win. They showed unparalleled levels of perseverance as they fought right to the end taking it to the wire and putting 2 goals in against their opposition (something no other team had done that day!) to narrowly lose 3-2. The team showed a mindset that will serve them well not only in future athletic pursuits but, life in general. 

Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Success in sports competitions boosts students’ self-confidence and self-esteem. Achieving personal bests, winning matches, and receiving recognition for their efforts instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. Students develop a positive self-image, believing in their abilities to overcome challenges and excel in various domains of life. One of my favourite things as a teacher is seeing this in action. Witnessing the change in someone when they make that switch from disbelief to trust in their abilities is a magical moment. Seeing Sean and Muhammad with anxiety about swimming take to the pool and complete a full lap in competition was one of these moments. The student who I think I saw the most growth in self-confidence was Maddie. When I turned to her and asked if she could play 1st base, there was no hesitation in her response “yeh, I can do that!” She replied with conviction and without a shadow of her previously held anxiety and self doubt. This newfound confidence transcends the sports arena, empowering students to pursue their dreams with conviction and determination.

These are just some of the ‘trophies’ that  the students have achieved this past week. As the staff who accompanied them, if there was a competition for which school had the friendliest and loveliest group of students to manage, then we WON that one! We were told on numerous occasions by other members of staff how fantastic our students were and that is something that brings a lot of pride to me as a teacher at KIS. 

Next week I will include more about the days of competition itself and results, but for now please join me in congratulating the 24 students who represented themselves and the school with distinction. 

Aydan (Captain), Autumn, Calvert, Dongchan, Gabriel, Hafiz, Lucas, Muhammad, Roy, Sam, Sean,  Thomas 

Sophia (Captain),  Adel, Clemence, Dahyun, Hayley,  Kaitlyn, Kaye, Maddie, Mia, Nicole, Safa, Vivian 

Sabah U17 State Championships

I mentioned a few weeks ago about 7 students from Years 8-10 taking part in the Sabah U17 State Championships. Students were representing Putatan, Keningau and even Kudat.  There were wins and losses for all but in speaking to the students they all enjoyed the opportunity to play at this next level and no doubt these players will be able to bring that experience back into KIS in the upcoming MSSD  basketball competition taking place later in the month. 

Congratulations to the following students: Dasha, Pui San, Mischa, Isabella, Sebastien, Caleb and Hong Son. 

Liga SupaRimau  Season B – Launching this weekend

This weekend our Liga SupaRimau teams will be back on the pitch for the start of Season B. Game times are as follows. 

We are still awaiting further details of remaining fixtures and will share them with parents when they become available. 

Good luck to all teams and I am looking forward to getting down and cheering them on!

KIS Tennis Fun Match – Wednesday 22nd May

Final call for registrations for our day of tennis. We have a number of entries from staff and parents but would love to see more students join in the fun too. This is designed to be an informal and inclusive event for players of all levels. 

Students, please check your emails for more details. 

Registrations will close Tuesday 7th May. 

EYFS Sports Morning – Monday 13th May

Parents of students in EYFS, make sure you are getting your Pirate costumes ready for ‘Aaarrrr-mazing’ pirate Sports Morning taking place in the hall from 8:00-10:00am on Monday 13th May. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Miss Catriona Watt

Head of PE and Sport