Open Class Ep15: How PE Classes ‘Play’ Out

Our Open Class Series has already showcased the unique teaching approaches of DHSZ in academics, the arts, and languages. Today, we turn our attention to PE lessons. Stepping into Mr Keegan Ashton’s football and handball classes, it quickly becomes evident that PE is far more than just physical exercise; it is an engaging and joyful learning experience. In a conversation with our Director of Sport, Mr Tim Rees, we gained deeper insights into how PE at DHSZ is not merely about teaching sports skills but is also a vital avenue for holistic student development—encompassing physical and mental well-being, teamwork, and leadership. 

How DHSZ PE Classes ‘Play’ Out

In this Open Class, we visited Mr Ashton’s football and handball sessions, which showcased how carefully crafted lesson plans enable students to quickly grasp the core techniques of new sports while enjoying themselves. 

In the football class, students were divided into small groups and practised dribbling skills in time with background music. Mr Ashton designed a range of interactive activities, beginning with basic dribbling and gradually increasing in complexity. For instance, students took part in relay races where they dribbled to retrieve a marker cone and returned to their team. The final challenge required them to balance a marker cone on their heads while dribbling. “Many students tend to look down at the ball while dribbling,” Mr Ashton explained. “This activity encourages them to keep their heads up, scan the field, and maintain ball control.” This creative approach not only improved their athletic ability but also enhanced their focus and spatial awareness. 

In the handball class, a sport relatively new to many, students quickly learned basic tactics such as quick passing and movement through progressively challenging drills. Small-group games offered opportunities to apply these skills in realistic scenarios, reinforcing the importance of teamwork. “We always start with fundamental skills that students are familiar with, such as throwing and catching, and then gradually introduce rules and challenges,” Mr Rees explained. “This lowers the barrier to learning and ensures students can enjoy the activity at their own pace.” 

To help students better understand the lesson objectives, teachers use PowerPoint presentations to display key vocabulary and skills before the class begins. This gives students a sense of what to expect and connects the new content to their prior learning. “It’s a great way to offer students a different perspective and make the lesson more engaging,” Mr Rees said. 

At DHSZ, we integrate English learning across all disciplines. PE provides a natural environment for language acquisition, where students actively engage with and apply new vocabulary in practice. This approach aligns with our educational philosophy of learning through real-life contexts, enabling students to communicate and learn in English beyond traditional language lessons. 

Exploration Beyond the Classroom

Of course, our sports education extends far beyond the PE classroom. Through our diverse Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) programme, students can explore a wide range of sports, from swimming and boxing to kendo. These activities not only help students improve their physical fitness and discover a passion for sports but also nurture essential life skills such as time management, teamwork, and confidence. 

“CCAs are an extension of the classroom, offering students additional opportunities to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and develop leadership skills,” Mr Rees emphasised. Furthermore, students can represent the school in external competitions, such as those organised by the Suzhou Youth Athlete Committee (SYAC), competing against other international schools in Suzhou and Wuxi. Recently, our girls’ football and volleyball teams have achieved remarkable success in these events. “I feel incredibly proud to see our students performing so well despite facing increasingly tough competition,” Mr Rees added. 

Adventure Outside the Campus

Another highlight of our sports education is cross-school collaborations and global activities. For example, we host annual exchange matches with Dulwich Zhuhai (Hengqin), alternating between campuses to strengthen bonds between students from both schools. 

Every four years, the Dulwich Olympiad brings together students from Dulwich schools around the world. In March this year, our boys’ football team demonstrated resilience and sportsmanship, earning third place in the Dulwich Olympiad held in Singapore. “Competing under the scorching Singapore sun against strong teams from London, Beijing, and Shanghai, our students displayed tremendous determination and teamwork,” Mr Rees recalled. “It was a growth experience that enhanced their skills and shaped their character.” Such experiences not only boost students’ confidence but also position them as role models and mentors for younger peers, allowing them to share their skills and insights. 

Wellbeing, the Foundation of Everything

In addition to being the Director of Sport, Mr Rees’s other role at DHSZ is the lead teacher of wellbeing. He emphasised, “Student wellbeing is the foundation of academic success. Through PE, we aim to provide students with an outlet to release stress amidst their rigorous studies and encourage the development of lifelong healthy habits.” 

The school adopts the EiM Student Wellbeing Framework, which focuses on a balanced approach to health and learning across five key areas: physical, mental, academic, emotional, and social wellbeing. The framework advocates for foundational habits such as sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise, alongside strategies for stress management, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.

“Many elements of this framework are embedded in our PE lessons,” Mr Rees explained. “For example, we encourage teamwork to foster a sense of belonging and design challenging activities to help students build resilience. This holistic approach equips students to face future academic and life challenges.” 

Keep Moving Forward

Through this PE Open Class, we aim to showcase the depth and breadth of our sports education. PE at DHSZ is not just about acquiring skills and staying healthy—it is about shaping character and leadership, laying a solid foundation for future learning and life. Looking ahead, we remain committed to providing a rich and diverse platform for every student’s growth, guided by our philosophy of holistic education.