At XLIS, the sports have always been an essential part of the IB curriculum framework, and never have these engaging disciplines been more conducive to student wellness than now. Their benefits are not only connected to a balanced and healthy lifestyle, but also develop collaborative skills, communication proficiency, and leadership attributes.
Over the past two weeks, our students’ passion for athletics was in full display thanks to the divisional sporting events organized by XLIS’ P.S.P.E. specialists.
On Friday March 25th, our young learners took to the second-floor basketball gym with palpable enthusiasm. The early years’ Sports Day was an opportunity for ECE-P1 students to get their first taste of organized athletic competition and also have lots of fun! Under the guidance of Mr. Luke Osborne, students from ECEA to P1 participated in 6 events that tested various locomotor, coordination, and athletic skills. Like their older colleagues, students gave it their all and competed with determination and passion, all while demonstrating a caring attitude to each other. At the end of the competition, students were ecstatic to receive their medals. P1B class received the class trophy for their excellent sportsmanship throughout the event.
After a few glitches in the weather and a bit of rescheduling, the P1-P6 Primary Track and Field event was held on the morning of Wednesday March 30th. This event was comprised of a combination of track and field activities and other fun and competitive exercises designed by Mr. Richie Lee. Nearly 300 students ranging from grades 2 to 6 participated fervently in the 100-meter sprint race, the 400-meter race, and the 400-meter relay race. Other stations around the pitch hosted activities such as long jump, tug of war and the exhilarating “boom balloon carnival” to mark the end of the event. The students showcased their courage, tenacity, and love for the sports as their peers cheered them on. The ever-growing sportsmanship that students showed on this day is a testament to their resilience and solid understanding of these disciplines.
This action-packed sports season culminated with the secondary school Track and Field Day, on the morning of Friday April 1st. Guided by Mr. Kevin McGarry and Mr. Hakim Halim, the secondary school students put on a truly inspiring sports’ exhibit. Under sunny skies, our students not only competed fiercely but also supported and encouraged each other, thus reminding us of the long-lasting bonds that can be forged through the sports. The 100m, 400m, and 400m relay races were followed by the shot put and long jump events. With the aim of building community and life-long participation in sport, exercise, and service, this final event allowed for students to take part in at least one event and/or help with service opportunities. This also represented an opportunity to make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs -1 No Poverty, 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, 4 Quality Education). Student-led carnival stations organized as part of their CAS and Service as Action were set up around the track adding to the festive atmosphere of the day.
Despite having to host this event internally due to current the city-wide health and safety regulations, we are confident that our community remains strong and that we can surmount any obstacle through mutual support, adaptability, and most importantly by placing our students’ wellbeing at the forefront.
Click here to watch the video of the Sports Day.
Authors:
Alex Rambaud (Vice Principal)
Richie Li (Primary PSPE Teacher, Sports Venue and Facility Manager)
Luke Pinkney-Osborn (Primary PSPE Teacher)
Kevin McGarry (MYP Physical and Health Education Teacher, CAS Coordinator, High School Lead Teacher)
Hakim Halim (MYP Physical and Health Education Teacher, Service As Action Coordinator)
