MATTHEW ROSS FRENCH Cultural enhancement and knowledge acquisition through Physical Education

Presentation Overview Background information Pierre de Coubertin and the Modern Olympics The Modern Multicultural, Multilingual, Global School Principles of Sport Enhancement of Cultural tolerance through Physical Education Physical Education & Sport’s role in Cultural and Social Integration Physical Education at St. Paul’s School

Background Information Physical Education teacher and Housemaster currently working at St. Paul’s School, Sao Paulo, Brazil St. Paul’s is a leading British international school catering for students from over 30 different backgrounds in one of the largest metropolises in the world Reading for my Masters in Education (International Education) from the University of Sydney

“ Organised sport can create moral and social strength” Pierre de Coubertin

Pierre de Coubertin French educationalist who had a particular interest in Physical Education and its importance in a students education and society as a whole. The basis of Pierre’s vision was the beginning of the internationalisation of sport and culture – an important dynamic Considered sport to be an unrivalled means of education and training

The Modern Multicultural, Multilingual, Global School How can a school best deal with cultural integration, whilst concurrently adapting to the global context? Key ingredients? StaffValuesLearning Community Shared Responsibility DiversityTogetherness

Key Ingredients Staff - essential within a successful school –facilitators, energizers and nurturers Whole school continuous insets on cultural sensitivity within both the staff and student body Values – consistent throughout the school A learning and moral community Shared responsibility for cultural integration and attempt to adhere to the same core values that guide the education of the students. Diversity and differentiation Togetherness – a part of a larger entity (eg. House System, Tutor Groups, School Spirit)

How can then cultural sensitivity be enhanced through Physical Education and Sport? The underlying essential principles of sport Teamwork Character-building Mutual understanding ‘Sporting Dialogue’ Co-operation Ethics/morals/rules Sportsmanship Respect Leadership

Universality of Sport Universality of sport – Transcends cultural and national boundaries The principles and rules instilled in the the playground are maintained for a life in Physical Activity World cup – ‘say no to racism’ sends accross a powerful message

Development of Character, Social and Cultural Sensitivity in Physical Education Character built through Physical Education promotes core ethical values of group acceptance and social cohesion Social sensitivity and the development of cultural competence must be comprehensively defined to include and promote core values To develop character, students need the opportunity for ‘practical’ group work, leadership and self- actualized activities

Physical Education & Sport’s role in Cultural and Social Integration One of the most important forms of socialisation and ‘human interaction’ for individuals is through sport and activity

Peer relationships Physical Education and sport has an increasingly powerful role in developing peer relationships between cultures and promoting healthy cultural tolerance Emphasised through establishing a change in attitude towards differing cultural groups Peer-Peer Learning Leadership

Physical Education at St. Paul’s School “Physical Education at St. Paul’s School aims to empower all students in a bi-cultural and bi-lingual education, to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive and fulfilling life” Physical Education teachers teach across both primary and secondary schools Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and all lessons are taught in English In order to integrate such diversity in culture and language - games and activities must be all inclusive and students given the facility to make humanistic decisions

Physical Education at St. Paul’s School Games which focus on all pupils gaining maximum participation and learning to work with others Motivated environment Morals of fair-play, teamwork, unity and togetherness are consistently instilled Integration of both English and Brazilian principles Physical Education (in this instance at the practical level) plays a significant pastoral and social role – through collaborative games, group work, motor senses – integrating content to various cultural groupings