I have read with interest my colleagues' recent posts exploring the comparisons between football and academics. Bec and I are currently working with year 7 and 8 on an integrated project and it has become increasingly evident how the fundamentals of football can help to develop the academic success … [Read more...] about Conflict Resolution
Impressive Science
Stage 5 students have just concluded their independent research projects. They had to choose a scientific fact they wished to check and design an experiment to do so. They had to gather equipment, seek cooperation from other students and carry out measurements. They had to compile tables and graph … [Read more...] about Impressive Science
What makes you smile?
As I am not a parent (and no, not anytime soon) I am yet to experience that immense pride that parents have in their children, the type of pride that makes your eyes well with tears. That being said, I am lucky enough to have built a relationship with our students, in particular those in stage … [Read more...] about What makes you smile?
Console Games
I have always been a really avid console gamer. Ever since I was young I have been caught up in the world of playing computer games, Playstation and Xbox. I have certainly noticed how games have changed over the time I have been playing. Games have become so much more graphic and realistic. I am … [Read more...] about Console Games
Being successful is a choice
One of the world’s famous football players, Johan Cruijff, (a Dutchman), expresses his philosophies about football a lot in the media and in books. I have summarised some of his thoughts on how to become "a good player" and would like to share them with you. Cruijff’s criteria for being or … [Read more...] about Being successful is a choice
Effort = Development = Achievement
What does football, or tennis, or sport in general have in common with academic achievement, one might well ask. Being a member of the IFS-ITS team, I have a first-hand opportunity to seriously consider this question. Some years ago I was involved in junior cricket in the Wellington region of New … [Read more...] about Effort = Development = Achievement
One of my fears
For someone who has travelled so much of this beautiful world we live in, it comes as a shock when I tell people I have a great fear of flying. I have such a fear, that I spend days before I am about to catch an aeroplane crying, my dreams are filled with nightmares and I have to make jokes just to … [Read more...] about One of my fears
Does this stuff really work?
We’ve been so spoiled for choice with sporting tournaments of late, with Wimbledon, the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific games coming up in a few weeks. What I have noticed across all these events is a rise in the number of athletes wearing compression garments. It was also … [Read more...] about Does this stuff really work?
Is playing football or tennis a form of music?
Is playing football or tennis a form of music? I know you are probably thinking, "What on earth is she going on about?" but let me ask you....does music have to strictly represent rhythm, time and a melody? Who dictates what we hear (a random bunch of sounds) and who says that bunch of … [Read more...] about Is playing football or tennis a form of music?
60 Seconds with Brad Porter
60 Seconds with Brad Porter Born: Gosford, NSW Age: 27 Status: Taken Occupation: Football Coach/Entrepreneur (coming soon) Favourite player: Eric Cantona Best moment: Meeting my partner Zoe Worst moment: None. There aren’t many bad circumstances or worst moments you can't look … [Read more...] about 60 Seconds with Brad Porter