British International School, Phuket gives students opportunities to participate in a wide variety of sports in its Physical Education (PE) programme, the latest addition being an ice skating option for Year 10 students.
Initially, students taking this 8-week option will skate for one hour a week at the newly built ‘Ice Arena Phuket‘ at Boat Lagoon in Phuket.
“This programme aims to motivate students to be more active outside school, and what better way to achieve this than to encourage higher participation levels and give them a broader range of activities which they enjoy taking part in,” says Ali Gates, Head of PE at BISP. “Ice skating promotes physical activity as well as social interaction, both of which are essential to the health and wellbeing of our students.”
Athletics Director Jeff LaMantia, a keen ice skater himself, is excited for the opportunity to impart the knowledge and skills ice-skating entails.
“I am impressed with the level of skating ability amongst the Year 10 group. The activity improves balance and core strength. The students’ confidence and skill level have both increased in only a few sessions. This also allows me to get a taste of Canada in Phuket, and I’m happy to see students enjoying a skill/sport I’ve always been passionate about.”
Given the initial success of the ice skating option, it is hoped to be offered to more students in the future.
