component for girls. Bringing the sport into the schools gives more students the opportunity to participate.
TB: What are the advantages for girls in PE at an all-girls school? Mrs Downey: I went to a co-ed high school and the girls were constantly fighting for space in the gym. The boys’ sports always seemed to dominate the spaces available. If the girls PE teacher was absent for some reason, the girls would always have to take part in whatever the boys were doing, never the other way around! I think girls are more likely to show their true physical ability if there are no boys around; they show more strength and aggression in competitive situations.
TB: What do all students learn in PE, regardless of their athletic ability? Mrs Downey: The most important aspect of PE, for me, is learning good sportsmanship. Athletes must be able to win gracefully, and lose knowing how hard you fought and appreciating what it took to beat you. If you are playing for a team, you must be committed to the training, and give your best performance at all times, because it is not just you that will feel the effects of poor effort, but the whole team.
I also think that in a PE lesson, there are many leadership opportunities. The PE
teacher must ensure that everyone gets the chance to lead.
TB: What will you miss most about teaching at BHS? Mrs Downey: I will miss THE STUDENTS the most. I am a little more partial to the older students (because they get my jokes), but the Primary students are always so enthusiastic and they never hold a grudge, even if you have to give them a clip down (demerit). By the next lesson, they have forgotten all about it. I will also miss “my mates” Ms Young and Ms Davis. We have such a great working relationship!
TB: If you could pass one message on to student athletes what would it be? Mrs Downey: Aim to be the best you can be, both in the classroom and on the playing field. Don’t compare yourself with others. Look at your own progress and performance, and reach for your goal. Respect your teachers (they have been where you are now; you have never been where they are), and gain everything you can from them. They, like your parents, only want the best for you.
TB: What are you most looking forward to in retirement? Mrs Downey: I think the thing I’m looking forward to the most is the
Time to relax: Mrs Downey is looking forward to a less structured schedule in retirement!
freedom to come and go in my own time. When you are working, especially as a teacher, your time is divided into very strict compartments, i.e. lessons, recess, lunch-time, before school, after school, week-ends, etc. I will also be able to spend more time with my grandchildren and go to their sports days. I also look forward to coming back to BHS to substitute when needed.
10 Torchbearer Spring 2018
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