Singapore Gymnastics recently partnered with the South 7 Schools Cluster to deliver a Professional Learning Workshop aimed at equipping Physical Education (PE) teachers with the confidence, knowledge and practical strategies to deliver gymnastics within their schools.

Under the Ministry of Education's cluster model, mainstream schools are grouped according to geographical location to encourage collaboration, professional learning and the sharing of best practices among educators. The South 7 Schools Cluster provides opportunities for schools to come together and strengthen teaching capabilities across key areas, including Physical Education.

A total of 32 teachers participated in the workshop, representing five schools:

* Aitong School – 13 teachers
* Teck Ghee Primary School – 6 teachers
* Townsville Primary School – 6 teachers
* Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School – 5 teachers
* Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) – 2 teachers

The workshop was delivered by the Singapore Gymnastics Community Development Team, together with coach education experts Dawn Ho and WIlliam Quek.

Designed around the questions and challenges commonly faced by teachers, the workshop focused on practical strategies for teaching gymnastics in school settings and was aligned with the Primary School PE curriculum. Through hands-on sessions, teachers explored forward rolls, backward rolls, cartwheel progressions, vaulting activities, inverted balances and appropriate spotting techniques.

Particular emphasis was placed on vaulting progressions and spotting, areas that teachers often identify as requiring additional support and confidence when delivering gymnastics lessons. Teachers were also introduced to practical station ideas, simple progressions and class management strategies suitable for teaching large classes of up to 40 students with limited equipment.

In addition, the workshop shared purposeful warm-up activities, fun games and engaging lesson ideas that can be easily incorporated into PE lessons to prepare students for gymnastics while creating positive and enjoyable learning experiences.

The workshop also highlighted the important role gymnastics plays in developing fundamental movement skills such as balance, coordination, agility, strength and body awareness. Often referred to as the "fundamental sport", gymnastics provides the building blocks for participation in many other sports and physical activities, while fostering physical literacy and confidence in movement.

Singapore Gymnastics would like to thank the South 7 Schools Cluster for the opportunity to support the professional learning of PE teachers. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with schools and educators to build confidence in teaching gymnastics and inspire more children to enjoy the many benefits of movement through gymnastics.