Simon Atkinson Bsc. (hons) PGCE QTS Ma NPQSL
Director of Physical Education & Sport
Simon Atkinson BSc. (hons) | PGCE | QTS | Ma | NPQSL
Director of Physical Education & Sport | Head of Physical Education | Co-Curricular & Extra-Curricular Activities Co-Ordinator | Head of House | Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordinator | Director of Outdoor Education | Director of Rugby | Senior Leadership Team | Co-Founder & Chair of SETSA | Founder & CEO of AK-tivities Ltd. | Co-Host of the 'Sporting Directions' Podcast
I am on a mission to inspire a generation and ensure all young people have the opportunity and support to fall in love with movement and activity through the development of positive, purposeful, and meaningful curriculums enriched by outstanding extra-curricular provision and community links. I believe it is our responsibility as educators and leaders in schools to ensure Sport, Games and PE are accessible to all, by providing the highest academic and non-academic standards for all and by taking every opportunity to challenge every student’s core characteristics, values and attributes which support students to achieve in life, far beyond that which they ever believed possible.
I am an accomplished and celebrated leader, teacher, instructor and elite level coach in the field of Sport and Physical Education for over 20 years. I am experienced in delivering high standards and proven to consistently exceed targets and expectations in both school and community sport settings.
My goal is very simple – I want to make a difference and leave a lasting impact (a legacy!). I am a passionate teacher and leader, who enjoys working with different people within different cultures and supporting them through their journey in any way that I can.
“Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
My own career journey from elite level performer onto coaching, then into teaching I believe has given me an understanding of how positive relationships, effective lessons and lifelong memories and experiences can make a difference to a young person’s life. My goal is very simple – I want to make a difference! I am a passionate teacher and leader, who enjoys working with different people and supporting them through their journeys in any way that I can.
Teaching Philosophy
My Teaching Philosophy
Engage | Develop | Inspire
It is my belief that it is both the responsibility and the privilege of a PE team in any educational setting to Engage all students in meaningful, purposeful and positive activity. To Develop the students core values, attributes and a growth mindset and by doing so prepare them for life. Also to Inspire all students to find their passions and build positive relationships with movement and build great memories of their time at school.
"We as Teachers must aim to leave a lasting and meaningful legacy, looking to build on what has come before and leave a platform from which other can continue to build"
- Simon Atkinson
My Leadership Philosophy
"Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is taking care of those in your charge"
- Simon Sinek
I believe strongly that the role of the leader is that of a facilitator, someone whose role is to remove potential barriers from others which may prevent them from achieving excellence in what they do. It is more important to have a productive, ambitious, motivated, enthusiastic team working within a supportive culture, something that I strive to achieve within every team that I lead.
I am a true believer in the servant leadership model, working for the benefit and betterment of others and putting the needs of your team before yourself.
Leadership Philosophy
Proven to Build Cultures that Embody the Values of the School Setting
A History of Achieving Outstanding Results and Exceeding Targets
On a Mission to Increase Participation and Engagement In Sport and PE
Selena Dumble
International Principal
HD, Shanghai
Although having only worked with Simon for one year, I have known him for the past 3 years as I followed his progress in his previous schools.
Simon, then and now, is a driving force. His attention to curriculum needs coupled with his ethos of total inclusivity for all students, at a level that they are happy with that further extends their abilities as well as making them fun and active parts of their day, is unsurpassed. No sitting and being bored, waiting for your turn, that you see in so many lessons while he is teaching! All students are engaged and activities are designed for maximum class participation.
Simon has a wonderful relationship with his students. He has high expectations and provides top sporting opportunities but he understands that for the majority of students they need inroads into physical health appreciation. He has a wonderful relationship with all and not just centered on first team players.
Likewise with staff, he runs weekly training sessions for his team and leads by example. His department in any school will be the most highly organised and proactive.
Outside of his department, Simon is eager to be involved in the wider needs of the school, whether that is discipline management, sourcing outside vendors or helping to facilitate community teams using the facilities, for financial benefit to the school or for publicity. Simon understands that a successful school is not one that can be in isolation but needs to be a presence outside the grounds. With this in mind he has endeavored to build up local leagues and started his own sports podcast.
But most of all I have appreciated his support within the school. He follows school protocols and policies without issue but is not afraid to supportively ask for clarification or offers suggestions for improvement. He is proactive in his support of the management team and I would certainly welcome the opportunity to work with Simon in the future. He would be supportive of any SLT and would be a welcome addition to it also.
Sam Lewis
Director of PE and Sport
Harrow, Bangkok
I have worked worked with Simon since his relocation to Shanghai. Simon is a passionate, forward-thinking, solution-focused leader in PE and School Sport.
Simons had effectively built and developed two different PE and Sports programs in two different bilingual schools, establishing effective policies and procedures as well as a student-centred curriculum tailored towards the individual needs of two different student cohorts.
My interactions with Simon have always been extremely positive, he is passionate about PE and is always willing to share, discuss and challenge his and others perceptions of PE and School Sport.
More recently, moving to an NAE school Simon has showed an excellent willingness to learn and contribute towards to growth of his and other CBL schools. Simon has clear strengths as a leader and a mentor, but is also actively challenging his own practice and an advocate for self development.
I have had a really enjoyable experience working closely with Simon over the past year and look forward to more of the same in the future.
Stephanie Oldridge
Deputy Head Academic
Sherborne, Qatar
Having worked with Simon for only one year, I am astounded at what he has achieved as a director of Sport within one school and across the family of schools in Qatar within a single year. Simon joined the school as a Director of Sport and Community Engagement encompassing a Head of Department role, and within an incredibly short time, facilitated the creation and development of academies and outside agency support that are ongoing, enriching the offering of the schools far beyond the school day. His incredible work ethic and understanding of the broader picture is evident in this extraordinary feat of planning and organisation, and testament to his ability as a leader. It is unfortunate that due to developments in the organisation this role was changed after the year.
A strong character and supporter of all levels of the school, Simon has shown a drive to succeed that is exemplary, whilst also managing the expectations of those around him. As a knowledgeable leader, Simon has developed and implemented a range of policies and procedures to support the school. He is keen to push for outstanding results, whilst supporting those around him to strive to improve and exceed expectations and is always willing to go the extra mile when needed.
Simon has shown a wealth of knowledge within the field of Physical Education and pedagogy that has been ably communicated to both peers and students alike, inspiring individuals and garnering interest and support from all aspects of the school community. Lessons were well-planned, engaging and supportive for all to learn and advance, this saw improvements in the engagement of many students within the course of his leadership of the department overall.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with Simon again, he has an exceptional ability to organise and execute key plans and is supportive of all he works with, leading to positive developments and relationships being fostered within and across the schools he has been working with.
Ashley Matthews
Chief Operations Officer
AK-tivities Ltd, UK
Having worked with Simon for only one year, I am astounded at what he has achieved as a director of Sport within one school and across the family of schools in Qatar within a single year. Simon joined the school as a Director of Sport and Community Engagement encompassing a Head of Department role, and within an incredibly short time, facilitated the creation and development of academies and outside agency support that are ongoing, enriching the offering of the schools far beyond the school day. His incredible work ethic and understanding of the broader picture is evident in this extraordinary feat of planning and organisation, and testament to his ability as a leader. It is unfortunate that due to developments in the organisation this role was changed after the year.
A strong character and supporter of all levels of the school, Simon has shown a drive to succeed that is exemplary, whilst also managing the expectations of those around him. As a knowledgeable leader, Simon has developed and implemented a range of policies and procedures to support the school. He is keen to push for outstanding results, whilst supporting those around him to strive to improve and exceed expectations and is always willing to go the extra mile when needed.
Simon has shown a wealth of knowledge within the field of Physical Education and pedagogy that has been ably communicated to both peers and students alike, inspiring individuals and garnering interest and support from all aspects of the school community. Lessons were well-planned, engaging and supportive for all to learn and advance, this saw improvements in the engagement of many students within the course of his leadership of the department overall.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with Simon again, he has an exceptional ability to organise and execute key plans and is supportive of all he works with, leading to positive developments and relationships being fostered within and across the schools he has been working with.
Peter Pallet
Social Studies Teacher
Sherborne, Qatar
Simon is an exemplary director of sport whose outstanding leadership, communication abilities, and organizational skills drive success. His talent for bringing out the best in those around him is unparalleled. Simon leads by example, inspiring staff and students alike with his passion, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
What truly sets Simon apart is his masterful way of handling even the most complex logistical challenges with efficiency and fairness. He has an eye for detail that allows him to meticulously coordinate every facet of an event or initiative while ensuring an equitable experience for all involved. Simon's calm demeanor and steady hand provide reassurance during stressful situations. One example of this was the outstanding Sports Day that Simon planned for all three of our schools.
Perhaps Simon's greatest strength, however, is his ability to clearly communicate his vision while making everyone feel heard and valued. He solicits input, overcomes obstacles collaboratively, and motivates people to push their limits. Simon's leadership, unflappable organisation, commitment to fairness, and open communication style empower those around him to achieve greatness. Any team would be fortunate to have him at the helm.
Grace Bouwers
Physical Education & Outdoor Ed Specialist
St Andrews, Bangkok
Simon and I first met at the SSSA (Shanghai School Sport Association) fixtures meeting. At this time it was difficult for many schools to host events due to COVID, but Simon worked very hard to ensure school sport was still very much alive in Shanghai. We worked together to organize and run several SSSA fixtures and tournaments. It was clear to me that Simon has passion, drive and outstanding levels of organization. Hosting events alongside Simon was a real pleasure and an opportunity to collaborate and lean a-lot from each other.
Simon combines leading competitive sport with curriculum PE seamlessly. He never forgets what it’s like ‘on the ground’ teaching PE. He presents a creative and inclusive curriculum and will often share outstanding resources.
When I visited Simon at his previous SUIS campus it was clear what a positive and fundamental impact to School sport and PE he had made. His proposals were well thought out, planned and delivered.
Simon and I also worked on the Rhino Rugby Shanghai Summer Camps together. He led the team of coaches by example and designed a curriculum accessible for both coaches and players. He led and planned PD sessions for coaches and would feedback regularly to aid future development. Simon has inspired me to take my next steps in coaching rugby.
As you can see, Simon has acted almost as a professional mentor both as a teacher and coach for me over the last few years. He is reliable, passionate and creative. I would wholeheartedly recommend him to any future employers.
Ricardo Booysen
Head of PE & Sport
SBS, Thailand
Simon is a strong leader who welcomes the input of his team.
His work ethic is second to none and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure tasks are completed to the best of his ability.
Always available to offer advice when called upon and never too busy to lend a hand when needed. Simon values the members of his team and always ensures that their needs are being met and has the ability to get the best out of his team by leading by example.
His knowledge and experience as an educator as well as his compassion for his fellow human being is admirable.
Having Simon as a member of any staff and even more so in ANY leadership position will beneficial to all he works with.
For me it was an honor and a privilege to work under his guidance and tutelage as what I was able to learn from Simon will stay with me always.
Tavis Roberts
Director of Sport
NAS Suzhou
Simon is an innovative, persistent, and caring educator who allows his values and aims to shine through his personality and teaching style. As the founding Director of Physical Education and Sport, he has approached challenges with enthusiasm and professionalism, knowing that successful outcomes are the result of good communication and thorough planning with all stakeholders.
Simon passionately believes in the power of Physical Education and Sport for all children. As an Athletic Director at a neighboring school, we have collaborated to have sporting competitions and share resources to improve the opportunities at our schools. Simon continues to drive his mission and bring value to the Suzhou community by Co-founding the Sporting Directions Podcasts and SETSA (Suzhou Emerging Talents Sports Association) which aim to inspire, give recognition and provide opportunities for local students and beyond.
Andrew Baldwin
Experiential Learning Coordinator
Carmel School, HK
I have worked and collaborated with Simon for nearly 10 years in several different capacities. I was fortunate enough to directly experience the impact that he has brought to both the classroom and the wider community leading that he facilitates. Simon has always proved himself to be a life-long learner and adopts a very innovative approach to his pedagogy. This transfers well to his learners and the benefit he brings is tangible.
Simon possesses a drive and passion for his subject and education in general, and it is both refreshing and encouraging that he is emerging as a voice for the subject on world platforms.
Gavin Taylor
PE & Head of Year
Uptown School, Dubai
Simon is an outstanding practitioner and leader. He is someone I have worked with in the past on a number of occasions, and each time shows his professionalism, enthusiasm and high levels of organization and management.
He has taken to international teaching as second nature, and his ability to build strong relationships helps to create a number of opportunities for his students.
An excellent leader and any school would be lucky to have him in their team.
Colin Astbury
ICT Faculty Lead
Nord Anglia Education
Simon is a very passionate teacher who motivates not only his students but also his colleagues. He is enthusiastic about all sports and academic endeavours and encourages students of all abilities to succeed in whatever way they can. He is inclusive and works hard to pass on his love of sport and learning in general.
I enjoyed working alongside Simon and would recommend him in any team as he is not only an excellent team player but also an admired and skilled practitioner.
Thomas Hitchings
International Head of Primary
Nord Anglia Education
An inspirational individual with a seemingly never ending level of energy and positivity.
Simon is passionate about educating pupils and professionals and it has been a pleasure to work and learn with him on some of his projects.
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