Verdayne Smith - Elgin Taylor

One of the features of the Jamaican education system in recent years has been the integration of different subject areas into the curriculum. According to Verdayne Smith of Old Harbour Primary School in St Catherine, his area of physical education (PE) has not been exempted.

"PE can be integrated into other areas of the curriculum to bring out the best results. Teachers consult me if there is something particular they want to bring out, and there is also cooperation in planning sessions," he told The Star.

He said that he taught grades 1-6, but that work in the first three grades was more fun-oriented, while 4-6 was based mainly on the curriculum. Games taught include cricket, football, basketball, and track and field athletics.

His programme is largely practical, however, there is the theoretical aspect as well. This takes in, for example, learning about anatomy; about the benefits of taking care of one's body, including exercise; and the physical implications arising from failure to do so.

He spoke of the students' high enthusiasm for the subject and their willingness to participate in events.

Since becoming a staff member in September 2000, Smith has laid claim to a number of achievements. These include being the first school to win the Jamaica Broilers-sponsored Primary Basketball Championship in 2004, and the Jamaica National All-Island Primary School Competition in cricket in 2005. In addition, they were recently crowned the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket champion for St Catherine for 2013.

The school is also known to have given creditable performances at the annual JTA-Sagicor Primary and All-Age Athletic Championship.

Smith, who hails from Mandeville in Manchester, was trained at the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sports, where he obtained a diploma and a bachelor's degree in the discipline. He also has Level 1 certification in football and cricket from the Jamaica Football Federation and the Jamaica Cricket Association, respectively. He was recently appointed to the panel of the West Indies Regional Umpires Association.

So far, he has officiated at three first-class matches, three List A games, and 10 20/20 games. He revealed that at first he had no interest in teaching, but that his love for the profession developed after his enrolment at the GC Foster College.

He believes that more support needs to be given to sports, not only in Jamaica, but in the wider Caribbean region as well. This is particularly important, he argued, from the viewpoint that not all students are academically inclined, and opportunities should be provided for them to develop their sporting talents.

This committed, hard-working teacher-trainer believes in the maxim: "Success is a journey, not a destination."