Physical Education

The benefits of a diverse physical education curriculum go far beyond accomplishments in the gym. Physical Education prepares children to be physically and mentally active, fit and healthy and provides opportunities for pupils to be creative, competitive and cooperative.
Students at the British School of Bucharest participating in our Physical Education classes will be immersed in an environment that develops mental, social and physical well-being.

Sports are an integral part of the educational programme at BSB. We focus on building character traits and social skills that lead to a better lifestyle. Student-athletes will be encouraged to follow healthy social and physical lifestyles through their participation in sports.
Students will explore their particular abilities through a mix of team and individual games, leadership opportunities, fitness training methods and movement/aesthetic activities.

Through these challenges, students will have the opportunity to develop life skills, knowledge, understanding, positive attitudes and values. In Physical Education, students will be encouraged to develop attributes like resilience and respect. They will understand the importance of regular physical activity, supporting others, and collaborating positively.

As the students progress through the years at BSB, they will be empowered to make healthy and informed choices and understand the value of an active lifestyle.

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

BSB Sports Development programme

Trust Your Team

P.E. Faculty

Natalie Marnoch

HEAD OF P.E.

Natalie joined BSB in 2023. She originally hails from Scotland, but grew up as an international student herself, having had the opportunity to live in many countries, predominantly the USA. She places a high value on the unique learning experiences that international schools can offer and will certainly bring these experiences with her to her new role at BSB.

After completing her Sports Science and PGCE degrees at Exeter University, Natalie taught in the West Midlands, England, before embarking on her international teaching career in Houston, Texas. During this time, she has not only been teaching P.E. and Sports Science for the last 7 years, but has also led many student experiences, including a yearly international exhibition to Tanzania.

Natalie is extremely passionate about Physical Education, not only its implementation into a curriculum context, but also the opportunities and attributes students can acquire to help them succeed beyond their school years. Whether developing high-performance athletes, guiding students participating in leadership programs, or instilling a love of health and fitness, she is dedicated.

In her spare time, Natalie enjoys watching or playing sports, particularly football. At the peak of her athletics career, she competed at state championships in the USA, and more recently, she has been involved in Netball, with her team competing in the US Open Netball Championships.

She also has a passion for traveling and is very much looking forward to exploring Eastern Europe.

David Achim

TEACHER OF P.E. & HEAD OF YEAR 8

David Achim joined the British School of Bucharest as the new Primary School Physical Education teacher and a Year 7 Tutor.

He received his undergraduate degree and PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Loughborough University and is completing, through online courses, his Masters in Education at the same institution. David was born in England to a British mum and Romanian dad. He speaks both English and Romanian fluently and lived the majority of his life in Bucharest whilst studying at an international school. His multi-cultural heritage is a welcome addition to the British School of Bucharest.

Stelian Stancu

Teacher of P.E. & P.E. Assistant

Stelian Stancu joined the BSB team in September 2017 and is one of the coaches who experienced football at the highest professional level as a player.

He took his first steps on the road at the Football School in Pitesti and then to include in his CV the most important clubs in terms of tradition and performance. In turn, he played for Astra, Sportul Studentesc, Poli Timisoara, FC Brasov and FC Steaua Bucuresti. He reached the peak of his career at Steaua, where he had the honour to meet in the supreme competition, the UEFA Champions League, the strongest football team at that time, Real Madrid.

The passion for Football, the seriousness and the desire to return to the sport what it offered him, determined him to continue on the coaching path, dedicating himself to initiating and perfecting the little sports-children, hoping that one day they will have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps or even to surpass their teacher.

Alison Andrew

Teacher of P.E.

Alison joined BSB in 2024 as a  Teacher of P.E. She is an accomplished educator with a passion for sports, art, and student well-being. She has trained with dedication for many years, reaching national and international levels in several sports.

Alison holds a BEd in PE and Art from De Montfort University, Bedford. After graduating, she spent four years working in prestigious schools in the UK before embarking on an international career spanning 21 years. She has taught both Art and PE and held positions such as Head of Department, Head of House, Aquatics Director, and Director of Activities in Malaysia, Egypt, and China.

Having completed a Master’s in Education in 2017, Alison is constantly reflecting on best practices and the evolving needs of students. She believes that creating a culture of care is essential to student well-being and success. Alison sees sports as a powerful tool for teaching students how to coexist and cooperate with others, understand their role in the bigger picture, and develop a healthy desire to succeed—lessons that continue to serve her students as they move forward in life.

Doug Andrew

Teacher of P.E.

Doug joined BSB in 2024 as a Teacher of P.E. He studied Education and Sports Science at Saint Mary’s University College, Strawberry Hill, before beginning his first job teaching P.E. and Maths at a sports college in Berkshire. During this time, he coached various sports and oversaw house events for the upper school. After three years, he moved into international teaching, working in Egypt, Malaysia, and China before coming to Romania. Along the way, he fulfilled a number of roles, including Head of Department, Activities Director, Athletic Director, and Head of Year, while teaching GCSE and A-level P.E. as well as IB Sport Science.

In 2016, he gained his Master’s in Education from Plymouth State University, specialising in curriculum development and instruction. He has always been passionate in his approach to teaching, striving to get the best out of each and every student.

After university, Doug continued to play both rugby union and rugby league semi-professionally alongside his teaching until he moved overseas. Nowadays, he enjoys playing music, participating in sports, and cooking in his spare time. He is looking forward to discovering new opportunities for each of these interests in Romania and travelling with his family to explore the country and beyond.

Tom Durling

Teacher of P.E.

Tom joined the British School of Bucharest in 2024 after completing his PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in Secondary Physical Education.

Born in Australia, Tom was exposed to a wide range of sports from an early age, a passion that has continued throughout his life. In particular, he played Australian Football, which he was fortunate to continue when his family moved to the Netherlands in 2011. Since then, he has represented the Netherlands in the past two Euro Cups and was recognised in the Team of the Tournament in 2023.

After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Tom decided to change career paths and turn his passion into a profession. His first P.E. job opportunity came in the form of a role at the American School of The Hague, where he taught P.E. to mixed classes of students aged 11 to 14. This experience cemented his love for sport and teaching, which encouraged him to move to Plymouth to obtain his PGCE at Plymouth Marjon University.

Tom’s teaching philosophy reflects his love for sport, as his lessons aim to instil a passion for physical activity and encourage students to always do their best. He is dedicated to ensuring that all students feel welcome in his lessons and develop healthy habits that they can carry forward into their adult lives.

Chris Cartledge

PE, IA, & CCA Assistant
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