MEET THE TEACHER: MS. VIKI

Meet our Physical Education and Biology teacher, Ms. Viki!

Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a Physical Education and Biology teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience across different countries, cultures, and age groups. I am deeply passionate about both subjects and about supporting students in their learning and personal development. At ISW, I mainly teach Physical Education, which is where my primary focus lies. I enjoy helping students develop confidence, improve their movement skills, and experience success through physical activity, while also helping them understand the science behind how their bodies move, perform, and stay healthy.

What first sparked your love for PE and Biology, and how do you try to pass that same spark on to your students at ISW?

My passion for Physical Education and Biology comes from understanding how movement, health, and science are closely connected. Sport and physical activity have the power to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing, while Biology helps students understand how and why the body functions the way it does. I try to pass this enthusiasm on by creating engaging and inclusive lessons where students feel motivated to challenge themselves, improve their skills, and develop a lifelong appreciation for movement and healthy living.

If a student asks, 'When will I ever use this in real life?', what is your favorite example or project you share with them to prove its value?

Students sometimes ask when they will use PE or Biology in real life, and the answer is — every day. Physical Education and Biology together help students understand fitness, health, injury prevention, and overall wellbeing. Whether learning how training strengthens the heart, how muscles work during exercise, or how lifestyle choices affect long-term health, students gain practical knowledge that supports active, healthy lives far beyond school.

What is one specific concept or topic in your subject that students usually find challenging at first, but absolutely love once they 'get' it?

One of my favorite moments in teaching is seeing the instant when a student’s eyes light up after successfully completing a challenging exercise. Often, students initially feel unsure or afraid to try something new, but when they overcome that fear and realize “I can do this,” it becomes a powerful and positive experience. I also love when students understand how their heart and muscles work together during exercise, helping them see how effort and practice lead to improvement in performance and confidence.

Describe what a typical 'high-energy' day looks like in your classroom. What are the students doing, creating, or discussing?

A typical high-energy day in PE is active, positive, and full of movement. Students are practicing skills, working collaboratively, solving movement challenges, and encouraging one another. There is often laughter, teamwork, and healthy competition. Students are not only physically active but also reflecting on performance, setting goals, and understanding how effort and practice lead to improvement.

What is a 'fun fact' or a surprising part of your subject that most people don’t know about?

Many people think Physical Education is only about playing sports, but it also teaches essential life skills such as self-discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Combined with Biology, students begin to understand how physical activity benefits both physical and mental health, helping them make sound lifestyle choices that support lifelong wellbeing.