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Variables contributing to the development of sporting excellence in Singapore schools : the case of Broadway Secondary
Author
Seet, Irwin
Supervisor
Saunders, John E.
Abstract
A seminar on SPEX 2000 and the Schools (Singapore Sports Council, 1994) outlined the symbiotic relationship that needed to exist between schools and NSAs if potential champions are to be groomed. The process of developing champion sporting teams in Singapore schools however remains vague as no study has yet been conducted (The Straits Times, October 9, 1992, p.42). In order to gain understanding of this process, a case study was conducted in Broadway Secondary School*, a school that has a tradition of producing excellent results in sports.
A review of the effective schools' literature revealed six characteristics of effective schools that were most prominent - the influence of the principal, the school culture, the giving of rewards and incentives to motivate students, the presence of good facilities, the contributions of teachers and the support of the school's community. A seventh characteristic - that of having a tradition in specific sports was identified from local newspaper reports.
A case study design was chosen in order to best illuminate the role of these seven variables. Interviews, observations and the evoking of documents were the sources used to derive the data.
The school culture of achievement emerged as having an overarching influence over the other variables. The human agents for propagating this culture were the principal, teachers, coaches, volunteers and parents who were noted to possess a strong shared culture. It was observed that the majority of those in each of these groups were old boys of the school who were perceived to be more committed towards the attainment of success-oriented goals. The focus for the effort of these agents was the student body, who possessed a greater potential for achievement of success than would have been the case in a less prestigious institution. Extrinsic rewards and incentives were used as motivational tools to perpetuate and sporting traditions within the school. The strength of the cultural and human influences mitigated any effect from the lack of sporting facilities within the school. Two further variables of significance emerged - the competence of the student body and the Christian influence.
The study concludes by addressing the issue of whether Broadway should continue to focus on achievement to the extent where winning is the main objective or propagate an alternative vision which was more in line with its Christian mission. Some limitations of the study were identified and suggestions made for further research.
A review of the effective schools' literature revealed six characteristics of effective schools that were most prominent - the influence of the principal, the school culture, the giving of rewards and incentives to motivate students, the presence of good facilities, the contributions of teachers and the support of the school's community. A seventh characteristic - that of having a tradition in specific sports was identified from local newspaper reports.
A case study design was chosen in order to best illuminate the role of these seven variables. Interviews, observations and the evoking of documents were the sources used to derive the data.
The school culture of achievement emerged as having an overarching influence over the other variables. The human agents for propagating this culture were the principal, teachers, coaches, volunteers and parents who were noted to possess a strong shared culture. It was observed that the majority of those in each of these groups were old boys of the school who were perceived to be more committed towards the attainment of success-oriented goals. The focus for the effort of these agents was the student body, who possessed a greater potential for achievement of success than would have been the case in a less prestigious institution. Extrinsic rewards and incentives were used as motivational tools to perpetuate and sporting traditions within the school. The strength of the cultural and human influences mitigated any effect from the lack of sporting facilities within the school. Two further variables of significance emerged - the competence of the student body and the Christian influence.
The study concludes by addressing the issue of whether Broadway should continue to focus on achievement to the extent where winning is the main objective or propagate an alternative vision which was more in line with its Christian mission. Some limitations of the study were identified and suggestions made for further research.
Date Issued
1995
Call Number
GV663.S56 See
Date Submitted
1995