What Promise Are You Making?

Every time we deliver a lesson, we’re making a promise to our students: “If you do X, you’ll get Y.”

Often, this promise is implied or hidden within the lesson, but all effective teaching carries some form of it.

For other subjects, the promise can be straightforward: “If you learn this, you will pass the exam.”

In sport, however, our promise is different. It’s not a guarantee of success but more like an invitation: “If you engage in this, you’re going to discover…”

We invite students to play sport for fun, to be part of a team, or to chase a dream of becoming a champion. But each time we offer an invitation we also make a promise.

“The athletics team is for talented athletes” promises personalized support.

“The swimming team is only for the most dedicated” promises a shared commitment to the journey.

“The football team is for everyone” promises inclusivity and community.

“The netball team is a chance to play with your friends” promises joy and connection.
Every promise aligns with the change you aim to create and speaks directly to the students you hope to inspire.

Choose your words carefully. The promises you make shape not only the lesson but also the way your students engage with it—and the way they see themselves within it.