Coach Nifty Catts is a returning staff member who was one of the original coaches to help get the BISP Swim Academy started.  Returning to Phuket from Australia, Coach Nifty will be working with Learn To Swim (LTS), the Blue squad, as well as helping with some of our development groups. We took some time to ask Nifty a few questions and get to know him better. 

What is your role as a swim coach and how do you anticipate students and parents will connect with you? 

I am excited to teach LTS, Masters, and the Blue and Secondary Development Squads. I immerse myself in sessions and take an interest in students’ lives. I challenge students so they understand that learning is about the confidence to, “Have a go”. Parents want to see programmes that are active with involved participants. 

Connection is about giving and receiving. 

What do you enjoy most about working in education?

Teaching is the coolest fun! It is all about exploration. I get to meet and form relationships with many people from different backgrounds. There is a lot of satisfaction in having a part in the student’s journey and watching their personalities grow.

What attracted you to BISP?

I worked at BISP previously in Primary PE from 2000 to 2012. When the chance came to return, in this varied teaching/coaching role, I jumped at it. The swim programme here is massively integrated across all levels and bound through knowledge and nurturing which creates a strong team. That is an attractive environment to work in.

What’s a professional skill, or area of interest, that you’re keen on developing at BISP? 

In the last two years, I completed my Masters Australia and Swimming Australia Development Coach accreditations. I worked with the Uni SA squad but I still have so much to learn. I will seek guidance from our experienced high-performance coaches and continue with higher-level coaching qualifications.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I like to stay active – explore on the bicycle/swim/lawn bowls. For more relaxed downtime –  I like to read, listen to music and go to the beach. I also like to cook and eat and spend time catching up with my mates.

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

I have a good rapport with students which facilitates trust. I am open with their progress; telling them, in real time, what they are doing well, why and how they can see/feel it for themselves. I tell it how it is and students and parents alike respect that.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Go with your gut! You will have plenty of opportunities, throughout life, to trip over your brain.