OUR APPROACH TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT BIS ABU DHABI

Our Physical Education curriculum is designed to inspire, challenge, and engage all students. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop physical confidence, discover new interests, and build lifelong healthy habits through an inclusive, high-quality programme.

Developing Skills for Life and Wellbeing

Our curriculum provides opportunities for students to improve their physical competence, develop control, co-ordination, and movement skills, and gain confidence across a wide range of physical activities. Through participation, students also build essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience.

A strong emphasis is placed on promoting physical, social, and emotional wellbeing, alongside fostering an understanding of the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle. Whether in the pool, on the field, or in the classroom, our students are encouraged to enjoy being active, challenge themselves, and experience success at their own level.

Curriculum Structure by Key Stage

Nursery & Foundation Stage

In Foundation Stage 1 & 2, students enjoy one PE lesson and one swimming lesson each week, led by our specialist PE and swimming teachers. An additional swimming lesson is provided for Foundation Stage 1 students through our Extended Provision Programme. These sessions focus on developing basic movement skills, water confidence, and fostering a love for physical activity.

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 – 2)

Students participate in one PE lesson and one swimming lesson per week. Our curriculum is designed to be broad and varied, with activities and units of study changing approximately every six weeks to ensure students experience a wide range of movement skills and physical challenges.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3 – 6)

Students engage in two PE lessons per week. As part of a progressive curriculum, students follow 5–6 week activity blocks that focus on developing physical literacy, fundamental movement skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. Swimming is integrated as a unit of work within the wider PE programme.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 – 9)

Students benefit from a double block PE lesson each week, allowing for more in-depth skill development and exploration of a wide variety of activities. The curriculum follows 5–6-week blocks, introducing students to different sports, health-related fitness, and personal development opportunities. Swimming continues to be incorporated as a unit of study.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 – 11)

Students have two PE lessons per week, with a broader choice of physical activities designed to encourage students to discover new interests and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle beyond their school years. The curriculum focuses on promoting independent engagement in sport and physical activity, with enrichment opportunities offered throughout the year to further inspire participation.

Examination Pathways

GCSE Physical Education (Years 10 – 11)

We offer the Edexcel GCSE in Physical Education, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in sport and exercise. The course structure includes 60% theory (assessed through a written examination), 30% practical performance across three activities, and 10% coursework, which includes a Personal Exercise Programme (PEP) and an analysis of performance. Students benefit from three lessons per week, split between theory and practical components.

IB Diploma Programme: Sport, Exercise and Health Science (Years 12 – 13)

Our IB Sport, Exercise and Health Science course equips students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles underpinning sport, exercise, and physical health. Through topics such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and health promotion, students develop critical thinking, research skills, and practical application, preparing them for further study or careers within the health, sport, or exercise science fields.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport (Years 12 – 13)

For students seeking a more vocational, applied route into the sports industry, we offer the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Sport, equivalent to three A-Levels. This comprehensive programme provides students with practical knowledge, leadership experience, and industry-relevant skills across a wide range of units, including Sports Coaching, Anatomy and Physiology, Fitness Testing, and Sports Leadership. The course prepares students for higher education or careers within sport, health, and fitness sectors.

Dance with The Juilliard School

Through our collaboration with The Juilliard School, students from FS to KS4 experience the joy of movement and fitness through dance. Each year group takes part in a dedicated dance unit within the PE curriculum, designed to inspire creativity, expression, and confidence.

In Primary, co-curricular dance activities run throughout the year, while older students have the opportunity to join dance CCAs and showcase their talents at BSME dance events and school performances.