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
Dance is a dynamic part of life at BIS Abu Dhabi, enriching both our curriculum and co-curricular programme. In partnership with The Juilliard School, students from FS to KS4 receive world-class dance education that blends fitness, rhythm, creativity, and expression.
Through Juilliard-inspired lessons, students build physical coordination, agility, teamwork, imagination, and self-confidence. Beyond the classroom, our diverse dance CCAs offer opportunities to explore styles, develop performance skills, and deepen their love for dance, all within a dedicated, well-equipped space.
Inspiring Excellence in Dance
We aim to establish BIS Abu Dhabi as the region’s leading centre of excellence for dance, combining Juilliard’s expertise with our specialist staff and facilities. Whether dancing for fun, fitness, or future pathways, every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Swimming at BIS Abu Dhabi
At BIS Abu Dhabi, swimming is at the heart of our PE curriculum and co-curricular programme. With two purpose-built pools and a team of dedicated, professional coaches, we provide an outstanding aquatic pathway for students of all ages and abilities – from building water confidence in our youngest learners to training elite athletes for regional competitions.
Junior Swimming – Building Confidence
Our indoor teaching pool is the perfect environment for students from Nursery to Year 2. Here, children develop water confidence, water safety skills, and the foundations of stroke technique. Through fun, engaging lessons, they learn to swim short distances using a variety of strokes and start their journey towards a lifelong enjoyment of swimming.
Every student in these year groups receives one swimming lesson per week throughout the year, ensuring steady progress and confidence in the water.
Senior Swimming – Expanding Skills
From Year 3 onwards, students progress to our modern 25m x 6-lane training pool, equipped with an overflow system, electronic touch pads for timing, and a rubber safety floor.
Students take part in three blocks of aquatic lessons each year (6–8 weeks each), covering a broad and exciting range of activities, including:
• Stroke development & technique
• Water polo
• Aqua fitness
• Lifesaving & personal survival skills
This approach ensures every student not only develops as a swimmer but also experiences the full breadth of aquatic sport and water safety education.
Team Falcon Swimming – FAST
Our Falcon Swim Team (FAST) is the school’s performance pathway for talented and committed swimmers. The squad trains year-round with access to multiple pool sessions each week, supported by land-based training to build athleticism, strength, and mobility.
Selection to FAST takes place through annual trials, ensuring that squad members are committed, hardworking, and ready to represent the school.
The team proudly competes in the ADISSA Swim League, the BSME Swimming Championships, and a range of invitational galas across the UAE and beyond. This gives our swimmers the chance to test themselves against the very best while developing resilience, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
A Lifelong Skill, A Competitive Edge
Whether a student is taking their first strokes in the teaching pool, improving their endurance in the training pool, or racing at regional championships with Team Falcon, swimming at BIS Abu Dhabi is designed to inspire, challenge, and support every learner.
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