SPORT @ DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY - EMIRATES HILLS
Best Sport School Award Application
Curriculum Overview
(PYP, MYP, DP)
Our Physical and Health Education programme follows the full International Baccalaureate continuum – PYP, MYP, and DP – offering a seamless progression that integrates physical activity, conceptual learning, and personal development. In the PYP, students engage in a wide range of movement activities that help them develop fundamental motor skills, physical literacy, and a lifelong appreciation for health and well-being. Through inquiry-based learning, students explore concepts such as teamwork, leadership and personal responsibility whilst participating in a range of activities such as; invasion games, gymnastics, striking and fielding, Swimming and Athletics. Lessons are designed to be fun and inclusive, with challenge for all, whilst encouraging every student to be an active participant and reflective learner. The MYP encourages inquiry, performance analysis, and skill refinement across diverse sports and physical activities while connecting to global contexts and real-life health issues. In the DP, students deepen their understanding of the mind-body connection and are encouraged to pursue personal fitness goals while reflecting critically on the role of physical activity in lifelong health. Across all stages, we promote holistic growth by aligning curriculum content with key IB learner profile traits, ensuring every student leaves with the confidence, knowledge, and motivation to lead an active, healthy life.
Skill Development Frameworks
Our approach to skill development is built on the belief that physical competence must grow alongside confidence and character. From the early years to pre-university level, we deliver a progressive, vertically aligned framework that evolves with each student’s development. Fundamental movement skills are introduced in the PYP through play and exploration, and refined in the MYP through structured sport-specific instruction and tactical application. In the DP, students build autonomy in selecting activities aligned with their personal goals and lifestyle choices. The learning journey balances technique with decision-making, creativity with discipline, and challenge with support. True to our philosophy, every skill taught is connected to something greater—whether it’s improving one’s health, learning to collaborate, building leadership, or overcoming setbacks. Our aim is to prepare students not only to perform but to understand, reflect, and transfer these physical and mental skills into life beyond sport.
Inclusive Practices and Adaptations
In line with our belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive, our Physical and Health Education programme is rooted in inclusive practice. We ensure that all students—regardless of ability, background, or learning need—are supported to participate, grow, and feel valued. Lessons are designed with flexibility, differentiation, and purpose, incorporating adaptive strategies and tools to remove barriers while preserving challenge. Collaboration with SEN teams and support staff ensures that physical education is a space of joy, safety, and success for all learners. Inclusion is not a policy—it is a lived commitment, driven by care, compassion, and high expectations. We believe sport is one of the most powerful tools for building confidence and belonging, and through thoughtful design and genuine empathy, we create a culture where every student is seen, supported, and inspired to be active—for life.
Well-being and Health Literacy
At DIA Emirates Hills, well-being and health literacy are integral to our educational mission. We do not view health as a standalone topic but as a lifelong journey rooted in awareness, responsibility, and positive action. Our PHE curriculum equips students with the knowledge, values, and decision-making skills needed to lead balanced, healthy lives. From understanding nutrition and sleep to managing stress, emotions, and mental health, students explore the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of wellness. We encourage reflection and real-life application, helping learners build sustainable habits and a sense of ownership over their health. This focus supports not just academic achievement but personal resilience and emotional maturity. As educators and mentors, we lead by example—ensuring that every student develops a mindset of self-care, empathy, and empowerment that extends beyond school into adulthood.
Fitness Testing and Personal Goal Setting
Fitness testing at DIA Emirates Hills is designed to inspire personal growth, self-awareness, and motivation—not comparison. Our assessments are age-appropriate, holistic, and used as a tool to help students understand their own physical development. Students are guided to set realistic, personalised goals and to track their progress over time through reflection and meaningful dialogue with teachers. Emphasis is placed on improvement, effort, and resilience, aligning with our belief that sport is a personal journey. Through this process, students learn how to manage their own health and fitness with purpose and ownership. It empowers them to make informed decisions, take responsibility for their lifestyle, and value progress over perfection. Ultimately, our goal is to help students see physical fitness not as a temporary task, but as a lifelong skill that supports confidence, health, and fulfilment.