Athletics / Sport
Dwight is committed to the development of the whole child, including physical well-being. Through Physical Education classes and a wide range of extra-curricular programs and athletic teams, students have opportunities to set goals, hone their skills, and excel in both individual and team sports.
Recreational, development squads and competitive sports provision includes Athletics (Track & Field), Basketball, Football / Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, and Volleyball.
As part of Dwight’s philosophy of delivering personalised learning, we offer multiple pathways that allow students to explore different sports and experience competition in a safe but rewarding environment.
Dwight is a non-results sports school where the process will always be celebrated over the result. Although results will be displayed around the school to promote awareness of participation, students will be taught the value of mental and physical preparation, teamwork, discipline and developing their craft through a holistic sports model.
Curriculum topics include Swimming, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Dodgeball, Gymnastics, Volleyball, Tennis, Netball and Cricket. Students are then invited to further develop their skills in a participation based ECA (delivered by our range of external providers) or enjoy a taste of competition against other Dubai based schools in the DASSA school leagues, friendlies, tournaments and sports festivals delivered through the Dwight LIONS Sports Academy program (delivered by the PHE department).
Sports academy training sessions are delivered by the PHE department on a seasonal basis across numerous facilities, and we highly encourage students to participate in a number of sports across an academic year to develop multi-sport skills. Academy training sessions take place between 7:00-7:45 am or 6:30-7:30 am, with regular competitive fixtures taking place within that sports’ competitive season (these are set by the DASSA school sports league).
Dwight LIONS Team Training Seasons – 2023/24
| Season 1 (September-December) | Season 2 (January-April) | Season 3 (May-July) | |
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| PYP Sports | Netball Football Aquathon Swimming |
Rip Rugby Girls Football Girls Rugby Athletics |
Rounders Badminton Basketball Swimming Girls Basketball |
| MYP Sports | Swimming Netball Football Girls Basketball Basketball Girls Football |
Netball Touch Rugby Athletics Swimming Volleyball Cricket Football – Knockout Cups Tennis |
Cricket Water Polo Mixed Futsal Basketball Rounders Swimming Badminton |
Swimming at Dwight School Dubai
Students will swim as part of the core PE curriculum for 1.5 terms per year, from Grades Prek-G5. Swimming lessons are 45 minutes long and swimming is compulsory for all students. If students are to be excused from swimming, their PE teacher or homeroom teacher must have received a medical note before the lesson. From grades 6 through to grade 8, students are offered an optional 10 week swimming unit in Term 3.
Swimming dates for academic year 2023/24 – PreK-G5 students
- Term 1: w/b 4th September 2023-w/b 20th November 2023 (11 weeks)
- Term 2.1: w/b 2nd January 2024-w/b 5th February 2024 (6 weeks)
Swimming is a key life skill and extended opportunities will be delivered for those who wish to further their skills, such as competitive swimming through our swim squads, assisting internal house swimming galas or through lifeguard training.
The swimming curriculum is sequenced so that students progress their skills across all four strokes and develop knowledge of pool and water safety. Our swimming program is delivered in partnership with Urban Swim Academy, who assist with lesson instruction, swimming event delivery and staff training.
Urban Swim Academy also deliver regular ECAs at Dwight and offer a comprehensive evening academy program at Dwight, further information can be found on their website https://urbanswimacademy.com/ or through contacting Heidi Kurth, General Manager, through [email protected]
Extra Curricular Activities section
I am delighted to introduce the Term 1 Extracurricular Activities (ECA) program for the upcoming school year. As the dedicated ECA Coordinator, my goal is to provide an enriching experience that complements our students’ academic journey.
Participation in ECAs is a valuable opportunity for students to explore their passions, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships. Our diverse range of activities, spanning sports, performing arts, STEM, and community service, ensures there is something for everyone.
By engaging in ECAs, students gain self-confidence, enhance their physical well-being, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork and communication. These experiences contribute to their holistic development and will benefit them in their future endeavours.
I encourage all students to take full advantage of the ECA programs available, as they provide a well-rounded education and a fulfilling experience. As the ECA Coordinator, I am committed to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for our students.
If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Let us work together to make Term 1 an exceptional and memorable experience through our outstanding ECA programs.
Best regards,
Roel Roberts
ECA Coordinator
Introducing the ‘C.A.R.E’ ECA Program
Students will be able to explore a range of ECAs based on the categorisation in the ‘C.A.R.E’ program. We encourage all students to explore ECAs across all areas of the program to develop holistic interests and skills.
Creative – Activities that develop creative skills such as student leadership, writing and drawing, designing and evaluating, collaboration and development of interpersonal skills. Examples include Robotics, STEAM, Arts & Crafts, Pottery, Film Club, Gardening, Drawing & Games Club.
Academic – Activities that support Academic attainment and progress and are usually delivered by subject specialists. Academic activities act as additional opportunities for students to develop subject specific skills and knowledge. Students will be able to transfer these skills into their academic subject time. Examples include E-portfolio enrichment, home learning support and the daily offering of subject specific ‘booster sessions’ to ensure students are supported in their development and progress.
Recreational – Activities that include the Arts, Music, Drama & Sports. These activities offer authentic opportunities to join exceptionally talented communities, enjoy additional experiences such as trips, tours and regular fixtures and events and for your children to shine in the spotlight or on the field. Examples include Drama Scene, Music Choirs and enjoying the extensive offer of external sports provision (e.g Golf at The Els Club, Horse Riding & Stable Management, Tennis, Football & Gymnastics) and the Dwight LIONS Sports Academy Teams.
Extension Activities that are designed to extend students’ interest in an academic field in ways that they do not usually experience within academic lessons. Students will be able to explore subjects on a deeper level through inquiry and the sharing of staff expertise. Examples include Language Acquisition and Culture ECAs, Clubhouse, Debate Club, Model United Nations (MUN), Book Club, Journalism and Little Scientist.
Term 1 ECA Calendar
| Week | Dates | Excluding (e.g school events, conferences, staff professional development) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11th-15th September | ECAs begin |
| 2 | 18th-22nd September | |
| 3 | 25th-29th September | 29th September |
| 4 | 2nd-6th October | |
| 5 | 9th-13th October | |
| Half term – 16th-20th October | ||
| 6 | 23rd-27th October | |
| 7 | 30th-3rd November | 1st November, 2nd November |
| 8 | 6th-10th November | |
| 9 | 13th-17th November | 17th November |
| 10 | 20th-24th November | ECA end |
Term 1 ECA Provision
Lower School
| Lower School | Times | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
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| PreK – KG1 | 2:15 – 3:15 pm |
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| PreK – KG1 External Paid Sports Provision | 2:00 – 2:45 pm |
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| Grades KG2 to 5 | 3:45 – 4:30 pm |
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| KG2-5 External Paid Sports Provision |
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Cross Phase (Lower & Upper School)
| Lower & Upper School | Times | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
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| Grades KG2 to 12 | 3:45 – 4:30 pm |
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Upper School
| Upper School | Times | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
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| Grades 6 to 10 | 3:45 – 4:30 pm |
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| G6+ External Paid Sports Provision | Mixed timings
Off-site (mentioned) |
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