Our programme places equal importance on participation, performance and personal development. 

Students are encouraged to embrace challenge, demonstrate commitment, work collaboratively and represent the school with pride. More than developing athletes, the DIS Sports Academy aims to develop confident, resilient and well-rounded young people who live our values of Dedication, Integrity and Success.

The DIS Sports Academy Pathway

The Sports Academy pathway provides opportunities for students at every stage of their sporting journey.

Engagement

The foundation of the DIS Sports Academy. Every student takes part in high-quality Physical Education lessons and House sporting opportunities. Through these experiences, students develop physical literacy, confidence, teamwork and an enjoyment of physical activity.

Our aim is to ensure that every student develops a positive relationship with sport and physical activity and understands the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Participation

Creating opportunities for every student to get involved. Students can extend their sporting experiences beyond curriculum PE through a broad programme of lunchtime and after-school Co-Curricular Activities. Participation opportunities are designed to be inclusive, supportive and enjoyable, allowing students to explore different sports, develop new skills and build confidence alongside their peers.

Students can participate recreationally, develop their skills within a particular sport, or begin their journey towards representing the school competitively.

Competitive

Representing DIS with pride. Students who progress into our competitive programme have opportunities to represent Deira International School in school teams, leagues, tournaments and fixtures. Competitive athletes are expected to demonstrate the values of the DIS Sports Academy through their commitment, attitude, teamwork and conduct.

Representing DIS is about more than sporting performance. Students learn how to respond to challenge, work towards shared goals, demonstrate resilience and represent their school community with pride.

Performance

Supporting students to reach their sporting potential. The Performance level provides additional challenge and opportunity for students and teams demonstrating high levels of commitment, ability and sporting potential. Students within this level may compete in performance leagues, major tournaments such as the BSME Games and representative competitions, with opportunities to represent DIS at some of the highest levels of school sport.

Performance athletes are encouraged to take greater ownership of their development, maintain consistently high standards, and demonstrate the dedication required to pursue sporting excellence.

Through the Sports Academy, students have opportunities to develop:

• Dedication - committing to improvement, preparation and personal goals.
• Integrity - demonstrating respect, honesty, and sportsmanship.
• Success - striving to achieve personal and team excellence.
• Leadership - taking responsibility and positively influencing others.
• Resilience - responding constructively to challenges and setbacks.
• Teamwork - communicating, collaborating, and contributing to a shared goal.
• Independence - taking ownership of personal development and performance.

Whether a student is discovering a new sport, participating with friends, representing DIS in competition or pursuing performance-level sport, the DIS Sports Academy provides a pathway for them to belong, develop and succeed.