Sport for All

Basketball has been thriving at Brighton College Dubai, with teams competing across all year groups from Year 3 to Year 13, fielding a boys and girls team for all years. The girls’ teams have slightly outperformed the boys, securing a few more wins, but the spirit, dedication, and attitude have been excellent across all teams. Training sessions run most days, and attendance has been exceptional, reflecting the passion and commitment of our players.

The football season at Brighton College Dubai has been nothing short of incredible, with 20 teams representing the school and approximately 180 pupils—both boys and girls—actively participating. This level of engagement is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the dedication of our PE and teaching staff, as well as our partnership with Desert Falcons, an external football training company.

At Brighton College, team training is offered every morning, focusing on developing technical skills to prepare students for competitive fixtures. With such high enthusiasm for the sport, it has been a privilege to witness both our boys’ and girls’ teams compete in the DASSA League, performing exceptionally well.

Beyond local competitions, Brighton College also runs BSME training for our U11, U13, and U15 boys’ and girls’ teams.

At Brighton College Dubai, school netball offers exciting opportunities for students from Year 3 to Year 13 to engage in both competitive and recreational play. The school provides a range of extracurricular activities (CCA) to help students develop their netball skills and compete in fixtures against other schools. Pupils also have access to elite netball pathways, allowing them to participate in prestigious tournaments such as the BSME Netball, BSAK 7s, DC 7s, and Dubai 7s. Additionally, talented players can represent the school in the BSME Games, further enhancing their development and experience in the sport.

At Brighton College Dubai, Dance takes center stage through the vibrant CCA (Co-Curricular Activities) program. Pupils not only participate but also compete in prestigious events like the annual Desert Dance and BSME Dance competitions. These events showcase the pupils' creativity, choreographic skills, and teamwork in fun and competitive events across Dubai. This emphasis on dance outside the traditional PE curriculum underscores Brighton College Dubai's commitment to holistic education and nurturing diverse talents among its pupil body.

Swimming is an integral part of the curriculum at Brighton College, with lessons commencing from FS1 and continuing through to Sixth Form. Pupils regularly participate in galas and competitions, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. Swimming sessions are run by specialist instructors in our 25-metre pool. Here, pupils learn various strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Additionally, swimming squad sessions are available from Year 1, offering further skill development and opportunities to enjoy the sport. 

Cricket is a growing sport at Brighton College Dubai. Currently, we compete in the mixed gender DASSA leagues, participating in quick cricket for the Prep School and U13 & U15 Tapeball for the Senior School, where we consistently perform well and secure victories. Our goal is to transition into the Hardball format within the next two years. To support this development, we are in the process of acquiring cricket batting cages to enhance training opportunities. Cricket is integrated into the curriculum during Terms 2 and 3, and a weekly Cricket Club is available for both Prep and Senior pupils throughout Term 3. All fixtures are scheduled during Term 3.

Athletics plays a key role in our PE curriculum across both Prep and Senior Schools, providing students with a comprehensive and engaging experience in the sport. Athletics is incorporated into our curriculum lessons, where students focus on developing track and field events. We offer athletics as a CCA for both Prep and Senior pupils, allowing them to further develop their skills outside of the classroom and participate in specialised training sessions.
From U8 onwards, students compete in DASSA fixtures, representing the school in a variety of athletics events and festivals, striving to achieve personal and team success. Many of our pupils have gone on to qualify for the DASSA finals, showcasing the depth of talent within our athletics program. Furthermore, athletics is one of the core sports competed in during the BSME Games, where our students have the opportunity to compete against  athletes from other British schools in the region.

Brighton College Dubai has introduced contact rugby from Years 3 to 7, with outstanding success. Our Year 7 senior team remains undefeated in their debut season, dominating their league with high-scoring performances. Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 have also excelled, winning their respective leagues and showcasing the results of their dedication and training. Both teams train twice a week and have shown remarkable progress. The girls’ tag rugby teams, spanning Years 3 to 9, have been equally committed, displaying impressive skills and enthusiasm in their matches despite being new to the sport.

In our Prep PE curriculum, each class enjoys two lessons per week: one focused on swimming and the other on developing fundamental physical skills, individual sports, and team sports. Pre-Prep lessons are mixed-gender, while Prep lessons are taught in single-gender groups to provide meaningful experiences. Students also have the opportunity to compete in the DASSA League from the U8 age group, offering a chance to apply their skills in a competitive environment. This approach ensures that each student develops physically, socially, and emotionally, fostering a lifelong love for sport and physical activity.

At Brighton College Dubai, the Senior PE curriculum consists of two lessons per week: one focused on swimming and the other on developing fundamental physical skills, individual sports, and team sports. The PE lessons are taught in single-gender groups to provide meaningful experiences. Pupils also have the opportunity to compete in the DASSA League in different age groups, offering a chance to apply their skills in a competitive environment. This approach ensures that each student develops physically, socially, and emotionally, fostering a lifelong love for sport and physical activity.

At Brighton College Dubai, the Sixth Form PE program is focused on wellbeing and is highly pupil-led, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable approach to physical activity. Pupils can choose from a wide range of sports, including padel tennis, basketball, football, badminton, and volleyball, as well as a wellbeing walk for those who prefer a more mindful form of exercise. This approach allows pupils to take ownership of their physical wellbeing while fostering teamwork and an active lifestyle. All Sixth Form pupils are required to wear the school-branded PE kit and participate in the dedicated weekly hour of Physical Education, reinforcing the College’s commitment to health, fitness, and overall wellbeing.

Volleyball is a new and exciting sport at Brighton College Dubai, with boys already competing at it within the BSME Games. The PE department is committed to expanding the sport, with plans to introduce it further into the curriculum. Additionally, the school will be entering the DASSA league, providing students with more opportunities to develop their skills and compete at a high level over the next academic year. We are certain that this new addition to the provision will gain quick popularity, offering a fresh challenge for students looking to excel in a dynamic team sport.

A developing sport at Brighton College Dubai. The PE department is committed to expanding the sport, with plans to introduce it further into the curriculum.