Sport & PE at SCS

A big hello from the Sports & PE team here at Safa Community School. The Sports & PE department is a huge department with 25 full time staff who play a very important role here at SCS providing an enriching PE Curriculum as well as offering an extensive morning & afternoon Sports programme. This includes 18 qualified PE Teachers, 3 full-time lifeguards as well as 4 specialist Sports Coaches. The team is led by Mr Journeaux (Sports) & Miss Davis (PE).

PE Programme

Intra House Sporting Events

Throughout the year we run a number of Intra-House sporting events. These include Sports Days, Swimming Galas, X-Country. Read more about our School House System.

Sports Programme

Morning Sports ECAs

Morning Sports Clubs are a big part of the school day here at SCS. Every day before school starts we have around 250 children on site taking part in activities from 6.40-7.25am. These are a mixture of squad training and ‘open to all’ clubs. These clubs run from our Year 2s all the way up to our Year 13s.

Afternoon Sports ECAs

Our afternoon schedule is split into 2 sessions:

Primary students: 2.40 - 3.20pm

Secondary students: 3.30 - 4.20pm.

This is also when fixtures are played as part of the DASSA Sports League Competition that we belong to.

Sports Squads

We offer an extensive range of differing Sports squads to our students with over 200 squads across several different sports.

These Squads compete in the local DASSA Leagues as well as some more prestigious events and competitions such as; BSME Games, World School Games, Rugby/Netball 7s, Dubai School Games. Certain squads also travel far and wide to take part in sporting competitions.

In recent years our school has been represented in: Valencia (Basketball), Barcelona (Football), London (Swimming), Bahrain (Football), Scotland (Golf).

Sport & PE Leadership Team

Matt Journeaux
Matt Journeaux

Director of Sport

Claire Davis
Claire Davis

Head of PE, and Senior Leader of Artifical Intelligence

Partners

Sport & PE Leadership Team Sport & PE Leadership Team Sport & PE Leadership Team

Sport education at SCS

  • Sport Education Overview
  • Extensive Extracurricular Programme
  • DASSA League
  • Core Values & Benefits
  • Facilities, PE Curriculum & Support
  • Community & Participation
  • Success in Sports
  • Sports Leaders

At Safa Community School, our dedication to sports education is deeply rooted in inclusivity, excellence, and rapid success. We foster a culture of “Sport for All,” offering pathways for aspiring athletes through performance squad programs and a comprehensive extracurricular programme.

Sports education at Safa Community School is pivotal to our holistic approach to education. Through our commitment to “Sport for All,” supported by a robust PE curriculum, facilities, and experienced staff, we empower students to achieve their full potential. Join us at Safa Community School and experience how our sports education programme shapes well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in a diverse and dynamic world

Safa Community School offers an extensive and vibrant sporting ECA programme that runs throughout the academic year, catering to students across all age groups. With over 100 sporting ECAs available each week, sessions are delivered across our morning, primary afternoon, and secondary afternoon slots—ensuring every student has the opportunity to get involved. Our core sports include football, rugby, netball, basketball, and swimming, supported by a wide range of additional activities such as martial arts, tennis, athletics, cross country, dance, and gymnastics. With more than 20 different sports on offer, the programme promotes skill development, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for physical activity in an inclusive and engaging environment.

Safa Community School in Dubai is proud to be a leading force in the local DASSA sporting leagues, with an exceptional commitment to competitive sport and student development. Throughout the academic year, SCS runs over 200 squads across various age groups and sporting disciplines, all actively competing in DASSA leagues. The school maintains a strong and proactive relationship with DASSA, with Mr. Journeaux serving on the executive committee and Mr. Lamora leading the Secondary DASSA Basketball Leagues, as well as playing a key role in the DASSA Select Basketball Squads in recent years. Many other SCS staff have also contributed to the running of DASSA leagues, highlighting the school’s deep-rooted involvement and leadership within the Dubai school sports community.

At Safa Community School, our sporting core values and beliefs are rooted in a holistic approach to education, where sport plays a vital role in the overall development of every learner. We are committed to providing inclusive sporting opportunities for all students, regardless of ability, with a strong focus on mass participation. Our aim is to inspire a lifelong commitment to health and physical activity by promoting healthy, active lifestyles and creating a positive, supportive environment where every student can thrive, grow in confidence, and enjoy the benefits of sport both on and off the field.

Safa Community School is home to an outstanding range of bespoke sporting facilities designed to support excellence and participation across all levels. Our campus features two 8-lane, 25m swimming pools, a dedicated learner pool, two full-sized sports halls each equipped for four badminton courts, and two rugby-certified astroturf pitches. Adding to this impressive provision is a brand-new, state-of-the-art Strength & Conditioning suite, along with four outdoor netball/tennis courts. These top-tier facilities provide our students with the perfect environment to train, compete, and develop a lifelong love for sport and physical activity.

Sports are integral to our community, fostering school spirit and unity. Through inter-school competitions, friendly matches, and collaborative events, students develop friendships and a sense of belonging. We promote active participation and uphold values of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and mutual respect among our students.

In a remarkably short time frame, Safa Community School has achieved significant success in sports. We celebrate international victories at World School Games events in Swimming, Football, and Athletics, showcasing our students’ talent and dedication on a global stage.

In curriculum lessons the PE team challenges students to become young leaders by providing opportunities in every lesson for them to take ownership of their learning and use their learning skills to lead small groups. Students who show a passion for leading are encouraged to enrol on our popular Sports leadership programme. Once selected our Sports leaders and captains are given the opportunity to:

  • Support the PE team with the planning and leading of Sports days & Inter house tournaments
  • Develop their leadership skills in a range of Sports
  • Become a role model and inspire students to love PE & Sport across all key stages
  • Promote healthy active lifestyles for our entire Safa community through our social media platforms

SCS Achievements in competitive sports 2023-2024

A recent graduate was awarded a prestigious football scholarship from the University of Colorado.

Y13 graduate 2024

  • U11 World School Games Champions (Dubai) - 2025
  • U13 World School Games Champions (Dubai) - 2025
  • U11 & U13 WSG Swimming Champions (London) - 2025
  • U13 & U15 World School Games Champions - 2024
  • U13 & U15 WSG Swimming Champions - 2024
  • U13 Boys Football WSG Champions - 2023
  • U15 Girls Football WSG Champions - 2023
  • U11 DC 7s Champions - 2024
  • U11 DC 10s Champions - 2025
  • U13 Boys X-Country DASSA Champions - 2023
  • U13 DASSA Rounders Champions - 2024
  • U9 Boys DASSA Football Champions - 2023
  • U9 Girls DASSA Football Champions - 2023
  • Primary Aquathon DASSA Champions - 2024
  • U13 Girls Football BSAK 7s 3rd Place - 2024
  • U14 Boys Football Performance League winners - 2023
  • U10 Boys Rugby DASSA Champions - 2023
  • U11 World School Games (Dubai) 3rd Place Overall - 2024
  • U11 BSME Games (Dubai) 3rd Place Overall - 2024

Sports Available at SCS

At Safa Community School, we are proud to offer a diverse range of sports that inspire students to stay active, develop teamwork, and build resilience. From competitive team sports to individual activities, our comprehensive programme ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore their potential, enjoy physical fitness, and develop a lifelong passion for health and wellbeing.

Football

Rugby Union

Rippa Rugby

Basketball

Swimming

Netball

Volleyball

Athletics

Cross Country

Aquathlon

Water Polo

Cricket

Rounders

Golf

Tennis

Gymnastics

Dance

GAA

Skiing

GolfYoga

Jiu-Jitsu

Karate

Curriculum Options

We offer a range of curriculum pathways to support students in pursuing their passion for sports and physical education. These options are designed to combine practical skill development with in-depth theoretical learning, equipping students for success in both academics and future careers in sports, health, and fitness industries.

  • Level 2 BTEC Sport
  • Level 3 BTEC Sport
  • GCSE PE
  • A-Level PE

Sports ECA Participation Rates

Year 3

60%

60%
Year 4

54%

54%
Year 5

56%

56%
Year 6

51%

51%
Year 7

60%

60%
Year 8

58%

58%
Year 9

66%

66%
Year 10

57%

57%
Year 11

65%

65%
Year 12

43%

43%
Year 13

61%

61%
57%

Sport Participation

57%

100%

Sport Participation

100%

Sports Facilities

Main Astro Football/Rugby Field

Our home pitch, where squads play and SCS Supporters line the sidelines.

Fitness Suite

Added in 2022, our two-story Fitness Suite is used daily by staff and students for strength & conditioning and cardio activities.

Sports Hall/Auditorium

Our smaller sports hall turned auditorium offers a versatile space blending sports energy with cultural elegance, featuring adaptable seating and top acoustics.

Floating Astro Field

New astro above our pool and track, our revolutionary Astro Field combines cutting-edge astro-turf technology with stunning views. Elevate your game with our premier space for athletics and recreation.

Primary Learner Pool

A smaller, shallower pool primarily for FS and younger children to build water confidence.

Netball Courts

4 full-size netball courts, fully shaded and bustling year-round.

Primary Sports Hall

Built in 2016 with purple flooring and action-packed walls.

Primary Swimming 25m/8 lane Pool

Dive into our premier swimming facility featuring a 25m, 8-lane pool designed for both recreational enjoyment and serious competition.

Dance Studio & Performing Arts Room

A multi-functional space for our Dance Squad and younger years' PE lessons.

Secondary Hope Sports Hall

Unveiled in 2022, the Hope Sports Hall features a two-tiered Fitness Suite and panoramic viewing balcony, promising a cutting-edge workout experience.

Secondary Hope Swimming 25m/8 lane Pool

Unveiled in 2022, our state-of-the-art 25m, 8-lane Hope swimming pool sets the standard for aquatic excellence and community wellness.

Indoor Tent

A first-floor balcony space ideal for break times and our extensive curriculum and ECA programs.

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