Our PE enrichment programme

At Dixons City Academy, physical education goes far beyond the classroom. Our enrichment programme provides students with exciting opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, leadership, and a lifelong love of sport and physical activity.

Opportunities outside the classroom

Skiing in Folgarida

In April 2023, we relaunched our Easter ski trip to Folgarida, Italy, our first post-Covid international visit. 21 students from across all year groups experienced skiing for the first time, explored a new culture, and created lasting friendships.

The success of that trip led to an even bigger return in 2025, where 32 students and six staff spent seven days in Italy, including SEND and Pupil Premium students who were supported to access the experience. Looking ahead, our next ski adventure is already being planned for 2027.

Ullswater Residential

The Ullswater residential is a compulsory part of the Dixons City Academy experience. Students take part in a week of outdoor adventure activities designed to build teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence.

Students choose between the 'Challenge Yourself' or 'Extreme Challenge' pathways, pushing themselves in a supportive environment. In 2024, 156 students attended, alongside a bespoke day trip for SEND students, ensuring that every child had the opportunity to take part.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Dixons City Academy has proudly run the Duke of Edinburgh Award for over nine years, with 739 students completing Bronze or Silver since its launch.

• 156 Pupil Premium students and 47 SEND students have successfully achieved the award.
• 32 students in our Individual Needs department have gained the Certificate of Achievement, ensuring inclusion for those unable to complete expeditions.
• Many of our students progress on to Gold in sixth form.

Our commitment has been recognised nationally, with staff invited to a Buckingham Palace celebration and the school awarded £5,000 of funding to support participation. This has allowed us to purchase tents, rucksacks, maps, cooking equipment, and subsidise costs so that all students, regardless of background can access the award.

Extra-curricular PE

For the 2024/25 academic year, 142 students across all year groups have attended PE enrichment clubs, with strong participation from SEND (27–29% across year groups) and Pupil Premium (32%).

We run clubs every evening except Mondays, linking many activities to the Dixons Cup competitions so students can both try new sports and represent the academy.

Highlights include:

• Football: Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 clubs with 20–30+ students weekly; success in Dixons Cup with tournament wins for boys’ and girls’ teams.
• Fitness club: hugely popular, attracting 30+ Key Stage 3 students each week.
• Climbing club: new in 2024, oversubscribed with 30 students and a waiting list.
• Badminton club: consistently strong attendance across all year groups.
• Running club: celebrated success at the Dixons Cup Cross Country, winning overall and producing the fastest competitor in Year 11.

Our offer is deliberately inclusive, based on the joy of participation and healthy lifestyles, not just competition.

Opportunities inside the classroom

Sports leaders

At Key Stage 4, students can complete the Sports Leaders qualification, developing skills in planning, organisation, and leadership. In 2024, 38 students achieved the award, gaining valuable experience by leading sessions for peers and local primary pupils at Newby Primary.

This qualification is subsidised to ensure access for all and supports students’ CVs, personal statements, and Post-16 applications.

First aid training

We have also introduced first aid training for Year 7 and Year 8. Students learn key theory in Personal Development Studies and complete practical assessments with PE staff during Year 11 mock exam week. These vital life skills prepare students to act confidently in emergencies.

The impact of PE Enrichment

From international ski trips to leadership awards, from climbing walls to cross-country success, our PE enrichment programme gives students opportunities to:

• build resilience and teamwork
• grow confidence and leadership
• develop lifelong healthy habits
• experience success both recreationally and competitively

At Dixons City Academy, we believe every student should find joy in sport and physical activity — and our PE enrichment programme ensures just that.