Underpinning the development of skills, concepts, and values is the Health and Physical Education programme that provides the foundation for sports throughout the school. Our programme is based on the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme curriculum and develops and supports the whole child.

Through individual and team activities, students learn skills in different contexts designed to promote the pursuit of social, emotional, and physical well-being. Real-world and authentic learning occurs in an inclusive, diverse,  challenging, and fun environment. Self-reflection and the inclusion of different learning styles are critical to our programme, as are teamwork, collaboration, and fair play. We believe that students learn best when they feel supported in their efforts, receive feedback towards their progress and understand how they can apply their learning outside the classroom.

The hope for students who do not go beyond participating in Physical Health Education classes is to remain healthy throughout their lives and learn the benefits of recreational sports.

Through the school’s Activities Programme, students can participate in many sports before, during, or after school. The programme is supported and led by UWC Thailand staff and external providers. Either seasonally or year-round, UWC Thailand offers activities focusing on physical activity, health and wellness in a welcoming, non-competitive environment. These include, for example, badminton, climbing, dance, fitness, football, hiking, multi-sport, jiu-jitsu, running, sailing, and yoga. Basic movements learned during PHE are improved, and new skills are introduced and practised. You can find more information on our Activities Programme subsection.

Our programme fits within the UWC Thailand philosophy of allowing students to try new activities within our three-season structure. Students who want to put a more competitive emphasis on their training should join at least two weekly sessions.

When participating in the competitive programme, students aim to perfect their movement skills and focus on advanced techniques. Along the way, they will develop significant levels of strength, stamina, work capacity and speed, building on the foundations previously attained.

Any student who wishes to represent the school in competitions must fulfil the minimum training requirements. 

Our legacy competitive sports are basketball, football, running, swimming, and volleyball. The overarching focus is on:

• Fun and Enjoyment

• Teamwork and Cooperation

• Persistence, Patience and Practice

• Discipline and Learning from failure

• Sportsmanship

• Leadership Skills

• Time Management

• Success Mindset

• Skill development and Tactical awareness

PISAC - Phuket International School Athletic Conference

UWC Thailand is a founding member of the local international schools athletic conference called PISAC. Together with five other schools on the island, we host friendly matches and tournaments for Primary and Secondary students throughout the year. 

Competitions off the island

There are many after-school activities (ASAs) for our students. These are complementary to our educational program.
In some cases, teams and student-athletes get additional opportunities for competition in invitational tournaments and events within Thailand and beyond.

UWC Thailand offers a High Performance Sports programme for promising and already outstanding athletes. This programme allows students to fulfil their potential in a nurturing and well-supported environment.

Student-athletes in the programme receive specific coaching, including all aspects of coaching, such as technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of their sport. As a member of the World Academy of Sport, students can combine high performance sports at an IB school by spreading their grade 11 and 12 International Baccalaureate exam years over three years rather than two.

• Aspiring High Performance Athletes - Students on the pathway to becoming High Performance Athletes

• High Performance Athletes - Students already representing their nation or state on a competitive level