From Sports Day to Lifelong Athletes: How Harrow Beijing Builds a Holistic PE Curriculum

In the field of international education, Physical Education has long surpassed the singular goal of building physical strength. It has become a core subject that shapes student character and fosters lifelong habits. Taking the UK National Curriculum as an example, PE is defined as a vital vehicle for holistic development—achieved through physical competence, knowledge and understanding, and the transmission of values. At Harrow Beijing, this philosophy is vividly brought to life as a 12-year sports journey—from foundational motor skills in Early Years and Lower School, to in-depth sports science studies in the Upper School. Throughout this journey, PE is deeply interwoven with academic, social, and emotional education. It transforms every student from a vibrant figure on the sports field into a healthy, resilient, and collaborative lifelong athlete ready to thrive in society.

As the value of school-based sports gains increasing recognition, Harrow Beijing has chosen to redefine PE through a more systematic lens. PE is not merely the preparation for an annual competitive event—it is also a steady progression of physical training in everyday classes, an exploration of scientific principles in motion, and a crucible for team spirit in House competitions. Through a well-structured, tiered, and differentiated approach, PE becomes an invisible staircase that supports students’ growth in academic achievement, leadership, and character development.

In the past two weeks, both the Lower School and Upper School at Harrow Beijing held their grand Sports Day celebrations. Across year groups, students took part in a variety of individual and team-based challenges, where they demonstrated remarkable athletic skills and showcased their collaborative spirit in House competitions—battling for honour and unity. The Sports Days also drew enthusiastic participation from many parents, who cheered from the sidelines, joined in activities, and witnessed their children’s growth firsthand. The electrifying atmosphere inspired every member of the Harrow community in attendance!

Lower School Sports Day Highlights

Upper School Sports Day Highlights

Differentiated Curriculum Design:

From Play-Based Learning to Academic Depth

In the Lower School, PE classes break away from the monotony of traditional drills through theme-based, game-oriented teaching. Skills are seamlessly connected to everyday life. Take group skipping as an example—it’s not just a lively team activity but a hidden lesson in collaboration. Students learn to synchronize rhythm, time their jumps, and encourage one another: “Adjust the pace—let’s try again!”

In day-to-day lessons, teachers use sports like football and handball to translate abstract concepts—such as offense-defense strategy and spatial awareness—into engaging challenges. As students learn to intercept on the field, they are unknowingly developing strategic thinking and adaptability—skills essential far beyond sports.

In the Upper School, our diverse and inclusive curriculum introduces students to a broad spectrum of sports, including basketball, football, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics, martial arts, and more. Early secondary years focus on general, transferable skills that form the foundation for later, more specialized training in techniques, rules, and tactics. This progression helps students build the competencies required at the IGCSE level. This year, we piloted a Water Safety and CPR unit, which will be formally integrated into next year’s curriculum. A theoretical component has also been added, helping students make cross-curricular connections between PE and subjects like Anatomy, Biology, Biomechanics, Chemistry, Economics, and Psychology—reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of both the IGCSE and A-Level PE programmes.

Harrow Values in Action:

PE as Character Education

Courage, Fellowship, Honour, Humility—these Harrow core values are far more than slogans. They are embedded in the everyday moments of our PE classes:

• Courage: Through progressive challenges (such as obstacle courses), students learn to push their limits safely, acquire new skills, and compete with confidence.
• Fellowship: In demanding group activities like synchronized skipping, a simple “Don’t worry—we can adjust and try again!” becomes the most natural form of peer support.
• Honour & Humility: Win or lose, every student is taught to shake hands and thank their opponents—instilling the understanding that respecting others matters more than winning.

Rather than comparing themselves to others, students are encouraged to focus on surpassing their own limits, to win respect with integrity, and to empower others through collaboration. This enduring belief is the heartbeat of every sprint, every partnership, and every post-match reflection—a living expression of courage, fellowship, honour, and humility in action.

Advice for Families:

Let Wellbeing Grow Naturally

How can the spirit of PE extend into family life? Luis and Liam, PE teachers at Harrow Beijing, shared three “zero-barrier” tips:

1. Daily Micro-Exercise: Just 15 minutes a day—whether it’s a walk, a game of catch, or a round of family skipping—can significantly boost physical and mental health.
2. Role-Reversal Games: Let children become the family coach and teach what they’ve learned in PE—like the correct posture for passing a ball.
3. Celebrate Consistency Over Intensity: You don’t need to aim for elite performance. Let sport become a joyful part of family life. When healthy habits become as natural as eating and sleeping, physical activity will truly accompany your child for life.

At Harrow Beijing, PE is never just a snapshot frozen on the field—it is a dynamic journey of growth. The value of sports education reaches far beyond curriculum boundaries; it becomes an enduring part of each student’s identity. As these young athletes step onto the wider world stage, the strength they’ve drawn from their Harrow PE journey—passion in motion, rational thinking, and the warmth of shared values—will continue to guide their lifelong development.

At Harrow Beijing, the finish line of Sports Day is just the starting line of becoming a lifelong athlete.