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Holistic development through sport
Holistic development through sport
What if a school could help students excel academically while inspiring a love for sports? That's exactly what Jerudong International School (JIS) in Brunei does. Since opening its doors in 1997, JIS has become a large, well-established and well-resourced co-educational school where students are encouraged to thrive in every aspect of their lives.
For Khalilah Idham, who has been part of the JIS family since she was two years old, JIS’s holistic approach to education and its facilities have shaped her growth as a student and aspiring professional athlete. “JIS is a place where opportunities are endless,” she shares. “The Sports department, in particular, is incredibly supportive. They’ve introduced more international trips post-COVID and celebrate achievements in ways that make every athlete feel valued.”
As Oakley Calvert, a Year 10 boarder originally from the UK, shares: “I’ve learned that sports are not just about individual skills but about teamwork and trust. Training for events by the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) emphasised the importance of collaboration and supporting teammates.”
Outstanding sports provision at JIS is part of what makes the school's holistic experience extraordinary. From their first Physical Education lesson, all students are supported to engage in sports, not just for their health and well-being, but to build character, develop resilience and cultivate a sense of accomplishment. This provides opportunities to form lifelong friendships through the school’s holistic approach to education.
120-acres of endless opportunities
Surrounded by Brunei’s beaches and jungles, JIS’s campus offers seemingly countless opportunities for personal growth. For the athletes, there is an Olympic-sized 50-metre swimming pool, a 25-metre training pool, three football and rugby pitches, three air-conditioned sports halls, three basketball and netball courts and a racquet sports centre. These facilities, which rival professional venues, are where JIS athletes train to become Olympians and prepare to represent their countries.
Khalilah’s journey with sports began unexpectedly. “I started playing basketball two years ago and I never thought I’d enjoy it as much as I do now,” she says. Competing at the national level has been a highlight for Khalilah, where she played netball alongside fellow Bruneians at the recent Brunei School Games. “The diversity of players made it such a unique and fun challenge,” she recalls.
The school’s extensive Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) programme complements its extensive sports offerings. With over 300 activities to choose from, including table tennis and taekwondo to painting and performing arts, there’s truly something for everyone.
For Oakley, he was able to rekindle his love for swimming and get closer to realising his dream: acting. State-of-the-art facilities allow students to channel their acting talents on-stage, as Oakley did for the first time as the principal in the Senior School production of “The Addams Family.”
“JIS is highly organised when it comes to time management,” he says. “The musical rehearsals were efficiently planned, allowing us to manage our academic commitments alongside extracurriculars. The structure of CCAs ensures we stay productive while still having time to relax and study.
“The variety of activities on offer is remarkable and this enables students to engage in a tremendous range of worthwhile initiatives which directly align with the school’s educational ethos and values.”
COBIS Report, October 2022
Bonding through sport
Sports are as much social festivities as physical endeavours at JIS. Each field serves as a ground for friendships to bloom and communities to gather. While winning is a goal, it isn’t everything. Having fun as a team is.
Nowhere is this more apparent than during Football Funday and Netball Funday. These events bring together students from a wide range of schools across Brunei, fostering community engagement through team sports. They encourage high spirits, healthy competition and camaraderie on the field. Outside the field, food and beverage stalls line the sports complexes, bringing together families and friends as they cheer on the athletes.
JIS’s internal Phoenix League and Phoenix Cup provide more friendly competitions for students to develop their athleticism, while also encouraging engagement, integration and a love for sports, regardless of skill level.
With her leadership role as a Sports Ambassador, Khalilah now helps coach younger students and referees matches, roles that have deepened her appreciation for teamwork and sportsmanship.
“It’s not just about winning,” she says. “It’s about bonding with teammates and creating connections, which makes the experience even more meaningful.”
says, Khalilah.
A roadmap to excellence
In 2024, student Zeke Chan became one of only three athletes representing Brunei at the Paris Olympics as a swimmer in the Men’s 100m Backstroke event. Back in 2022, graduate Basma Lachkar won Brunei’s first ever gold medal in wushu at the 2022 World Games held in Birmingham, US.
As a stepping stone to the global scene, JIS takes their students to international sporting events, such as the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Games. Schools across the region congregate in the Pattana Sports Resort in Thailand to compete in sports in categories for Under 11, 13 and 15. Despite the large participating body, JIS has proven successful. Both U13 and U15 teams placed first in boys football and second for girls, first in basketball and second in athletics.
Oakley shared his experience: “FOBISIA was an incredible journey, from the initial training sessions to the competition itself. The sense of camaraderie made it truly special. People think FOBISIA is about winning, but it’s really about the journey and the bonds you form with your teammates.”
Jerudong International School isn’t just a place to learn, it’s a place where students are inspired to dream big and create lasting memories. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field, JIS empowers students to become the best versions of themselves. This enduring legacy of holistic development ensures that every student leaves with a sense of purpose and the confidence to pursue their passions.
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
9:00 P.M
Rolll call/ briefing, study time.
7:00 PM
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online.
5:45 P.M
Dinner at the school is a daily highlight, and it's not hard to see why. JIS offers many options to suit every dietary requirement. Boarders have a dedicated dining hall for their meals outside of school hours, including breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals.
5:15 P.M
Beyond academics, Shreya actively participates in JIS's co-curricular activities (CCAs). With over 300 options, from the Borneo Project and Debate Club to Diving, Model UN, Masterchef, Fencing, and subject-specific clubs like Chinese and Chemistry, there's truly something for everyone.
This year, Shreya shone in the Senior Musical "We Will Rock You!" while also participating in boxing. "The musical helped me grow as a creative person," she says. "Working with my friends and the teachers involved to bring the musical to life was a time in my life that I will never forget."
Although she wanted to join more CCAs, she had to prioritise her academics as a Sixth Former. "So I joined the Math and Psychology support sessions," she says. "But I don’t regret taking them, as those sessions helped me improve my grade quite a lot."
3:00 P.M - 4:30 P.M
As an IB student, Shreya has many classes to attend. She is particularly passionate about Psychology and Music. The first is fascinating and relevant, especially given the increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years. As for music, she finds it a form of expression and relaxation.
"I had the opportunity to record my own original song called ‘Learn to Love’ and share it during the school’s Annual Music Review," she says. "The song was even played on the local radio station - KRISTALfm — which I was really proud of.
7:30 A.M
Shreya's morning routine is short and snappy. She showers, has breakfast, and leaves for her classes.
6:30 A.M
A day in the life of a boarding student at JIS
Shreya's morning routine is short and snappy. She showers, has breakfast, and leaves for her classes.
6:30 A.M
As an IB student, Shreya has many classes to attend. She is particularly passionate about Psychology and Music. The first is fascinating and relevant, especially given the increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years. As for music, she finds it a form of expression and relaxation.
"I had the opportunity to record my own original song called ‘Learn to Love’ and share it during the school’s Annual Music Review," she says. "The song was even played on the local radio station - KRISTALfm — which I was really proud of.
7:30 A.M
Beyond academics, Shreya actively participates in JIS's co-curricular activities (CCAs). With over 300 options, from the Borneo Project and Debate Club to Diving, Model UN, Masterchef, Fencing, and subject-specific clubs like Chinese and Chemistry, there's truly something for everyone.
This year, Shreya shone in the Senior Musical "We Will Rock You!" while also participating in boxing. "The musical helped me grow as a creative person," she says. "Working with my friends and the teachers involved to bring the musical to life was a time in my life that I will never forget."
Although she wanted to join more CCAs, she had to prioritise her academics as a Sixth Former. "So I joined the Math and Psychology support sessions," she says. "But I don’t regret taking them, as those sessions helped me improve my grade quite a lot."
3:00 P.M - 4:30 P.M
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online.
5:45 P.M
Dinner at the school is a daily highlight, and it's not hard to see why. JIS offers many options to suit every dietary requirement. Boarders have a dedicated dining hall for their meals outside of school hours, including breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals.
5:15 P.M
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
9:00 P.M
Roll call/ briefing, study time.
7:00 PM
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online
6:30 A.M WAKE UP
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
7:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M CLASSES
6 AM
7 AM
8 AM
9 AM
10 AM
11 AM
12:00 - 2:00 PM
3 PM
4 PM
5 PM
5:30 PM
6 PM
6:30 PM
7 PM
7:30 PM
8 PM
8:30 PM
9:30 PM
9 PM
Shreya's morning routine is short and snappy. She showers, has breakfast, and leaves for her classes.
6.30A.M
As an IB student, Shreya has many classes to attend. She is particularly passionate about Psychology and Music. The first is fascinating and relevant, especially given the increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years. As for music, she finds it a form of expression and relaxation.
"I had the opportunity to record my own original song called ‘Learn to Love’ and share it during the school’s Annual Music Review," she says. "The song was even played on the local radio station - KRISTALfm — which I was really proud of."
7.30 A.M
Beyond academics, Shreya actively participates in JIS's co-curricular activities (CCAs). With over 300 options, from the Borneo Project and Debate Club to Diving, Model UN, Masterchef, Fencing, and subject-specific clubs like Chinese and Chemistry, there's truly something for everyone.
This year, Shreya shone in the Senior Musical "We Will Rock You!" while also participating in boxing. "The musical helped me grow as a creative person," she says. "Working with my friends and the teachers involved to bring the musical to life was a time in my life that I will never forget."
Although she wanted to join more CCAs, she had to prioritise her academics as a Sixth Former. "So I joined the Math and Psychology support sessions," she says. "But I don’t regret taking them, as those sessions helped me improve my grade quite a lot."
3.00 P.M
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online.
5:45 PM
Rollcall/Briefing
6:25 PM
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
9.30 P.M
Get ready for next day
9:00 PM
Dinner at the school is a daily highlight, and it's not hard to see why. JIS offers many options to suit every dietary requirement. Boarders have a dedicated dining hall for their meals outside of school hours, including breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals.
5:15 PM
Study time
7:00 PM