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A day in the life
of a Jerudong International School boarding student
A child’s dream school is a place that nurtures excellence not just in academics, but in the whole child. It puts their passions and well-being first, with teachers who inspire just as much as challenge.
At Jerudong International School (JIS), this is a reality. As The Good Schools Guide noted, there’s something special about JIS: "The infectious enthusiasm you feel absolutely everywhere on the campus is the surest and most noticeable sign of a very healthy school."
How does this school nestled amidst Brunei’s pristine coastlines and tropical forests achieve this?
120-acre campus, countless smiles
JIS is home to over 1,660 students from 45 nationalities aged two to 18, with 256 boarders residing on campus. Boarders, from ages 11 to 19, live in one of the four Boarding Houses, each catering to a specific age group and gender. Weekends are filled with engaging activities, while weekdays see them joining the wider school community. The Boarding Houses themselves offer a haven within the larger campus, with common rooms, study areas, kitchens, music rooms, and comfortable living quarters.
It’s a rejuvenating base after a busy day in school. JIS students prepare for global exams such as the IGCSE, A Levels, the IB Diploma, or BTEC whilst taking part in an award-winning extra-curricular programme. This winning combination has helped many graduates make it into top universities worldwide, such as Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.
Current student Shreya Arunkumar has a story to prove just that.
The Jerudong International School welcome
Shreya moved from Dubai to Brunei in November 2021 following her father’s new job. For the then 14-year-old, this move marked the beginning of a new chapter — for the first time in her life, she became a boarder.
It demanded a newfound independence from her, from ironing her clothes to managing her own schedule. But the hardest part was being away from her family. Used to always having her parents and sister around, the first few days were lonely — until she found solace in the warmth of the Osprey boarding house community.
Being a boarder at JIS has been a transformative experience for Shreya. She’s now more confident facing new situations and taking on bigger challenges. “I’m just grateful to attend such a wonderful school that not only teaches their students how to be a good student but also how to be a good person,” she says.
“Thanks to the amazing teachers and boarders at Osprey, I was able to overcome the overwhelming sensation of uncertainty and call Osprey my 2nd home," she says.
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
Boarders gather in our common rooms for roll call and briefing, where we receive any important news or announcements from our Housemaster or Housemistress. Afterwards, we have dedicated study time to stay on top of our schoolwork.
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
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
A day in the life of a boarding student at JIS
Championing sustainability
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of JIS, with Shreya one of its most active advocates. “I joined the Data Analysis team of the Solar PV project that was initiated by JIS,” she says. “It is a project that addresses the worldwide issue of sustainable energy diversification and aims to not only harness clean energy from the sun but also to set an example for other schools in Brunei and start a national movement to become more sustainable."
But it’s not just big projects that Shreya's committed to. She also engages in small acts of sustainability, such as picking up trash and switches off lights when a space isn’t being used, embodying the school’s mission of making a difference through “Teaspoons of Change.”