School sports are an integral part of the educational experience. Educators here understand that the benefits of physical activity contribute to a child’s development in many areas including physical strength, mental resilience, social skills and life skills. Whether it’s football, touch, swimming, basketball, gymnastics or even martial arts, here’s a taste of the sports education on offer for international students in Singapore.
Dulwich College (Singapore) school sports
Dulwich offers a comprehensive physical and sports education programme that provides personalised pathways for students to pursue their passions and develop a lifelong interest in physical activity and healthy living. Students can participate in a wide range of sports education, including football, rugby, netball, basketball, athletics, tennis, badminton, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, cricket and hockey.
The College has fielded over 275 teams across all age groups (ages 7 to 18) for the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS) competitions. In the last academic year, the College claimed 16 Division 1 titles across 20 different sports, the U15 and U18 Netball Teams were FOBISIA champions, and the College hosted over 800 students from around the globe for the Dulwich Olympiad.
High-performing sports students can further develop their skills through the Ignite! Exceptional Performance Development Programme. It provides technical, tactical and cognitive support, as well as individual health, fitness and lifestyle mentoring. Many of these students have represented Singapore internationally and competed in tournaments worldwide.
Dulwich believes that every student should have the opportunity to represent the College in the sports they’re interested in, regardless of their ability. This approach fosters team camaraderie and helps cultivate character traits such as determination, courage and graciousness. Underpinning all sports education activities is the principle of good sportsmanship and fair play, which applies to players, parents and coaches alike.
The College also offers IGCSE, IBDP Sport Exercise Health Science and BTEC Level 3 Sport as part of the IB Careers Programme. These courses enable students to deepen their knowledge while gaining qualifications for further study or potential careers in the sports, health and wellness industries.
Hear from an international student…
“My sports journey at Dulwich has been incredibly fulfilling, offering me diverse opportunities to excel in both touch rugby and netball. Being part of the touch rugby team for the last nine years has shaped me into the person I am today, where I’ve developed my skills and forged strong bonds with my teammates. Despite achieving amazing feats with this team, the highlight that I’m eagerly anticipating is the upcoming tournament in Australia. It’s an exciting chance to compete internationally and push ourselves as a team in my final year.
In addition to touch rugby, my involvement with the netball team has been equally rewarding. Last year, we achieved a major milestone by winning the FOBISIA tournament, a victory that emphasised our hard work and dedication. This experience not only boosted my confidence but also demonstrated the power of teamwork and perseverance. All sporting opportunities at Dulwich have taught me the resilience, discipline and dedication that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.” – Sophia, Senior School student
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
SJI International sport options
Sports at SJI International emphasise the development of lifelong transferable skills such as collaboration, communication, resilience, teamwork and fostering a lifelong love for physical activity.
In the Elementary School, there’s a “sport for all” ethos. This ensures that every student can participate in a variety of sports education. The school maintains multiple teams for each sport in the ACSIS league throughout the year, allowing everyone a chance to compete. Further enhancing the school’s sports programme this year are new partnerships with reputable cricket and football academies this year. Elementary School teams have represented the school in both local and international competitions, returning with a collection of cups and trophies.
In High School, most ACSIS teams compete at the Division 1 level across a variety of sports, including football, basketball, badminton, tennis, netball, rugby, touch rugby, volleyball and swimming. Additionally, individual students represent SJI International in sports such as bowling, cross country, fencing, gymnastics, sailing, shooting, swimming, taekwondo, and track and field through SSSC competitions.
The Lawrence Da Silva Sports Complex on campus features a 25-metre swimming pool, an indoor sports hall, a fitness room and a rock-climbing wall. The outdoor spaces include dedicated basketball, netball and tennis courts, as well as a FIFA- and IRB-approved turf field for football and track and field activities. This makes SJI International a top venue for many ACSIS finals. Students benefit from these facilities as part of a dynamic sports education and PE programme, with teachers trained in disciplines such as parkour, wall climbing, swimming, acrobatics, touch rugby, netball and badminton.
Hear from an international student…
“SJI International’s sports curriculum and facilities allow students to connect with others and develop new skills. Teachers guide and support students in surpassing their limits, creating an environment where both students and teachers learn from each other while exploring new sports and activities. The dedication and effort teachers put into helping their students instil confidence and curiosity, encouraging them to join teams and try new experiences. At SJI International, students are empowered to grow and become the best version of themselves, realising that they can achieve anything.” – Ana Pereira Alves, Grade 6
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Australian International School sports
The Australian International School (AIS) sports programme offers students many opportunities in a wide range of sports such as volleyball, basketball, swimming, netball, rugby, touch and football. Physical education is part of the curriculum and includes the teaching of technical aspects of different sports. There are also a large number of co-curricular sporting activities on offer and AIS hosts regular carnivals (athletics, swimming, cross-country and biathlons). Students have access to a great array of facilities at the school. These include a 25-metre pool, a football/rugby field, tennis courts, a weights room and an Athlete Development Programme lab.
Sports are played every day, including weekends for rep sports teams and clubs. AIS also hosts and takes part in tournaments under ACSIS and SEASAC, which are attended by many international schools. In addition, student athletes compete in Australian International Schools Association competitions in Asia.
Hear from two international students…
“I joined AIS in 2021, and the impact the Sharks Community has had on me since then is something I can’t describe. The connections I’ve made with the coaches, teammates and the entire sporting community is almost like a second family for me. My biggest takeaways from the past few years have been perseverance, trust and integrity: displaying perseverance to the sports I love and staying committed; trusting in my team, that they’ll always have my back both on and off the field; and upholding the school values of Respect, Opportunity and Achievement. I’m forever grateful for the numerous opportunities that AIS has presented. From travelling around Asia for tournaments to even just running out onto the field with my mates. I’ve made memories through sport that I know I’ll never forget.” – Oscar, Year 12, 2023/24 Sports Prefect
“I joined the Sharks community a decade ago, a pivotal part of my life. The countless opportunities for growth, achievement and camaraderie have shaped me and many of my teammates within the Sharks community. Behind every success at AIS are dedicated coaches – our cheerleaders – who have generously given their time and unwavering support to help us achieve our goals. From classroom to court, swimming pool or field, our coaches have been there supporting and cheering us on. I’m immeasurably thankful for being a part of this incredible community and eagerly anticipate the promising future that awaits the Sharks.” – Ruby, Year 12, 2023/24 Sports Prefect
1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2958 | ais.com.sg
Singapore American School sports
All students at Singapore American School (SAS) can take part in school sports education programmes. They include volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby/touch, swimming, badminton, track and field, baseball and fastpitch softball.
Elementary school students can try sports in a low-cost and low-risk environment through the school’s intramural programmes. Those seeking a more challenging experience can sign up for skill development and club-level sports that are taught by professional coaches. Students can continue to participate in these programs from middle school through high school. They can also represent the school in teams that play in ACSIS competitions locally and in the IASAS varsity tournaments internationally.
Hear from an international student…
“Since being in elementary school at SAS, I’ve not only been playing sports I’ve always loved, but also new ones I’ve decided to try. The school’s sports programmes encourage everyone to come out and play while giving pathways to more serious competition for those who are interested. Playing on the high school varsity volleyball team, I realise that sports at SAS have given me so many opportunities to grow, have fun, challenge myself and make friends. We call ‘doing our best while following our core values’ The Eagle Way. I think this has had a great impact on my life by helping me to develop leadership skills and character.” – Chris Sheehan, Grade 12
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Sport at Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus offers an extensive range of athletic programmes, state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. It is a member school of the ACSIS and FOBISIA. This means learners can choose from a range of competitive sporting options.
The campus is equipped with a FIFA and World Rugby-specified AstroTurf field, two gymnasiums, two fitness suites, a running track, a yoga studio, a 50m Olympic-sized pool and an aquatic centre. These world-class facilities assist Nexus learners to strive for their absolute best and to achieve their goals.
The school’s learner-athletes excel both locally and internationally. The Nexus swim team competes in global events like the European Junior Championships and National Swim Meets. Their footballers and volleyballers also travel to top tournaments in Thailand and New Zealand. The school is committed to expanding international sporting opportunities for their learners. It currently has national champions in swimming, horse riding, mountain biking and wushu.
This year, their multisport programme was enhanced through a partnership with Triathlon Singapore. They’ve also launched new initiatives such as the Athlete Development Programme, offering tailored training for athletes based on their specific land-based sport. Nexus has also started a Swim Academy and is the first school in Asia to integrate brain fitness into the curriculum.
Hear from an international student…
“The Nexus Swim Team community is the best team I’ve been a part of; it has such a great environment. The new campus has so many amazing facilities and pieces of equipment that I’m sure will help the team to excel. The school has supported me in many ways academically as well as in school sports.” – Carmen, Class of 2022, 2024 Olympics Swimmer
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School sports education
Tanglin aims to nurture and inspire lifelong participation in sports and physical activity. Its sports education programme is tailored to ensure each child has access to competition, which supports each stage of their development as young athletes. This includes House Sport for all students, inter-school leagues and the opportunity to compete in events across the region, including Australia and Dubai.
The school’s facilities include a state-of-the-art Athletic Development Gym with a Physiotherapy Clinic, an Aquatics Centre with 50m pool, an additional 25m pool, five multipurpose halls, a full-size playing field and a specialist Gymnastics Centre.
The Tanglin IMPACT Programme offers specialised support to students with the potential and aspiration to excel. Each year, several of Tanglin’s young athletes earn national representative honours and titles, while teams achieve notable success locally and regionally.
Hear from an international student…
“My journey with the Tanglin Lions sports community has shaped my school experience in ways I’ll forever be grateful for. The schools’ endless opportunities to try different sports and participate in tournaments all over the region has pushed me to grow as a leader, build resilience and embrace teamwork, both on and off the pitch.” – Ben M, Year 13
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
Canadian International School sport education
CIS students have a wide range of opportunities for both recreational and competitive sporting development throughout the school year. The school campus has its own representative teams, which compete in the ACSIS league. Through ACSIS sports, students represent the school, competing against other international schools in age-based teams.
Competitive sports offered include cross country, soccer, rugby, touch rugby, track and field, badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball. Among the many recreational sports offered are pickleball, gymnastics, inline skating, parkour, skateboarding, tennis, table tennis, wushu martial arts, karate, hip hop and breakdancing. Competitive and recreational sports are offered across three terms, while some community sports, organised by independent providers, run all school year.
The school’s competitive swimming programme runs year-long, with trials conducted twice yearly. It has nurtured many swimmers who’ve gone on to compete internationally. Recently, CIS alumna Lanihei C. fulfilled her dream of competing in the Paris Olympics 2024, representing Cook Islands.
Sports facilities on campus include an Olympic-length swimming pool, a junior aquatic centre, an elevated playing field and a fitness centre. There are several courts each for tennis, pickleball, basketball, indoor volleyball, indoor netball and indoor badminton.
Hear from an international student…
“Competitive swimming is my favourite sports programme. Being on the team for nine years, it has become a big part of my life at CIS. The tight-knit community and the chance to participate in overseas competitions have helped me gain a global outlook. This has broadened my understanding of diverse cultures, values and individuals. I find joy in competing alongside my team and immersing myself in different cultures through team dinners and activities. These experiences have helped me grow both as an athlete and an individual. The dedication of Coach Helen in pushing each swimmer in the squad while also making the training process enjoyable is why I’ve pursued swimming for so long.” – Ivan M, Grade 12, Vice-Captain of the Swim team, five times Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships gold medallist
7 Jurong West Street 41
6467 1732 | cis.edu.sg
Now that you’re sorted on sports education for international students, read our guide to things to do in Singapore and check out parent reviews of international schools in Singapore.
