School sports is 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 what’s on offer for international students in Singapore.
Dulwich College (Singapore) school sports
Dulwich College (Singapore) has achieved success in many local and regional inter-school competitions. The College fields school sports teams in all age groups from Year 3 (7 years) to Year 13 (18 years) for the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS). In the last academic year, over 130 teams participated across 20 different school sports and claimed a total of 24 Division 1 titles. Also, the girls’ U15 team won the Phuket Soccer 7s, one of the biggest football competitions in the region.
High-performing sports students can further develop their physical skills and mental resilience through Ignite!. This is Dulwich’s performance development programme for elite student-athletes. Students receive technical and tactical support, individual health and fitness plans, cognitive support and training. They also have lifestyle mentoring for academic support. Students on the Ignite! programme have represented Singapore internationally and competed in tournaments around the world. One Ignite! graduate recently ranked second in the world in Junior Dressage at the European Dressage Championship.
At Dulwich, students can pursue their sports passion alongside their academic studies. This has resulted in several young athletes gaining scholarships to universities to continue their sporting and academic journeys.
The College believes that every student should have access to any school sport they want to participate in, regardless of ability. This gives them the chance to experience the camaraderie of being part of a team. Concentrating on the core sports values of Determination, Courage, Skill and Graciousness helps to cultivate kind, considerate individuals with strong character traits. An extension of this is the belief in the notion that good sportsmanship and fair play take priority. The aim is to nurture global citizens who “Live Worldwise”, equipped with the skills, knowledge and motivation to have a positive impact on society and the planet.
Hear from an international student…
“The sports community at Dulwich is close-knit. The College has provided me with countless opportunities to support all of my sporting aspirations, whether it’s in football, netball or touch rugby. I’ve been given the opportunity to represent Singapore at an international tournament for touch rugby – an incredible experience and something I’ve aimed for since I was 7 years old. I thank both the teachers and the Ignite! programme for pushing me to become the best athlete that I can be.
“Dulwich has also nurtured me to be compassionate, which has led me to be involved in the ATLAS Foundation. It helps less privileged children work towards a better future through rugby communities. As part of this, I work with students from special needs schools in Singapore. This has allowed me to pass on my love and passion for sports to these students, showing them that sport is possible for everyone. I’ve learnt countless things about myself and the students I have met through ATLAS. This experience has been so rewarding.” – Izzy, Senior School student
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
SJI International sport options
School sports education is an integral part of life for SJI International students. There’s a range of individual and team sports, catering to students of all ages and skill levels. Every Elementary School child is encouraged to join a CCA club or represent the school in a sports team. High School students represent the school in internal and external events, namely the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS) and Singapore Schools Sports Council (SSSC) leagues.
The school’s ACSIS teams currently compete in football, basketball, badminton, tennis, netball, rugby, touch, volleyball and swimming. Additionally, individual students represent the school in sailing, fencing and Taekwondo through SSSC competitions. SJI International students have excelled individually, notably in the Tottenham Hotspurs FC and Lion City Sailors FC match, in International Dressage at the European Children’s Championship, in the Asia Dance Arts Festival, the IIHF Ice Hockey Tournament: Women’s Asia and Oceanic Championship, and in the SEA Games for Tennis.
Sport facilities at SJI International encourage maximum engagement in all sporting opportunities. The Lawrence Da Silva Sports Complex on campus includes a 25m swimming pool, indoor sports hall, fitness room and rock climbing wall. Outdoor facilities feature dedicated courts for basketball, netball and tennis, alongside two FIFA and IRB-approved turf fields for track and field enthusiasts.
The school also offers the SJI International-Lion City Sailors Elite Development Scholarship. This is for young people who demonstrate exceptional talent in football. It aims to encourage academic and sports excellence, where scholars train at the Lion City Sailors Football Academy during the course of their studies at SJI International High School.
Hear from an international student…
“SJI International’s sports curriculum and facilities are a winning combination that encourages students to become high-achieving, passionate individuals. The school fosters an environment where every student can excel in their chosen sports and learn essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance. In each lesson or training session, our dedicated teachers remind us that our potential is unlimited. SJI International has shown us that with unwavering commitment and a nurturing environment, anything is possible.” – Nathan Mao, Grade 9
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Australian International School sports education
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 11, 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 11, 2023/24 Sports Prefect
1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2958 | ais.com.sg
Sport at Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus is a member school of the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS), which means its learners can choose from a range of competitive sporting options; these include football, swimming, rugby, badminton, volleyball, netball, cross-country, athletics, gymnastics and basketball. The school 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.
Student athletes compete locally and on an international level. Leading the way is the Nexus Swim Team, frequently competing in global competitions such as the FINA World Cup and European Junior Swimming Championships. Nexus footballers also travel to the annual British International School Soccer 7s Tournament held in Phuket, Thailand. Their volleyballers travel to New Zealand for the NZ Secondary Schools Volleyball Championships. Creating sporting opportunities internationally is an ever-increasing focus at Nexus.
Nexus’s Athlete Development Programme is accessible to identified ‘land-based’ athletes. Besides increased opportunities around their preferred sport, these athletes are also involved in the morning Power Programme. Also accessible are the Fitness Suites from Monday to Friday during their lunch hour. This allows athletes to continue their personal athletic journey.
Nexus also offers swim scholarships. The well-founded swimming training regime is complemented by on-site coaching with personalised training programmes.
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 equipment that I’m sure will help the team to excel. Nexus has supported me in many ways academically as well as in school sports.” – Carmen, Year 13, winner of the LEN European Junior Swimming Championships 2021
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School sports education
Tanglin aims to nurture and inspire a lifelong participation in sport. Starting from Nursery, a wide range of movement skills are taught. These encourage creativity, enjoyment and personal development. Friendly competition is introduced in Junior School and expanded upon in Senior School, where students are offered an exceptional range of sports events and tournaments. Tanglin teams play over 600 fixtures across Singapore and compete in more than 40 different tournaments across the region.
With the launch of the new Centenary Building, Tanglin’s sports facilities feature a rooftop Aquatics Centre with an Olympic-size pool, 15m high climbing wall, fully equipped Gymnastics Centre, Athletic Development Gym and a Physiotherapy Clinic. All students at Tanglin have access to these world-class facilities, with those aspiring for excellence supported through the Lions IMPACT programme.
Hear from an international student…
“The Tanglin Lions sports community has truly enriched my educational journey. The school’s commitment to sporting excellence is evident in every aspect, from the dedicated coaches to the state-of-the-art facilities. As a touch and netball player, I gained invaluable skills progressing through the school. These include commitment, leadership, and collaboration, along with an opportunity to compete at a high international level.” – Skylar, Year 13
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
UWC Southeast Asia school sports options
Sports play a vital role in enriching student life and learning beyond the classroom at UWCSEA. The College’s school sports aims to inspire and motivate students to explore their passion for the vast range of sports available to them. This encourages students to make personal connections with one another, play as a team and cultivate College values through good sportsmanship, leadership opportunities and positive role-modelling. Students also focus on their health and wellbeing through an active lifestyle.
The sports programme features recreational and competitive performance pathways. Recreational sporting teams are designed to give students of all abilities an opportunity to participate. The competitive performance teams, meanwhile, are focused on developmental training and resilience. This prepares them for competitive fixtures such as the ACSIS conference, SEASAC tournaments and other inter-school, regional and international competitions.
To support the large and varied sports programme, the College’s sports facilities include full-sized all-weather football pitches; floodlit ten-lane 50m swimming pools; floodlit acrylic tennis courts incorporating four netball courts; floodlit artificial turf fields for football or hockey; outdoor beach volleyball courts; cricket nets; indoor air-conditioned sports halls including a 20-by-8m climbing wall; air-conditioned indoor sports halls; fully equipped gymnastics centres; and fitness centres with fully equipped gyms for competitive team strength and conditioning.
There are more than 80 in-house and full-time coaches and staff dedicated to delivering the sports programmes. They’re supported by more than 150 external coaches. UWCSEA has trained them on how to best deliver the sports programmes to achieve learning goals and develop UWCSEA values. The College’s campuses also host a Community Activities Programme open to anyone in the community. It runs evenings on weekends and during school holidays.
Hear from an international student…
“Playing football at UWCSEA has taught me about myself and about life. I’ve learned the importance of hard work, dedication and teamwork. I’ve also understood the value of friendship and perseverance. The senior football team encourages players to do their best, and the coaches are very supportive and friendly. Playing a competitive sport, spending time together at training and countless ACSIS games, SEASAC and BISP tournaments, develops individual skills and creates lasting friendships across grades. Through this experience, I’ve gained communication skills and learned how to receive critical feedback in order to improve myself. The joy of playing football together has kept us going each season through our busy school lives.” – Miray, Grade 12, Girls’ Football Team
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg
North London Collegiate School (Singapore) sports choices
Sport plays an integral role in an NLCS (Singapore) education – school sports serve as a means to develop students’ ability to embrace challenges, build their confidence and resilience, and expose them to the values of teamwork and leadership. The school staff motivate and engage students through a comprehensive sports programme of competitive and recreational activities encompassing individual and team sport. The primary goals are to encourage participation, nurture personal aspirations and celebrate team and individual achievements.
There are modern facilities on campus, including a 1,420-square-metre indoor sports hall, a six-lane 50-metre swimming pool, an outdoor football field; and basketball and tennis courts. There are also specialist gymnastics and dance studios. Senior students also have access to a well-equipped gym.
Sport activities at NLCS (Singapore) are organised into distinct seasons to accommodate a range of interests. The school is an active participant in the ACSIS league across age groups U8 to U19 and also has established partnerships and academies in gymnastics, basketball, badminton, football and tennis. The swim sports programme, led by an accomplished ex-international elite swimmer, starts early in a student’s educational journey, with PreKG and KG1 students benefiting from weekly swimming instruction. Notable success has been achieved in the U13 and U11 age groups – a testament to the dedication to sporting excellence.
Hear from an international student…
“There are so many sports programmes to choose from at NLCS (Singapore), and so many opportunities available each term, with amazing teachers and coaches who always support me. My favourite sports are touch rugby, cross country and swimming.” – Adriana Torrubia, Grade 9
130 Depot Road
6989 3088 | nlcssingapore.sg
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