It’s well known that sport and physical activity are an essential part of a child’s education, and the benefits go beyond physical. There are loads of options on offer at international schools to suit different children; whether it’s football, badminton, rock climbing or swimming! Here, we find out about eight international school sports programmes in Singapore.
Nexus International School (Singapore)
Nexus offers a wide range of sports where students can choose to participate at varying levels. For non-competitive sports, children can choose from a co-curricular programme that offers everything from basic football skills (from age five) and tennis to “Get Fit” groups. Since the school is a member of the Athletic Conference of Singapore International Schools (ACSIS), students who wish to participate in more competitive sports can choose from popular options such as football, swimming, rugby, badminton, volleyball, basketball, netball, cross country and athletics. The sports programme is free and competes locally and internationally.
During the sporting season, the school’s ACSIS teams train up to three times a week. Footballers travel to the annual British International School Soccer 7s in Phuket, while swimmers compete on a global scale, frequently competing in events such as the FINA World Championships. The school also offers swim scholarships, which include on-site coaching, team breakfasts, Olympic swimming clinics and personalised training programmes. In January 2020, the school opened its new campus with a FIFA and World Rugby-specified astroturf field, two gymnasiums, two fitness suites, a running track, yoga studio and a fully equipped aquatic centre with an Olympic-sized pool
A student’s thoughts
“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 sports.” – Carmen, Year 11
1 Aljunied Walk
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Dulwich College (Singapore) is known for its sporting prowess and has achieved success in local and regional inter-school competitions. While competing at the highest level, the College believes that all students should have access to sport, regardless of ability; they should have the chance to experience being part of a team as well as the camaraderie and development opportunities. The school fields as many teams as they need to give everyone a chance to play.
High-performing sports students looking to play at an elite level can further develop their physical skills and mental resilience through the Student Athlete Support Programme (SASP). SASP provides technical and tactical support, individual health and fitness plans, cognitive support and training as well as lifestyle mentoring to support students academically. As part of the Dulwich College International network, students can be selected to take part in the Dulwich Games, Dulwich Olympiad and also external competitions such as those hosted by FOBISIA and ACSIS.
A student’s thoughts
“As a SASP student, I have daily access to the gym, sports facilities and a teaching mentor. I’m able to balance academics with sports by creating an individual schedule that works for me. I feel that taking part in SASP has been so beneficial because I’ve learnt to manage my time and set goals, both of which I can apply to academics and my sport to reach the highest standards.” – Ananya Thorpe, Year 13
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
Singapore American School
All students at Singapore American School have the opportunity to take part in the school’s sports programmes. They include volleyball, soccer, basketball, rugby/touch, swimming, badminton, track and field, baseball, and fastpitch softball. Students benefit from facilities such as an air-conditioned rock climbing wall, two batting cages, weight-training rooms, basketball, volleyball and badminton facilities, a 1,000-seat stadium and fields.
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. From middle school through high school, students can continue to participate in these programmes. They can also represent the school in teams that play in ACSIS competitions locally and in the IASAS varsity tournaments internationally.
A student’s thoughts
“I think that my leadership skills and determination wouldn’t exist without SAS. Having the ‘Eagle Way’ embedded in my nature has helped me make many athletic achievements, from being a four-year triple-letter athlete to playing on the Singapore national football team. Seeing my hard work pay off while playing IASAS soccer has been a highlight. I’m also excited to be the co-captain for the varsity soccer team. SAS has given me so many opportunities. I’m eternally grateful for the skills I’ve learned on and off the field.” – Sarah Datta, Grade 11
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
Dover Court International School
Dover Court International School offers a variety of sports for different levels. Popular sports include football, swimming, netball, basketball, rugby, touch rugby, cross country and athletics. These team sports run on most afternoons as free extracurriculars, and students are selected through trials each term. Students also have PE classes twice a week – either one regular PE lesson and a swimming lesson weekly (Nursery to Year 4), or PE once a week and swimming or PE once a week on rotation. As an inclusive school, Dover Court offers activities including movement and game play to help children develop socio-emotional and communication skills.
Students have great school facilities to enjoy, such as a swimming pool, basketball, netball and tennis courts, a running track and two sports halls. As members of FOBISIA, the school sends teams to the Primary and U13 FOBISIA Games in Thailand. It also joins the Nord Anglia Games with its family of schools. In addition, Dover Court plays host to tournaments and friendly meets with ACSIS and other international schools in Singapore.
A student’s thoughts
“I’m doing PE at GCSE level and thoroughly enjoy it. I’ve also been given the opportunity to be the captain of the rugby team, play on the football team and run cross country for the school. The unwavering commitment by the PE teachers makes a real difference to us.” – Hugh, Year 11
301 Dover Road
6775 7664 | dovercourt.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School
At Tanglin Trust School, students enjoy access to a fully inclusive development and competitive sports programme. Students participate in various sports, including swimming, gymnastics, rugby, netball, football, touch, badminton, basketball, cricket and climbing. Over 140 teams compete in 17 different sports each year, both in Singapore and the region. As a member of both SEASAC and FOBISIA, Tanglin’s students have many opportunities to travel overseas and compete across Southeast Asia, as well as in tournaments in Australia and Dubai.
As a not-for-profit school, Tanglin invests back into the community and will be opening new sporting facilities soon. These include a 50-metre pool, gymnastics centre, athletic development gym, indoor cricket nets, climbing wall, physiotherapy clinic and sport science centre. Bringing in skills acquisition specialist Dr Richard Shuttleworth as the school’s Director of Sport highlights the school’s ongoing commitment to developing the potential of its young athletes. The school aims to nurture responsible, adaptable and independent decision makers as part of Team Tanglin’s new sports vision.
A student’s thoughts
“Playing sports at Tanglin has provided me with a unique and memorable experience. It has given me the opportunity to develop my athletic ability, compete against schools across the region, and form friendships across the school and beyond. I’ve learnt the importance of teamwork and have developed resilience. Both have had a positive impact on my overall education.” – Alyiah Seow, Year 13
95 Portsdown Road
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
St. Joseph’s Institution International
Sport plays a big role at SJI International. Students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of team and recreational activities as part of their extensive enrichment programme. In addition to PE lessons, there are a variety of sports organised daily, both before and after school. Popular options are football, basketball, netball, volleyball and touch rugby, which is becoming increasingly popular amongst the girls. The school’s sports programme aims to develop lifelong transferable skills for students, such as collaboration and resilience.
The campus has a sports hall, climbing wall, fitness suite, 25-metre pool (with six lanes), grass field, three tennis courts, outdoor netball and basketball courts. The school also recently built a brand new FIFA-approved artificial turf field. Sports teams are selected to represent the school in both ACSIS and Singapore Schools Sports Council (SSSC) leagues. Individual students also represent the school in other sports, such as shooting, sailing, fencing and taekwondo.
A student’s thoughts
“At the start of every season, there are new faces and names to learn, hence a completely new and unique team dynamic. As we progressed through the season, strong bonds and friendships were fostered through tough matches and even tougher training, the moments after a win and during reflections after defeat. Perseverance and skills were put to the test but no matter what, we always did our best to succeed – and in the end, we do!” – Justine, Grade 10
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
Australian International School
The Australian International School 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 many co-curricular sporting activities on offer and the school 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. The school also hosts and takes part in tournaments under ACSIS and SEASAC, which are attended by many international schools. In addition, it competes in AISA (Australian International Schools Association) competitions in Asia.
A student’s thoughts
“The passion and love I have for sport is a result of AIS’s spirited sporting culture. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to watch, support and play for the AIS Sharks. I’m currently a member of the Under 19 First Football Team. Our coach Jordan Laing is a fantastic tactician and an inspiration to us all.” – Patrick Fox, Year 11
1 Lorong Chuan
6653 2958 | ais.com.sg
Stamford American International School
Stamford American International School’s Athletics programme offers inclusive sport opportunities from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 through CCAs and school teams. There are competitive sport teams in volleyball, basketball, tennis, soccer, golf, gymnastics, badminton, rugby, touch rugby, softball, swimming, track and cross country. Stamford also offers year-round training in gymnastics, golf, swimming, and tennis through the Lions Academies. Strong coaching, core values, state-of-the-art facilities and excellence help student athletes achieve their full potential. Student training sessions and competitions take place at two swimming pools, a rock climbing wall, an indoor golf studio, two purpose-built athletic fieldhouses and the new artificial turf field.
In addition to invitational sports tournaments, the Under-19 teams travel to league tournaments around the region. Stamford is a member school of the ACSIS League in Singapore and the SEASAC league in the region. The school participates in tournaments with member schools in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Singapore.
A student’s thoughts
“The Athletics programme has been a major part of my life at Stamford. The facilities and coaches are excellent and provide fantastic opportunities for young athletes to not only develop athletic skills but also teamwork, leadership and dedication. I’m in my final year and I’m proud to have been a part of this programme throughout my seven years here. I’ve fostered and improved many skills that will serve me well in the future.” – Greg, Grade 12 (U19 football team captain)
1 Woodleigh Lane
6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg
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