By Ryan Naughton, ISKL High School Athletics & Activities Director
Almost 200 athletes in the High School have been a member of a Season 1 sports team, with over 10% of the High School currently in Manila to compete in the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS). If you add the musical, “Bring It On”, the Drama and Dance Exchange Conferences and the IASAS Model United Nations 2019 being held at ISKL in November, more than 300, or almost 50%, of the High School is involved in an after school activity. When you add the clubs and community service programs we believe there is an opportunity for every student to be involved with something they are passionate about here at ISKL.
We truly believe athletics and activities develop deep and long-lasting characteristics in students that cannot be acquired in other areas of education. Nothing can replicate the educational experience gained by a student when . . .
. . . a cross-country runner is breathing down your neck in the final 200 meters of a race,
. . . or a soccer player is going after a ball with a 50/50 chance at the end of a soccer match,
. . . or a dancer stands motionless in anticipation of the spotlight illuminating the stage,
. . . or the team experiences success when the group comes together.
The High School Athletic Office works to support our students and coaches so they can perform at their best during these competitions and gain the most from the experiences. We continuously work to make sure that all students have the opportunity to participate, have purposely stress-filled events in which to compete, and have amazing coaches that shape their character. We believe this inevitably leads to successful outcomes and learning outside of the classroom through sports and activities.
We encourage the whole ISKL community to participate, attend, cheer, and support our students; from ES Students who are just learning to play, to MS Students starting to show real development and HS Students performing at the highest level. It takes the entire community from the Booster parents to the coaching staff and the tech and facilities departments to the Nursing office to build the special program we have here at ISKL. We are so proud of the accomplishments of our students and we invite you to come along for the ride!
About Ryan
Ryan Naughton is the High School Activities & Athletics Director at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL). He holds an MA (Educational Leadership), BA (History) and BSc (Business Management) and is a passionate advocate for student involvement in sports and school activities.
About IASAS
Established in 1984, the Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asia Schools (IASAS) involves six international schools in Southeast Asia and is recognized as one of the premier international school activities and athletics conferences in the world. IASAS members include: International School Bangkok, International School Manila, International School of Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta Intercultural School, Singapore American School, and Taipei American School.
IASAS competitions are one of the highlights of the school calendar, encompassing three different athletic seasons with 13 international tournaments as well as three different Cultural Conventions featuring Music, Art, Drama, Dance, Film, Debate, and Forensics.
The IASAS Conference typifies the benefits of international school education, by giving students the opportunity to travel and compete with their peers across the region.
