Current Grade 8 Students & Parents

FAQs (Please Submit Questions Here) 

The following are grouped into categories:

Academic enrichment

• Are there academic competitions available in high school?

  • Yes, we enter a wide variety of global academic enrichment competitions, from the Canadian Computing Competition, the UK Chemistry Olympiad, Biology Olympiad, Senior Physics Challenge and many others and various maths competitions. Our Indonesian passport students also have the chance to try out for provincial and national Olympiad competitions in various subjects. If there's a particular competition we don't currently follow that students would like to participate in, please do make a proposal, and we'll try and accommodate. 

  • Is it possible to do an independent study?

    • Not in G9

  • Are there specific interest classes (e.g. law, psychology)?

    • Not in G9, except for creative arts, - but as you go up through the HS you will have access to a wider range of different electives. 

  •  If I sign up for a language class such as Korean, is there a 100% chance that I am going to get that class? 

    • It depends on sign-ups

  • How many electives are we allowed to sign up for?

    • This depends on your other courses, whether you take a Modern Language, etc.  The total number of credits you will need in G9 must add up to 8. This includes the following compulsory classes: 

      • • 1 credit SLA

        • 1 credit English

        • 1 credit Math

        • 1 credit Social Studies

        • 1 credit Science

        • 1 credit PE

        • This leaves two credits which can include a combination of Visual/Performing Arts, Indonesian Studies and a Modern Language or it may include recommended classes in Learning strategies or Academic English. 

  • Can you explain the GPA system? How important is it? When does gpa matter most?

    • Your GPA is your Grade Point Average. Our policy is here.

  • Would we have to choose courses every grade?

    • Yes as there are different options in every grade.

  • How many hours of community service do you need to complete CAS?

    • The CAS requirements are explained in Orientation at the beginning of G9.

  • What is SLA? When is SLA?

    • Supported Learning and Advisory - this is similar to your Advisory class in MS. SLA occurs a a full lesson which occurs five times in a ten day cycle.

  • What is the difference between the AP classes and IB program?

    • There is information on the HS website here.

  • How do we receive tutoring from the National Honor Society?

    • You can sign up for tutoring from the NHS tutors in G9, and we will show you how to do this in Orientation. 

  • How do we join the National Honor Society?

    • We open the NHS application process to any student in G10 or G11 with a cumulative GPA (including Semester 1) of 4.0 or above in January. Successful applicants are then tutors when they're in G11 or G12 the following year. There is more information about NHS at JIS here, and if you've have any other questions regarding NHS please contact Ms Van Den Hoven at jvandenhoven@jisedu.or.id

    • What AP classes can students take in grade 10? 

      • Currently, Grade 10 students can take AP Physics 1, AP Computer Science Principles, AP World History, AP Human Geography.  In August 2024, we will also offer AP Seminar to Grade 10 students.  Due to schedule limitations, Grade 10 students cannot take both AP World History and AP Seminar.

• Can 9th-grade students sit for AP exams? 

  • Grade 9 students are not eligible to take AP courses.  We do allow students who are not enrolled in AP courses to take AP exams, however, we do not encourage students to do so.

• What is the big difference between IB and AP? 

  • Please see our page on this here. You will also have extensive preparation for that when your child is in Grade 9 and Grade 10

Currently, what percentage of 11th and 12th graders are taking IB and AP courses?

• Almost all Grade 11 and Grade 12 students take  IB and/or AP or a mix of the two qualification in grades 11/12. 

• In terms of full external diplomas ie: AP Capstone or IB Diploma 

• Grade 11 is just under 38% full IB Diploma

• Grade 11 is 9% on track for the full AP Capstone diploma. 

• Grade 12 is around 41% full IB Diploma

• Grade 12 is 5% on track for the full AP Capstone diploma.

Creative Arts

• • For auditions, is it only with MS teachers or do HS teachers also have an impact?

    • The word “audition” can be scary - what we mean is that we need our music teachers MS and HS to help understand your skill level and work out which class is best for you. 

  • Do creative arts classes get overbooked or get competitive for signing up? What happens in those cases?

    • This can happen but is quite unusual. If it does happen, typically a place will open up during the course change window.

  • Is there any drama class in creative arts except dance?

    • Yes, please see our course description guide

  • So if I’m currently in a strings class, I don’t have to do an audition?

    • Speak to your Strings teacher about the best option for you in HS.

The High School Schedule

• • What is the difference between a Year-Long and a Semester class?

    • A year-long class lasts for the entire academic year and gives 1.0 credit.

    • A semester class runs for half the year in either Semester One, from August to the end of Semester One or semester two, from January to the end of Semester Two. Semester courses in G9 give 0.5 credit.

  • How many Honor passes do we get?

    • 5 HPs in a ten day cycle, or one every second day.

  • When can we do the course selection?

    • This will happen during advisory and SSR on 8th and 9th March.

  • Are there any classes that do not give credit? 

    • All classes give credit, but some do not give grades and instead have a pass/fail system.

  • How often a week is PE and health? 

    • 5 blocks per ten day cycle - the same as every other class and Honor Pass.

  • Is the starting and ending time of school the same each day?

    • Friday is a little different as there is a late start. All other days are 0730 start. 

  • How and when will we sign up for clubs and activities? Can we make our own clubs? 

    • Yes, please speak to the activities coordinator.There is a club fair at the beginning of the year where you can find out about the different clubs and sign up for clubs that interest you.

  • Are lunch and snack breaks at the same time or in shifts?

    • Same time.

  • Are there tardies in high school?

    • Yes

  •  Will we get our schedule on Google Calendar?

    • Yes, your schedule will be in Google calendar.

Grading

• • How is the grading system different from MS?

    • The High School Grade Descriptors are here

    • Our grade scales are here. 

  • Will the grading module follow the AP and MA that we have in middle school?

    • The High School uses letter grades.

• How does High School grading line up with IB grading?

  • While the conversion can never be exact, our High School Grade Descriptors do have a conversion table. 

  • Can you fail a class?

    • Yes, it is possible to get an F grade.

  • What are some HS events? Is there a Bali stage in High school?

    • The High School has a very strong series of events and activities including Cilandak Games and Uniting Nations Day. 

• What standardized tests will the students take in HS?

  • MAP testing in G9 and G10, and we are also a SAT testing center.

• How do we get these teacher recommendations? Are they sent to us in an email? What is the process? 

  • Please speak to the middle school team

• What support throughout high school do you have for students aiming to get into design schools? (such as portfolio preparations)?

  • Extensive support, please see our course description guide

• How can we make sure students choose courses best fit for them?

  • That's exactly what this site is for! 

• When a student validates 8 credits in grade 9 and is then forced to change country and therefore high school, will the credits be valid abroad?

  • Please do speak to your child's counselor who will help with all school transition-related queries. The short answer is yes, similar systems will recognise our credits.

English

• Are there options in Grade 9 for English?

  • No, there is only one English Language and Literature option (not counting the Language enhanced class). There are lots of English options in Grade 10 though.

• What reading should I do over the summer to prepare for Grade 9 English?

  • There is no set reading, but it is our strong recommendation that you do read a wide variety of literature over the break to build your reading stamina and habits. Aim to read at least a little every day during the break. 

Social Studies

• Are there options in Grade 9 for Social Studies?

  • No, there is only one Grade 9 Social Studies option (not counting the Language enhanced class). There are lots of Social Studies options in Grade 10 including two advanced placement classes.

• What reading should I do over the summer to prepare for Grade 9 Social Studies?

  • There is no set reading, but it is our strong recommendation that you do read a wide variety of non-fiction over the break to build your background knowledge, reading stamina and habits. Aim to read at least a little every day during the break. Pick content that is interesting to you as this will increase the likelihood that you will read this source on a regular basis.  

Indonesian Government Requirements

• Which subjects must a G9 Indonesian student take?

  • Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia, Pendidikan Pancasila, (currently within the Bahasa Indonesia class) and Agama (religion)

• Can an Indonesian Passport holder take another language?

  • Yes as long as they take Indonesian as well. The graduation requirements adjust slightly in this case. 

• Are there Indonesian Studies options that do not require a class slot? 

  • No, this isn't something we can offer.

• What does Indonesian studies look like for a non-Indonesian passport holder? 

  • There are a wide variety of options available including:

    • Indonesian Studies

    • All second-language Indonesian courses

    • Indonesian Studies: Carving and Crafts

    • Indonesian Studies: Drawing and Painting 1

• Is there any drama class in creative arts except dance? 

  • Yes, please see the relevant page of our Course Description Guide

• Do we receive course recommendations officially? Do they come in an email? What is the formal process?

  • Our middle school colleagues will discuss this with you.

• Are there student number limitations by level?

  • Typically, the scheduling just adjusts to accommodate them so this should not an issue as long as students sign up early

• Will there be national exams in years other than Grade 9?

  • National exams are currently being reviewed. We will update when we know more.

• If a student has already taken Indonesian Studies during middle school, do they need to take Indonesian language/studies in high school?   

  • All non-Indonesian passport holders are expected to take Indonesian Studies or an Indonesian language course.  Both of these courses satisfy Ministry of Education requirements.

Mathematics

• If a student chooses a maths level different from the one recommended by the Teacher / Counselor, will he still get that level? 

  • As a general rule, yes

• What would be the prerequisite for Honors Math.  If the child joins Honors Math and then finds it too challenging, is it possible to drop down?

  • Yes, we allow for this. 

• Is there a recommended textbook for Grade 9 Honors Maths?

  • While Honors 1 uses a variety of resources and does not use a single book for the whole course, for some units students will use "Math for the International Student 10E MYP 5 (Haese Mathematics)". Physical copies of this book is available at the resource center, and students will be given digital access at the beginning of grade 9. 

• What are the topics covered in 9th Grade Maths?

  • Please see this document. 

• Is there a deadline for changing a math class?  

  • The earlier that a student moves into the correct level math class the better.  At the start of the school year, we will share with students the deadlines for making changes to their schedules

Languages

•  Can you choose two languages?

  • This is possible - especially if you are taking Bahasa Indonesia as one of your languages. It is not common for other double languages to be taken as it limits you from taking needed Creative Arts courses.   If this is your interest please contact your counselor to discuss your situation individually.

• What happens if a student has already reached level 3 in a second language in Grade 8, can they join level 4 in Grade 9?

  • Typically no

• I am a native speaker of Spanish, but I don’t go to Spanish classes. Knowing this, how do I know my level?

  • Specific language queries about your situation are best addressed to the Head of Modern languages, who can direct you to the correct teacher to assess your level and the best class for you. In your case, you may wish to take our self-taught mother tongue class 

•  If I sign up for a language class such as Korean, is there a 100% chance that I am going to get that class? 

  • This is highly likely as long as we have enough students who are interested in the class. 

• How many levels in Spanish to finish language course in JIS?

  • We have several routes through Spanish. The JIS courses finish at Spanish 4. 

• If you are fluent in Spanish but you haven’t taken Spanish in middle school can you take a higher level in Spanish?

  • We do not currently have a mother tongue course for Spanish, but we do have a self-study mother tongue pathway.  You can contact the HOD Modern Languages for help with language-specific queries.

  • Is mother languages limited to the ones shown in earlier slide?

    • We also offer self-taught mother tongue classes so students can still study their mother tongue even if we don't offer a taught class. 

• Do Grade 9 have Spanish?

  • Yes

• With modern languages what if you are advanced for the beginners level but not yet ready for the next level?

  • Ask your Modern language teacher what he/she recommends

• Will expanding students in modern languages go into level 4 in high school?

  • Normally students who have been taking languages at MS will not go into a level higher than Level 3  in G9 

• What if my mother tongue is Swedish?

  • We do have an option in the IB in G11 and 12 to study mother tongue languages through the IB Self taught World Languages program. This will not be available until you are in G11 but you can do the JIS version in G9 and G10 if you wish and if it fits your schedule.

• Are language classes arranged by grade level?

  • No - language classes are arranged according to skill level. So in Spanish 3 you could have students from different grades.

• Can a student take an AB Initio Language at Grade 11 if they've studied two years of that language in middle school?

  • Typically no, ab iInitio means from the beginning and assumes that a student has no extensive prior background in the subject. That said, some exposure to a language in middle school under two years would perhaps not disqualify them. 

What is the difference between Language A and Language B?

• • Language A is typically seen as a student's mother tongue language or where a student is proficient enough to access the literature of that language at an age-appropriate level. There is a more detailed explanation on our curriculum guide page for languages. 

  • Language B is the language acquisition pathway and is typically a student's second language. Within the Language B pathway are some ab initio offerings which assume no prior study of the language. There is a more detailed explanation on our curriculum guide page for languages. 

• If we are not native but good enough for the mother tongue class, can we do it?

  • Yes - you would need to speak to the teacher of the class to check your level is good enough.

• What are Self-Taught/Mother Tongue Language courses?  

  • You can learn about pre-requisites and descriptions of  self-taught/modern courses here.

• Which languages are offered at the IB ab initio level?   

  • The languages offered at JIS at the ab initio level can be found here.   Ab initio means from the beginning.  If you wish to take a language at the ab initio level in Grade 11, you should not have taken that class in Middle School nor should you take it in Grade 9 and Grade 10.

• Can students take Spanish ab Initio in grade 9? 

  • No. We offer Spanish 1 for beginners

Science

• • What is computer science and how does it help us?

    • You will get an introduction to this in your physical science course which is mandatory.

  • Could we take double science?

    • Not in G9

  • Will Grade 9 science prepare students to be ready to take AP Physics in grade 10?

    • Yes and please remember that AP Physics 1 also requires an Honours maths grade as well.