Elective Courses

These courses do not gain credit in a particular subject area, but credits gained do count towards graduation requirements. 

Philosophy (48485)

One semester - 0.5 credit, Prerequisite: None 

Grades 11,12 - Pass/Fail

This course is suitable for all grade 11 and 12 students, but may be especially useful for those applying to elite colleges and universities, as it will help to fully prepare for college and university interviews. It offers an engaging introduction to philosophy using the lives of some of its philosophers to explore their ideas. Students will explore the lives and ideas of major philosophers from Socrates to contemporary thinkers such as Peter Singer and John Rawls. Through accessible storytelling and critical discussion, students will learn how philosophical ideas have evolved and how they continue to influence debates on ethics, politics, and human existence. The course encourages students to reflect on questions such as "What is a good life?" and "What is a just society?   What is ultimately real? and What makes actions morally right or wrong?, while building skills in reasoning, argumentation, and thoughtful dialogue through thought experiments. Students will end the year with using what they have learned to address current-day issues, such as "Who should pay for climate change protections?", "Does more choice mean more freedom?", and "Should borders matter? "

Independent Living (7502s) 

Semester One - Gr 11 & 12  Semester Two- ONLY Gr. 11 (Due to the scheduling of Mock and Final Exams for 12th graders)

One semester - 0.5 credit, Pass/Fail

Grades 11, 12 - priority given to seniors

This course is for Grade 11 and 12 students to learn the basic survival skills for an independent life after JIS.  Many new practical skills will be acquired, such as car and home maintenance, healthy cooking, budgeting, and interview skills. The underlying goal is to help students with transition skills that would be required for a healthy, independent life, away from home. 

Self Defense and Mixed Martial Arts (7520s) 

One semester - 0.5 credit, Pass/Fail

Grades 11,12

Prerequisite: 2 credits of PE

This pass/fail course is designed to expose grade 11 and 12 students to a variety of Self Defense and Mixed Martial Arts type techniques and strategies in a fun and non-threatening environment. It will combine various elements of Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Grappling (wrestling), and students will develop skills, understand personal defense, and improve their athletic training.  Students will learn self-defense principles and develop strategies to be safe and aware of potential dangers in their surroundings.

Personal Training 2  (7505s)  

One semester - 0.5 credit, Pass/Fail

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: 2 Credits of PE

This pass/fail course provides students with an opportunity to regularly engage in a strength and conditioning program throughout the semester.  Students will be able to pursue their personal interests and passions in fitness through daily workouts and increase their personal wellness by adding balance to their lives. Emphasis will be placed on safe, functional, multi-joint exercises as students learn to develop and implement their own exercise program. This course is designed for all levels of fitness, strength, and experience in the weight room. The end goal is that students become competent at a wide range of exercises and use of gym equipment so that they gain a sense of confidence and autonomy in any weight room setting. 

Teacher Aide (2600s)

One semester – ½ credit Pass/Fail

Grades 11, 12

Prerequisite: counselor approval/teacher recommendation.

This elective provides students with an opportunity to work with a JIS faculty member in a variety of settings. The nature of the work is determined by the supervising teacher but typically the work falls into one of, or a combination of, three broad categories: classroom aide (involves working with students in a classroom environment); clerical aide (assisting with tasks like word processing, filing, scanning, bulletin board maintenance); research/technology/subject aide (help in the library, assist in Theater classes, demonstrate software, analyse data, gather web resources). Students are given the opportunity to choose which kind of work they would like to do, but this choice is contingent on teacher demand. Aides are evaluated by their supervising teachers on a bi-weekly basis and their performance is measured against 4 criteria: demeanor, punctuality, use of assigned time and quality of work.

Independent Study (30005)

One semester - 0.5 credit pass/fail

Grade 12

Prerequisite: None, students will need the dispositions to work independently

This foundation course has been designed for learners to study a topic area of their choosing. The course is process-orientated, and there are a variety of possible outcome pathways depending on student interests and choice of investigation. It is particularly appropriate for students who wish to apply their other studies in order to explore a real-world situation either in Indonesia or more globally.  Students will develop their general project management skills and in particular, the ability to plan, manage the research process, work to deadlines and reflect critically upon their work. While elective credit is awarded upon successful completion of this course, in certain circumstances students may apply for credit awarded to a specific department depending on the area of the investigation. Suitably in-depth study topics on an aspect of Modern Indonesia can count for the MoE Indonesian Studies requirement if no other Indonesian Studies options fit into the student’s schedule. Students wishing to undertake this option should contact the Vice Principal of Curriculum and Learning with their topic for approval.

Pendidikan Agama (Religion Class)

One semester – 0.5 credit, Pass/Fail 

Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 

Prerequisite: Required for Indonesian Citizens (WNI); available for Catholic, Christian, Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, & Confucianism.

This course is designed to meet the Indonesian Ministry of Education’s requirements for religious instruction while aligning with the JIS mission of developing reflective and compassionate global citizens. Students will explore the core tenets of each Religion/faith, including the knowledge and values based on the Holy Book and moral values. Through a lens of inquiry and dialogue, the course encourages students to apply their faith to modern ethical dilemmas, fostering a deep sense of personal spirituality and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on the "universal" nature of the faith, inviting students to reflect on how their religious identity contributes to a tolerant, diverse society in Indonesia and beyond.