Swimming To Success: A Day In The Life Of Charlie Cherrier At Swiss International School Dubai

Charlie Cherrier left his family in France to join the boarding programme at Swiss International School in Dubai (SISD). His main goal was to master English and become bilingual. Now in his second year, Charlie reflects on how boarding has impacted his academic, athletic, and social life.

Charlie's journey to Dubai was driven by a desire to immerse himself in an English-speaking environment. "My main motivation to join boarding was to learn English and become completely bilingual," he shares. This ambition has paid off, with his English skills improving significantly since his arrival in August 2021. Today, Charlie is not just a proficient English speaker but also a thriving Grade 11 student deeply invested in SISD's IBCP Business and Hospitality Management course.

Life at SISD

Upon arriving at SISD, Charlie was surprised by the campus's size and facilities. "I was surprised by how large the campus and the different accommodations were in the school," he recalls. The campus offers state-of-the-art classrooms, sports facilities, and recreational amenities like pool and table tennis rooms.

A typical day for Charlie starts early and ends late. After classes and training, he winds down with dinner before completing homework. Despite the busy schedule, he values the strong sense of community among peers. "I've made a global network of friends," he says, highlighting SISD's diverse atmosphere.

An Athletic Edge

As a competitive swimmer, Charlie benefits from SISD's facilities. "The best advantage of boarding is the school's facilities. I have everything I need on-site: gym, pool, and more," he says. This setup allows him to maintain a rigorous training schedule without commuting hassles.

His day begins with a 5:30am wake-up call for swim training at the SISD pool. "After training, I enjoy breakfast with my boarding friends, and then head straight to school on campus," he adds. Evening sessions include further pool training with his Speedo club and gym workouts for strength conditioning.

The SISD Community

Megan La Caze, Head of Secondary School at SISD, praises Charlie's progress: "Charlie's English has improved significantly since he first arrived in Dubai in 2021." She notes his investment in the IBCP Business and Hospitality Management course as evidence of his well-rounded development.

Caroline Potel, Head Coach at Speedo, highlights the benefits of their partnership with SISD: "SISD stands as Dubai's premier school for achieving athletic and academic excellence within the IB framework." The collaboration has fostered sportsmanship through a custom swimming programme since 2018.

Preparing for a Bright Future

Charlie believes that boarding at SISD prepares him well for future success beyond Grade 12. He appreciates having various teachers who help him excel in subjects like math and business. This support equips students like him for university or professional challenges ahead.

For those considering boarding at SISD, Charlie advises not hesitating: "Everything is put in place so that the student feels safe and supported." He also mentions unique advantages such as year-round sunshine and exceptional sporting facilities that make SISD stand out.

The Speedo Swim Squad takes immense pride in creating and managing the Swim Academy at SISD. They anticipate even greater achievements ahead due to their efforts.

SISD is more than just a school for Charlie; it's where he grows academically while honing athletic skills daily through early swim practices or late-night study sessions—each step bringing him closer towards achieving personal goals.