JIS Studio
JIS aims to meet the needs of our students in a variety of ways
In August 2020, we launched an additional pathway rooted in our core values to be Best for the World with a different model for scheduling, teaching, and learning. This pathway is JIS Studio.
What is JIS Studio?
JIS Studio students will be assessed on the same learning strands as all other students in Middle School. The cohort model allows English, Social Studies, Math, and Science to be integrated and taught both in our classrooms and beyond their walls. JIS Studio is reimagining how time and space are used in the Middle School day.
JIS Studio cohorts work together to tackle problems that are complex and authentic. Our clients may be Jakarta-based startups, NGOs, or even segments of our own community. The problems we solve matter to those who need them solved, and we use knowledge and skills from all content areas to achieve this.
We believe that students have the ability to impact their world; not only in the future, but also right now. Our JIS Studio cohort projects create opportunities for students to work within specifically designed teams based on their skills and interests. Examples of teams from previous projects include engineers, editors, artists, managers, writers, graphic designers, and event planners. We all work together to meet the needs of our clients.
What We Believe
The JIS Studio schedule allows for opportunities to study beyond the walls of our classroom. In recent years, JIS Studio trips have taken students to PT Haeng Nam Sejahtera Indonesia's ceramics factory, YUM Organic Farm Bogor, Jakarta Animal Aid Network’s (JAAN) animal rehabilitation center, a modern art museum in Central Jakarta, and cross-campus visits to our very own Pondok Indah Elementary (PIE), Pattimura (PEL), and High School campuses.
Reflection is a skill that needs to be deliberately taught and practiced. This is why we give it the time and attention that it deserves. JIS Studio focuses on critical research.
JIS Studio uses discussion as a means to foster an environment where teaching and learning are shared. Over time, students are encouraged to take on all roles that make a successful student-led discussion as participant, facilitator, and observer.
Our Values
Would you recommend JIS Studio to a friend?
I think it is a great opportunity to just get out there and try it. Studio helped me a lot as it is easier to see my learning. It gave me a chance to be a part of a small community and it's a lot of fun.
Vivian, Grade 8 2023 Cohort
Yes definitely. JIS Studio is probably the best program I have ever signed up for. It really encourages you to pursue your passions and show your character during class. I also learned much more about myself.
Kirana, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
Yes I would because JIS Studio is a class where people can come to strengthen their skills and to challenge themselves with their choice of learning. I feel like JIS Studio lets students be more independent and it allows students to learn what they want during their autonomous times. I would also recommend it because JIS Studio is a lot of fun!
Anna, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
I already have because JIS Studio has been a life saver for me, it's been helping me deal with the stress of other classes, what I mean is compared to my other classes, studio is a lot more personal and fun.
Sabine, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
“I definitely would. Besides being a totally unique and effective style of teaching, the community that has been built is just amazing. I think the autonomy is a very important part of JIS Studio but all the group projects really helped me grow my social skills.
Finneas, Grade 7 2020 Cohort
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JIS Studio Projects
JIS Studio projects are designed for students to tackle authentic problems that live beyond the classroom walls. Some projects will require students to work with a client, while others will ask students to use the design thinking process to create sustainable solutions that improve the lives of those around us.
Founded on Educational Research
JIS Studio is based on the research-backed approach of strengths and interest-based, experiential learning. We know that “learning endures when students are emotionally, psychologically, and intellectually engaged and when they feel safe, seen, and supported. Students who build on strengths rather than focusing on deficits end up with deeper and more enduring learning.” (Lopez and Louis).