Interview with Charlie Cherrier: SISD Student Athlete and Boarding Student

What was your main motivation for joining boarding?

My main motivation to join boarding was to learn English and become completely bilingual.

What advantages do you feel boarding gives you for swimming?

The best advantage of boarding is the school’s facilities. I have everything I need on-site: gym, pool, and more. I can also train early in the morning, have breakfast with my boarding friends and then head straight to school on campus. In the evening, I can also train in the pool with my Speedo club and use the gym and cardio room for strength and conditioning training.

What is the thing that surprised you the most about boarding?

I was surprised by how large the campus and the different accommodations were in the school. From classrooms, sports area, boarding rooms to common rooms which are equipped with different games like pool, table tennis, and more. I was also surprised by the network of friends I have made – from all over the world.

Run us through an average day in your life.

5:30 AM: Wake up to start training.

5:45 AM: Start morning training at the SISD pool. The session lasts approximately 1.3 hours.

After Training: Enjoy breakfast with a live omelet station.

8:00 AM - 3:30 PM: Attend classes.

After School: Take one hour to relax, eat, and chat with friends.

5:00 PM: Begin the second training session of the day, which lasts 2.5 hours.

30 minutes: Engage in mobility and stretching exercises inside the sports hall.

After Training: Proceed to dinner.

After Dinner: Go to my room to complete homework and prepare for the next day.

How do you think boarding school prepares you for life beyond Grade 12?

We have a lot of different teachers to help us prepare in different subjects like math and business which gives us the tools to succeed in the future whether it’s university or our future professional lives.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining boarding?

I would tell them not to hesitate because everything is put in place so that the student feels safe and supported and in an environment where they can succeed in their academic and sporting projects.

What do you think makes boarding in Dubai so unique?

If I have to summarize in a few words why boarding in Dubai is so unique, it's the weather with sunshine all year round and the excellent sporting facilities on campus.

SISD is proudly part of the Nord Anglia Education family.