ME WISHING I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW
Ten Valuable life lessons learned oVer Time…
Brian Taylor, Vice Principal, Technology for Learning
The phrase “hindsight is a wonderful thing” is a common English idiom that doesn’t have a single, definitive originator. It’s a proverbial expression that has been used widely in everyday speech for many years. The saying essentially means that it’s much easier to understand or analyse a situation after it has already happened, with the benefit of knowing the outcome. This was the premise for my assembly with our Year 11 students earlier this term. I shared with our students the top ten things that I know now that I wished I’d known when at their age and life-stage. In the spirit of the festive season and counting down to special events, here they are…
WHEN DO YOU LEARN THE MOST?
We are exposed to new experiences, knowledge, understanding and skills during our awake time, but the hard work of consolidating these occurs mainly in our sleep, and particularly the REM (rapid eye movement), often referred to as the dream-state, part of our sleep cycle. We literally learn in our dreams. Over time we naturally forget things. It’s only through deliberate, regular practice with highly responsive feedback loops do we offset the natural decay of remembering what and how to do things. Studying is the strategic slowing down of natural forgetting. Learn more in Andrew Huberman’s Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning.
IS IT OKAY TO LISTEN TO MUSIC WHEN YOU STUDY?
Total silence is the best way to study. Not having background sounds gives our working memory maximum capacity to focus attention. Having said that, if your house is like mine, then total silence is nigh on impossible. So, what’s the best alternative? Ambient study playlists on Spotify or Study with Me YouTube playlists are an alternative, as is white or brown noise. Recent studies have also shown that these sounds can also be effective in initiating sleep, so be careful! Listening to music with lyrics is not recommended as part of your working memory will
be dedicated to listening to the words, as too when using a personal playlist – you anticipate what track is coming next.
DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS –HOW BEST TO AVOID THEM
If you must use a device to assist your study, then switch off all notifications. Have a browser for study and a browser for play. We recommend Microsoft Edge for school only content. There are plenty of other browsers for play. If you do not need it, then leave your mobile phone in another room. Use the Distraction Free YouTube extension if watching videos as part of your study. Share with your family and friends your study schedule, so that they are more likely to respect your time.
THE TRUTH BEHIND MULTITASKING
Simply put, multitasking is a myth. As mentioned above, our working memory and attention, just like the memory on our laptops or phones, is a finite amount. When we multitask, this memory is divided across the tasks and is therefore compromised. However, there is more memory available when the task can be migrated to what we call System 1 thinking, but that is rare when we are studying relatively new knowledge, skills and concepts. Effort and time are used in task switching - get “into the zone” once.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO REVISE?
Our brains have a high degree of association of between our senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, sound) and a particular activity. If you’re trying to study whilst lying on a sofa or your bed your brain will adapt to associate that position or location with that activity. Consequently, you will find it both more difficult to fall asleep and more difficult to study. Create a study space that is not where you eat, sleep or relax. If you are fortunate enough to have a spare room, turn it into a
study-only area. If possible, studying at school helps as your brain has already associated that location with that activity.
ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE. WHEN AND WHAT TO REVISE?
Following your school timetable is a simple hack when it comes to creating a study schedule. Your body is already used to the routine of waking and eating at certain times of the day. Don’t go against the natural rhythms that have been honed over years by going to bed late and waking up late. Your brain is active at equivalent times of the exam schedule if you follow this routine. The long summer break is when you can let the schedule slide. Using the Pomodoro technique for study length and interleaving content within the same subject will help consolidate knowledge and understanding.
NUTRITION AND EXERCISE
Some may consider this higher up in the list and on some days, I would agree with them, especially after listening to this Plain English podcast in which Euan Ashley, a professor of genomics and cardiovascular medicine and the chair of the Stanford Department of Medicine said “Exercise may be the single most potent medical intervention ever known”. Again, routine is a key factor in this.
WHAT ARE THE OPTIMAL WAYS TO STUDY?
In Huberman’s Optimal Protocols for Studying & Learning we learn that testing yourself, even simply listing things out in your head, as close to the time
you were exposed to the new learning, is ideal in terms of reinforcing neural pathways associated with the learning episode in the brain. It’s even better if you get it wrong at first, but have immediate access to the correct information as a timely feedback loop. Re-reading is not very effective. Re-testing yourself in a low-stakes environment is. Further research behind the techniques of Retrieval and Spaced Practice are worth examining.
SEE 1, DO 1, TEACH 1
We are social creatures. When you have to put yourself in the proverbial ‘shoes’ of another and teach them something you’ve recently understood or demonstrate a skill you can now perform, it’s the best way to ‘fire and wire’ your neural pathways. Well-structured student to student study groups are effective for this, but can quickly go off task if there is not a member tasked with supervising the process.
THE MOST IMPORTANT LIFE HACK OF ALL TIME
Without this I posit that all the decisions we make regarding everything above are of a lower quality. I’m referring to the quality of sleep we have on a daily basis. As with screentime, it’s not the length we need to be using as a metric, but the quality. Every single aspect of our mental and physical health is improved when we have regular, high-quality sleep. Not only do we consolidate learning overnight, we prepare our brains for exposure to new learning the following day. The number one thing you can do to improve your overall health is to focus on the factors that ensure you get a good night’s sleep
Sleep well.
sCHool announCemenTs
sCHool PHoTo sessions are Coming soon!
SCHOOL PHOTOS WILL TAKE PLACE EARLY IN TERM 1:
Primary School photos: 13th – 22nd January
Secondary School photos: 23rd – 31st January
This year school photos will be taken by Sunshine Photo. Under the agreement, all photos will be stored by Sunshine for 1 year and then all files will be deleted to comply with PDPA guidelines. Sunshine offers a large variety of products, which they will detail when the student proofs are sent home.
School photos taken in Term 2 will be used on all school databases and on report cards, etc. from Term 3 of this academic year through to the end of Term 2 of the next academic year.
CLASS AND INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS
Your child’s class teacher/tutor will let the students know when their class photo is scheduled. Class photos are taken with students and their teachers, parents are not allowed into the photo room.
If your child misses their class photo, they will not be digitally added into the group photo. In the Yearbook, we will add a separate photo of the missing child beside the group photo.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK ON THEIR PHOTO DAY?
If you know ahead of time that your child will not be present for their photo, please inform their class teacher/ tutor so that an alternate day for their photo can be arranged.
Primary: If your child misses their photo day, please contact their class teacher to ensure your child goes to the photo location within 31st January to have their individual photos taken. No appointment is necessary during school hours. The student will need to show their Patana card (Years 3 – 13), or be accompanied by an adult.
Secondary: Students should head to the photo room to have their photo taken, immediately upon returning to school. No appointment is necessary. They should have their Patana card with them.
Catch Up Day: A catch-up day will be scheduled and communicated via the Secondary Daily Notices and Primary Class Teachers. Students who were unable to get their photo taken during the three initial weeks of scheduled school photos, should get their photo taken on this day.
CAN WE HAVE A FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN?
Appointments for family photos will be open next week and a sign up link will be shared in Patana News.
Additional spots may open in January, once the schedule for all class and staff group photos is complete.
QUESTIONS?
Email publish@patana.ac.th
sCHool announCemenTs
If you require documentation from the School to support visa applications or extensions over the Christmas break, please request this as soon as possible.
Please complete the request form via the Parents’ Gateway allowing 3 working days : Document Request from Admissions (patana.ac.th)
Please note that the last date to submit requests this term will be Monday 9th December 2024. Requests received after this date will be processed from 6th January 2025 onwards.
If you have any questions, please contact parg@patana.ac.th
The School Shop and Post Office will be closed from 16th December 2024, and will reopen on 6th January 2025.
Term 2 sCHool fees 2024/25
Invoices for school fees for Term 2-2024/25 were sent to parents on Wednesday, 30th October 2024.
If you have not received your invoice, please contact the Accounting Department or email accounts@patana.ac.th. Please note that the due date for settlement is on Friday, 29th November 2024. Payments received after this date will be subject to a late payment charge of one percent per month.
Residential Visits – a PlethoRa of Benefits
We strive to help students build independence throughout their time at Bangkok Patana. A big part of this is our Residential Visit programme, which starts in Year 2 when students spend one night in school; this experience is a fabulous way to introduce children to the idea of sleeping away from home and building their resilience. The following year, they progress to two nights away at Varuna Yacht Club before extending the time away from home in Years 4 and 5, with stays in Hua Hin and Khao Yai respectively, to three nights. By Year 6, they are ready for a full school week away in Chanthaburi. In Secondary, there are new destinations to visit. So, other than visiting wonderful places in Thailand, what are the benefits of Residential Visits?
A benefit is defined as something that produces good or helpful results/effects, or something that promotes well-being. The obvious place to start would seem to be to consider the benefits for our students. However, while writing this article, I realised that the benefits stretch beyond the
students to our entire community. For the teachers, spending this time with their students allows them to see these young people in a different light: the students often show a more relaxed side and chat more freely about their interests and passions; the teachers build further connections with each and every student, which enables them to better support the learning in class; often, students demonstrate skills or attributes that are not seen in a classroom setting, and this helps to build understanding and appreciation. For the parent community, they see their children mature and develop by being brave and independent as they encounter new experiences. They realise that they can do things on their own. Plus, home may be a little more peaceful than normal!
Arguably, the benefits actually start before the trip because students are encouraged to play an active role in packing their suitcases and in preparing for the trip. This simple act helps them to develop valuable planning and organisation skills. By cross-referencing against the pack-
Duncan Ferguson, Year 6 Assistant Leader of Learning
ing list, they are developing their ability to be thorough and systematic. Through planning what to take, they are learning to be prepared for different eventualities and to think about the future and how they can help themselves to feel more confident, secure and relaxed that they are prepared.
I am lucky enough to have taken part in every Primary Year group Residential Visit, except for the Year 2 sleepover. Maybe one day… Having recently returned from the Year 6 Residential Visit, I have seen yet again just how important these experiences are for our students; as well as the curricular benefits of learning first-hand about sustainability and environmental consciousness, Year 6 students further develop so many valuable skills and at-
tributes.
By camping in Khao Kitchikut National Park, they build their resilience – yes, it is hot and, no, there is not any air conditioning! But it’s okay. It’s character building, and the setting is stunning. When they set to and produce a delicious meal through jungle cooking, they learn practical knife skills, how to light a charcoal burner, how to combine flavoursome ingredients, how to cook meat and vegetables, and they develop their collaboration skills. For many, this is the favourite meal of the week. Importantly, they also get to do the washing up afterwards. A short ‘trek’ up through the jungle takes them to a beautiful waterfall with a large pool in which they can splash about. Every single year, someone is anxious about going in. This year was no different. On multiple occasions, I have witnessed a wonderful change in mindset from “I can’t” (sitting on the side looking anxiously at the fish and the water) to “I’m going to!” (striding purposefully towards the tumbling water to stick their heads into it!) Imagine that mindset in other tough situations; it’s invaluable.
When cruising (or zigzagging in some cases) through the mangroves in a paired kayak, students again practise collaboration but also learn to develop resilience, patience and kindness. These values are further honed through the joys of sharing a room with people who have a different perspective on tidiness and organisation to their own! In addition to all of the above, there are the day-today challenges like what to choose for dinner (why not be a risk-taker and try a new food?), what to pack in the bag for the day’s activities, whether to put yourself forward for the talent show (Do it!) and a multitude of other opportunities for personal growth.
Furthermore, a shift in perspective is likely as a result of the complete absence of devices during residential visits.
Students are forced to engage in more face-to-face interactions and are likely to be more active than they may have been during a normal week. They must problem solve without asking ChatGPT or Google. The games and activities offered during residential visits encourage teamwork, as well as affording opportunities to get to know classmates better. All of this makes for better rounded individuals.
To conclude, the benefits of Residential Visits are enormous for our whole community. Embrace the opportunities! They lead to life-long memories and complement curriculum-based learning in so many ways. Residential: essential to building potential.
Patana Page-Turners
INTERVIEW:
BELLA WILLIAMS, 8J
What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?
My favourite reading memory is probably when I read Win Lose Kill Die. Not because it was my favourite book (the Hunger Games, The Cellar and Pretty Little Liars are winning that race) but because of the plot twist. It left me stunned! Also, books by Natasha Preston made me realise that I have been reading too many books with ‘happy endings’. If you want a brilliant book that you can’t let go, try The Cellar or The Lost (both are on Sora for free) by her, but be prepared for a cliffhanger without a sequel. I hope she will write a sequel, or I might have to, because I really want to know what happens... I also love the feeling of starting a new series, moving on from one book to another straightway, not having to worry about cliffhangers.
Which fictional character would most like/least like to meet in real life and why?
I would probably like to meet Kenji from the Shatter Me series because of his humour - the amount of times his character made me laugh is uncountable! His character takes away a lot of the dark moments in the books and left me laughing many times.
I would personally not like to meet the murderer in Win Lose Kill Die by Cynthia Murphy. I can’t say who, as it would spoil the book, but this book had the biggest plot twist that no one will see coming. This murderer is lethal, manipulative and has many ways to kill a person. Great book! There are many other characters from other books that I would not like to meet, but I chose this one because this book links to the ‘Getting lost in the world’ topic - I couldn’t put it down and was so intent on guessing who the murderer was. I was so sure who it could have been, but the plot twist caught me, even though I am quite skilled at figuring out the murderer even before it was revealed!
a cure? Other examples of dystopian books that really got me hooked are Divergent, The Hunger Games and Shatter Me. These all had great plot twists and I recommend them to anyone who likes getting lost in the world of books.
FOUNDATION STAGE AND KEY STAGE 1
Lindsay Tyrrell – Secondary English Teacher
Whatever Next! by Jill Murphy
This is a lovely picture book that invites children into the imaginative world of Baby Bear. As he gazes out at the moon one night, Baby Bear decides to embark on a whimsical adventure before bath time. With a makeshift rocket, a colander for a helmet, and his friend the owl, he journeys to the moon, where they enjoy a delightful picnic. The simple yet enchanting storyline serves as an excellent catalyst for discussions about space and storytelling, fostering a love for reading and imaginative play among our youngest readers.2 BOOK RECOMMENDA -
TIONS
Killer Gorilla by Jeanne Willis
Don’t judge a book by its cover... or its title! Gorilla might look like a killer but this one certainly is not. Readers follow the adventures of Mouse as she travels across the world in search of her lost child. Gorilla is following closely behind her. With humour and plenty of action, Mouse realises that Gorilla is not what he seems and just wants to help. Children love the story, illustrations and twist in this book.
KEY STAGE 2 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Michael Plews, Year 5 Teacher
You Are Here by Ellen Oh
TThis book is full of short stories by different authors, all about finding your place in the world. The characters come from many different backgrounds, and each story shows how they discover who they are and where they belong. It’s great for learning about dif ferent cultures and ways of life.
Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
What does ‘getting lost in the world’ mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?
‘Getting lost in the world’ to me, means when you escape somewhere while reading a book. Almost every book I have read causes my mind to picture what I’m reading so vividly that I can’t read a book from a different series straight afterwards, or the characters and storyline from both books end up as one. If I want a book that transports me to a different place, I normally choose dystopian. They make you think about what humans could become in the future, for example the Maze Runner - if a disease broke loose what measures would people take to try and find
Rusty is a housecat who dreams of adventure. One day, he leaves his cosy home to join a group of wild forest cats. In this exciting story, Rusty learns about bravery, friendship, and what it takes to belong. A perfect pick for animal lovers!
KEY STAGE 3 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Yu-Ning (Emily) Wang, 7C
The Daydreamer by Ian McEwan
This is a story about Peter Fortune, a quiet and reflective boy who often loses himself in vivid daydreams that blur the line between illusion and reality. Through his fantastical adventures, Peter ex-
plores themes of transformation, identity, and the limitless power of imagination to escape the everyday mundane.
Pimnapa (Kimmie) Chua, 8B
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Powerless by Lauren Roberts is about a kingdom called Ilya in a dystopian setting. Paedyn Grey is hiding under cover as an elite although she has no powers. She saves the prince and future enforcer, Kai, and gets cast into the kingdom’s annual trial for a fortune of money.
KEY STAGE 4 AND 5 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Seiya Tiraratanakul, 13B
No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
No Longer Human is an honest and unsettling exploration of what it means to feel lost in the world. The novella follows Oba Yozo, a man consumed by alienation and unable to connect with others in society. As Yozo becomes increasingly detached from his humanity, the story delves into themes of virtue, authenticity, and the inner turmoil of navigating existence in an isolating and unforgiving world. Through a semi-autobiographical lens, it offers a visceral commentary on human nature, using dramatic moments from Yozo’s life to expose the inherent flaws of humanity.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto
This is a beautiful exploration of grief, loneliness, and finding strength in human connection. Through the intertwined stories of Mikage and Yuichi, both left untethered by the loss of loved ones, Yoshimoto captures the disorienting experience of navigating life when normalcy feels irrevocably changed. Yet, in their shared journey, they discover how love and companionship can guide them towards healing and rediscovery.
TeaCHers as arTs PraCTiTioners (TaPs) ProjeCT: arTisT sPoTligHT
SHOWCASING THE DIVERSE CREATIVE TALENTS OF OUR COMMUNITY
The TAPs (Teachers as Arts Practitioners) Project is a new Continued Professional Learning (CPL) programme that fosters a vibrant environment where academic and business staff can explore their creative passions alongside their professional roles. Much research demonstrates the invaluable impact that artists in schools have on students: active engagement in the arts fosters personal well-being, strengthens community connections and enriches pedagogical approaches. This initiative culminates in our inaugural exhibition, Patana Canvases: Unveiling the Artistic Practices of Our Community, running from Wednesday, 29th January to Friday, 7th February 2025 at the Exhibition Hall, Arts Centre. The exhibition features an inspiring showcase of works by over 30 academic and business staff from across the school, spanning diverse mediums including visual art, photography, creative writing, textiles and more. Attendees can also enjoy
live performances at the TAPs exhibition launch party on Friday, 31st January, between 3:00–5:00 pm. This column offers a glimpse into each artists’ own unique perspective and approach to the creative process and we hope their stories will inspire you.
INTERVIEW WITH ARUNEE SRIBHIBHADH, SECONDARY SCHOOL THAI TEACHER
1. Tell us about your creative hobbies
I have loved art since childhood, enjoying watercolour painting and crafts like cross-stitch, embroidery and making flowers from Japanese clay. During my summer break, I often spend time embroidering. I came across a Facebook page offering a basic embroidery course and decided to sign up. My first project, ‘Lines & Stitches: Wildflowers,’ amazed me by how stitches and lines could create diverse patterns, much like painting on a canvas. Inspired, I continued taking more courses, practising ad-
Purnima Ghogar, TAPs Project Lead | Secondary English Teacher
vanced techniques like colour shading and 3D-raised embroidery.
2. What have you created for the upcoming TAPs exhibition and why? Are there any ideas or messages you hope to communicate through your art?
I am showcasing two sets of embroidery to capture the beauty and grace of birds, highlighting their unique features. The first set is inspired by Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, which emphasises minimalism, line and form. Each piece features a single flower in the centre of a vase, focusing on simple beauty and using fewer elements to highlight the elegance of each flower, branch, or leaf. The designs follow the traditional Ikebana structure of Shin (the tallest element, symbolising heaven), Soe (the secondary element, representing humans), and Tai (the smallest, symbolising earth), creating a balanced composition that guides the arrangement. The second set explores the beauty of birds in two distinct styles. The first style uses a gradient shading technique, with the long and short stitch as the primary method. I enjoy blending thread colours to create smooth gradients that bring each bird to life with light and shadow. The second style resembles cross-stitch but is blackwork embroidery. I use outline stitches to create patterns, adding texture to different parts of the birds.
3. Can you describe the processes or materials you chose and why they are important to your work?
Embroidery is a powerful tool for creativity and fostering mindfulness. The act of stitching requires focus and patience, allowing me to slow down and stay present. This focus clears my mind and allows new ideas to flow.
TaPs arTisT sPoTligHT
Choosing colours, selecting threads, and designing patterns are all part of a creative process. Each stitch builds on the next, transforming a blank cloth into a unique piece of art. Embroidery lets me explore textures, play with colours, and make choices that shape the final design.
4. How has being part of the TAPs Project influenced your creativity? What have you enjoyed about participating in the programme?
I enjoy doing handicrafts, such as sewing and embroidery. I mostly spend my free time during the holidays or school breaks working on these types of art, often creating pieces like animals and flowers. When I joined TAPs, I wondered what I could showcase in the exhibition. I then came up with two themes: Japanese flower arrangement (Ikebana) and pictures of birds. Participating in TAPs has really inspired my creative process. I’ve learned to think more deeply about my themes and how to present my work using different techniques.
5. How have the Learning 4 Learners CPL workshops helped you develop artistically or professionally?
Even though we’re busy, I really enjoy connecting with other TAPs members. I love seeing their artwork and discussing our shared passions. The supportive environment encourages me to try new things and think outside the box. The feedback and support from others have helped me improve my skills and experiment with different materials and styles. Overall, it has made me more confident and motivated to explore my creativity.
We look forward to sharing more with you in upcoming editions, as we continue to highlight the creative journeys of our TAPs Project artists!
TaPs arTisT
Inthis interview, we shine a light on Pimpakarn (Jam) Abhinoraseth, our Graphic Designer at Bangkok Patana School, who explores the world of oil painting alongside her established career in graphic design. Jam shares how her passion for painting, her shift from digital art to oil painting, and her evolving subject matter reflect her personal growth and creative expression. Through the TAPs project, she has been able to break out of her comfort zone and bring her vibrant artistic vision to life.
1. Can you tell us about your artistic background and what led you to pursue painting alongside your graphic design career?
I have a passion for painting and Polaroid photography, valuing the charm of tangible, hard-copy materials over digital formats. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Chulalongkorn University and a Master’s in Visual Development from the Academy of Art University, California. Field trips during my Master’s studies sparked my love for painting, and this eventually led to an invitation to exhibit my work. Although the pandemic disrupted those plans, the TAPs exhibition now marks my first opportunity to showcase my paintings, reigniting my artistic journey.
2. What made you decide to move away from digital art and explore oil painting for this exhibition?
For this exhibition, I chose to explore oil painting, a medium that allows me to break away from my usual digital work as a graphic designer. While I often create on the computer, I find oil painting to be a relaxing and rewarding way to work outside of the digital realm. In my free time, I’ve always enjoyed painting, and I wanted to take this opportunity to focus on something more tangible and expressive.
3. How did your subject matter evolve over time and what is the significance of the subjects you’ve chosen to paint?
Initially, my work centered around natural elements, particularly flowers, which I find beautiful and calming. However, as I continued to paint, I realised I wanted to incorporate more personal subjects. This led me to start painting my close family members, beginning with my parents. I felt compelled to capture the people who have supported me throughout my life. These paintings are a reflection of the connections I hold dear, and I plan to expand this series to include friends and others who are important to me.
4. What makes oil painting a special medium for you, especially in comparison to your digital work?
The decision to use oil paint was influenced by my desire to create more textured and expressive works. Unlike digital art, oil painting allows for a deeper exploration of color, texture and emotion. The process is more unpredictable, with abstract textures emerging that wouldn’t be possible in a digital medium. As someone who tends to focus on perfection in my digital art, working with oils has given me the freedom to embrace imperfection and spontaneity.
5. How has being part of the TAPs project influenced your creativity and artistic expression?
Being part of the TAPs CPL programme has had a significant impact on my creativity. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, providing me with a great opportunity to express myself in new ways. I’m excited to share this collection, which feels like a personal exploration of the things and people I love most.
Stay tuned for more personal and expressive journeys, as we continue to inspire an appreciation of the transformative power of art and human connection in our lives.
Believeit or not, this is not a recycled article that I have used in previous editions of Patana News. This is simply the time of year where I feel it is appropriate to inform our Bangkok Patana community that we’re in the midst of one of the coolest cycles of life in our area – the winter migration!
Last weekend, the Smith family ventured out to many of the suburban destinations that allow keen nature lovers to see the winter migration in all its glory. This article will serve as a good reminder for my long-time readers and other members of our community who are just learning what our region has to offer those who want to see wildlife nearby.
My weekend started at Bang Pu Mangrove Forest Recreation Area located in Samut Prakan. Right now, the place is humming with thousands of birds of many different species. In a very laid back morning, I was able to see at least 40 species of birds of all shapes and sizes. If I were a more skilled birder, I am sure that I could have surpassed that number by quite a bit.
The main show at Bang Pu is without a doubt the large
flocks of Brown-headed Gulls, which assemble there in the thousands and are purported to have at least 50% more birds than last year! No doubt their breeding grounds in China’s Tibetan Plateau have provided for a very good year for the species. Among the Brown-headed Gulls, keen and observant birders may see other species like Black-tailed, Heuglin’s and Mongolian Gulls as well. And the bird photographers were out in force as well!
No doubt the showy stars of the migration at Bang Pu are the kingfishers. Usually, it is easy to spot three species of kingfishers there, two of which are migrants. I easily saw all three zipping about the mangroves and hunting in the high tides. Loads of waders, forest birds, and other species were easy to see at Bang Pu and the other locations I visited, which included Chachoengsao’s Salt Café salt pans and Lat Krabang’s Thap Yao Rice Fields.
I would be more than happy to share specific GPS information for anyone who would like to get out in the coming weeks to see this migration for yourself. Just contact me at cosm@patana.ac.th
Coke Smith, Curriculum Leader, Environmental Science
SPOON BILLED SANDPIPER
BROWN HEADED GULL
PURPLE HERON JACANA
BLACK CAPPED KINGFISHER
KINGFISHER
PELICAN
PAINTED STORK
WARBLER
ommuniTy engagemenT aT bangkok PaTana
Sunu Chang and
Devaansh
Banga, Co-Founders of ReTech
RETECH: THE JOURNEY TO THE FIRST DONATION
WHAT IS RETECH?
ReTech is a senior engagement club involved in the reuse of old technology for the people in need. We do this by taking in donations from the BAngkok Patana community, refurbishing the technology to make it usable, then donating it to the less fortunate. This prevents old technology that might still be usable from ending up in a landfill, but rather into the hands of an impoverished child.
Our journey towards our first large-scale tech donation was a tumultuous seven-month journey. We want to be able to share this journey with the readers of Patana News.
SETTING UP
Something we noticed within the Patana community is that there was a shortage of technology-based engagement clubs. As we were both enthusiasts of computing and electronics, we were quite distraught by this - of course, there are plenty of brilliant clubs that work to create a better society, however next to none do it use technology to do so. That was why, in February 2024, we decided to take matters into our own hands and founded ReTech: the first tech-based club in Patana.
We quickly realised that in order for this operation to
be successful, we would need an organisation outside of school that would be willing to collaborate with us and take in our donations. After searching and contacting countless organisations, we finally landed on Childline, a dedicated team of volunteers working tirelessly to help the children of Thailand. After discussions, they seemed eager to work with us, securing our first line of donation for the club.
REFURBISHING AND DONATING
It took us around five months (including the summer) to stock up enough technology to make our first significant donation of over 100,000 THB worth of technology to the Childline association. During these 5 months, we tested all the new technology thoroughly to ensure that their proper functioning before giving them to the children. Naturally, since we accepted a range of donations from old to new technology, we also received tech items that were either broken but fixable or even broken beyond repair. In response, we attempted to fix the items, specifically the ones that were feasible to fix, while scrapping the ones beyond repair to instead be sustainably recycled through some of our contacts of tech recycling plants in Chiang Mai.
After collecting a reasonable amount of technology, we decided to get in touch with the Childline volunteers to help
us complete the donation to their organisation. The helpful team organised a pick up for us to transport the tech items to their location. Upon reaching we were warmly greeted by the organisation and were taken to meet some of the kids at the hub, where we would officially make our donation of all the technology we had accumulated over the past months.
OUTCOMES AND FUTURE PLANS
Overall, the trip was a success, and we believe that our original goal of tech recycling and provision of technology for the underprivileged has been fulfilled. As a result of the trip, we truly believe that we were able to change several children’s lives through the donation. It was truly a blessing to witness the sparks of joy that emanated from their faces when they were able to experience the wonders of technology for the first time.
Part of the trip was dedicated to discussing a new application that we have been working on since June. This application is analogous to the Firefly system that is currently in use in Bangkok Patana; however, it is designed specifically for lower-end mobile phones. This is because we are envisioning a digital form of school management that is accessible for all schools, instead of only high income, privileged schools like us. We have ensured that the app can work for a variety of phones with differing processing powers, as we have taken into consideration the limited budget that lower income students may possess. As quite a bit of time has passed since then, we have since
completed the application, and currently are working with Childline to hopefully deploy our first prototype to a test school for testing.
Furthermore, we are also looking to expand our club into other schools, to make this organization truly widespread across Thailand. As we will be graduating soon, we won’t be the driving force behind this expansion, however we would like to keep supporting the successors of the club, Divyansh and Richard (Year 12 and 11 respectively). We are truly grateful to Childline for allowing us to have an influence on the local community of Thailand, and look forward to working with them in the future, and we would like to extend our thanks to the Patana community for culminating this opportunity, as your support has enabled us to make such a drastic impact on the local community of Bangkok.
amPlifying youTH VoiCes
LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY AT THE FOBISIA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AND SERVICE CONFERENCES
Recently, I was honoured to represent our school at two major conferences, showcasing the United Wardrobe Project, a student-led initiative addressing the environmental impact of fast fashion while promoting a circular economy. These experiences not only allowed me to share our project’s achievements but also gave me the opportunity to reflect on the importance of youth leadership in driving sustainability.
The first was the 14th Annual servICE Conference at Wells Chonburi Campus on 29th September 2024, where I delivered the keynote speech on our journey with the United Wardrobe Project. I shared how the project started, the steps we’ve taken, and how it has expanded. My message to the audience was clear. Even small actions can lead to significant change. This speech resonated with schools across the region, resulting in Wells International
School, ICS Bangkok, Hua Hin International School and KIS RP joining our initiative. Their involvement reinforces the meaningful impact of our project and extends its reach, inspiring more sustainable actions.
On 16th November, 2024, I had the privilege of participating as a student panelist at the 31st FOBISIA Leadership Conference, an event attended by over 250 headteachers and school leaders from across Southeast Asia. The panel, led by entrepreneur and conservationist Mr Jeroen van de Waal, gave a great opportunity to share our project’s vision and discuss its future goals. Sharing our story with such a distinguished audience was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. However, Mr Jeroen van de Waal’s expert guidance and the enthusiasm of the attendees made the experience incredibly rewarding.
The conference offered an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness about fast fashion’s environmental impact. Many headteachers approached me afterward to express their interest in our project with some plans to implement similar initiatives at their schools. One school in
Yoochan Hwang, 12F
Malaysia has already reached out to discuss collaboration and I am excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring.
These two experiences were not only about sharing our project’s achievements but also about learning. Meeting other panelists and speakers at both events reminded me of the collective power we hold as students to tackle global challenges.
I am deeply grateful to Ms Ferguson, Ms Adair and Mr Seddon for their guidance and support, as well as to the teachers, students, and parents who have been part of
this journey. Most importantly, I want to thank my advisor teacher, Mr. Dale and our incredible team — Ashvika, Chongrong, Ethan, Charya, Baifu, Steven, Vivaan, XJ and Utkarsh. Their passion and hard work are the heart of this project, and none of this would have been possible without them.
Together, we have turned small acts of kindness into a growing movement for sustainability.
If you would like to follow our journey, visit our website at www.bpseconomist.com or check us out on Instagram at @bpseconomistsclub.
THink Pink
90 players took to the courts in a fun filled event with some fantastic outfits on show.
With both a competitive and a social section running side by side the courts were full of laughter all morning and was great to see such a vibrant community spirit.
Around THB 150,000 was raised on the day.
The Tennis Academy in conjunction with SILC hosted a Pink Tennis Charity event for the Queen Sirikit Center breast cancer foundation.
Daniel Ahl, Head Tennis Coach
TeaCHers Vs sTudenTs Volleyball
In a highly anticipated student-teacher volleyball match, both teams entered the game with high spirits and competitive energy, creating an exciting atmosphere for both players and spectators. The match started with an even playing field, as the students showed great enthusiasm and determination, matching the teachers’ skill level point for point. Exciting and strong serving from Mila. The first set was a tightly contested battle, with students using their speed and agility to keep up with the experienced teachers, with incredibly strategic setting from April. However, despite the students’ strong efforts, the teachers’ strategic play and calm under pressure allowed them to edge out a win in the first set.
As the second set unfolded, the teachers seemed to shift into a higher gear, displaying superior coordination and communication on the court.Their experience in managing the flow of the game and adjusting tactics as needed became evident, as they consistently executed well-timed serves, blocks, and powerful spikes, in which Coach X excelled. The students, still enthusiastic and competitive, continued pushing on, but the teachers thrived and maintained control of the game. The second set was similarly close
early on, but the teachers ultimately extended their lead and secured the win.
Overall, the match was a thrilling display of sportsmanship and skill, with the teachers demonstrating a level of experience that ultimately tipped the scales in their favor. Despite the students’ effort, the teachers’ ability to maintain composure under pressure and execute their game plan effectively led to their victory in both sets. While the students fell short in this friendly competition, their performance showed promise, and the match served as a fun and valuable learning experience for all involved.
Once again thanks for excellent (and entertaining) commentary from Isaac and Flavio.
Misha Parker, Tiger Sports Council
Taking PHoTos and Videos of sTudenTs on CamPus
At Bangkok Patana School we welcome parents on to our campus. As part of this agreement, all parents must agree to our Parents’ Safeguarding Code of Conduct. This includes:
1. Never taking images in toilets, changing rooms or areas where privacy is expected.
2. Using judgement before taking and before sharing images of students.
During a regular school day, parents may only take images of their own child – unless they have sought and received permission from another family to include their child in a group photo. Family employees with access to the campus must also abide by this rule.
The following information clarifies where and when parents can take images on campus.
firsT eVer fobisia neTball for bangkok PaTana
On15th November we travelled to Singapore, where we took part in Bangkok Patana’s first ever U18 FOBISIA Netball at Dulwich College. The competition was spread across two days, where we played some incredible teams, had an amazing time and learnt so much.
We started the trip with a fun evening shopping on Friday, and celebrated Tanna’s 16th birthday at the end of the night with a delicious chocolate cake. We had an absolute blast walking down Orchard road, seeing all the Christmas lights and eating lots of yummy food! This was a great way to boost our team spirit before the tournament began.
We took to the courts bright and early on Saturday morning with orange ribbons in our hair, a lot of nerves but also a lot of excitement ready to play. We had the opportunity to play some extremely talented teams from all across Asia, from who we learnt a lot. When we entered the competition, it was never our goal to win, because we knew that we just didn’t compare with the level of some of the other teams who have been training together and entering tournaments like FOBISIA for a lot longer than us.
We were very proud of our performance, and celebrated scoring at least one goal in every game, but were even happier with more.
Despite facing several challenges including multiple ankle injuries, and a few upsetting game losses, we didn’t let this get us down, and we secured a few wins.
In the end, we finished second place in the Plate competition, after losing a very tough final, but we were very happy nevertheless. We learnt so much from the weekend, improving in each game and had a brilliant time making wonderful memories.
Netball has only really commenced at Patana in the past couple of years, and we are so thankful to our coaches for enabling us to compete in an international tournament. For many of the other teams we competed against, Netball is a seasonal sport which they play at school while also training year round with external clubs. We’ve only been training once a week, and were therefore very pleased that we finished as well as we did. We are so happy and proud to be the start of Netball at Bangkok Patana School, and hope that we have inspired younger students to start playing Netball.
Gracie Minchin, 13R and Holly Myers, 13L
Reflections from the students:
“This will be my first and last sports trip at Patana and I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t change it for anything” - Holly, Year 13
“I’m so proud of us and how far we’ve come” - Izzy, Year 12
“We’ve improved so much and come so far” - Lara, Year 12
“We only came back with 5 ankle injuries, 50% is a pass right?!?” - Mya, Year 13
in-House gymnasTiCs ComPeTiTion
Ahuge congratulations to every Bangkok Patana gymnast who participated in our first competition of the year. Over 115 of the selective team from Years 3 - 13 competed at our very own In House Event, showcasing their talent and dedication of countless hours of training. This event marked a special welcome to our new team members, including the recently formed Development Tiger Squad and their families, who have all joined our vibrant gymnastics community.
The competition featured mixed-level teams, encouraging collaboration across all ages while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship. Gymnasts battled their nerves and proudly performed routines with new and improved skills. The support they showed for one another was so inspiring. The older and more experienced gymnasts are outstanding role models that our younger members can look up to. We couldn’t be prouder.
We were honoured to have official judges from the Thai Gymnastics Association who worked alongside score helpers from Chulalongkorn University. Our coaches have spent hours analysing the judges score sheets. This information allows us to provide detailed feedback to help prepare every gymnast for the upcoming competition sea-
son. Providing feedback is vital for improvements in performance, and we recognise that this needs to be age appropriate and individualised. With a greater understanding of how and why a score was given, our students will continue to improve and dominate the competition podiums across Bangkok!
Congratulations to Team Aladin, with Darsh, and Team Ariel, led by Saira, who emerged as overall team winners! A special acknowledgment also goes to our newly appointed captains, Sam and Saira, and vice-captain, Claire, for stepping into their leadership roles with enthusiasm and determination.
A huge thank you to our incredible coaches for their hard work in preparing our gymnasts and logistics for the events, particularly Coach Wah. Our gratitude to all the additional school staff and external providers; Get Fresh, Rembrandt and INUS who also provided their services.
As we reflect on the judges feedback, we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and improvement together. We are excited and prepared for the competition season ahead. GO TIGERS!
Georgina Wright, Head of Gymnastics Academy
Patana ParTiciPaTes!
Achievements from Our Community
Chanun and Inggrayani, Parents
Bayla Somboonvechakarn, 9N and Natalie, 8R) represented their school with distinction at the Tournament of Champions of the World Scholar’s Cup, held last week at Yale University. Joined by a teammate from Harrow International School Bangkok, they competed in the junior category against 400 teams and 1,200 participants from around the globe, securing remarkable achievements.
Team Achievements:
Overall Team Rank: 38th place (Gold)
Debate Team Rank: 26th place (Gold)
Individual Achievements:
Debate:
Bayla: 44th place (Gold)
Natalie: 174th place (Gold)
Writing:
Bayla: 199th place (Gold)Natalie: 234th place (Gold)
Overall Individual Champions (out of 1,200 participants):
Bayla: 70th place (Gold)
Natalie: 96th place (Silver)
Medal Tally:
Bayla took home an impressive 8 gold and 2 silver medals, while Natalie earned 6 gold and 4 silver medals.
Patana ParTiciPaTes!
Achievements from Our Community
Juntarporn Tangthanasup, Parent
Chaitawat (William), 7A secured the 1st Runner-Up award at the prestigious Global Robotic Competition held at the Science Center in Singapore. Representing Thailand after excelling in the national competition last October, William competed against participants from eight countries.
This year’s competition, themed “H2O Hero,” challenged contestants to address water pollution through innovative robotic solutions. William impressed the judges with his creative machine design aimed at tackling water pollution, showcasing exceptional problem-solving skills and engineering expertise. His achievement highlights his dedication and talent on an international stage.
Achievements from Our Community
Amp Ampere, Parent
Peppermint recently achieved outstanding success in two major competitions. At the TDO International Dance Competition, she won gold in her ballet solo category and claimed the overall first prize trophy among 1,300 participants. At the 10th Bambi Games Gymnastics Competition, she swept gold in all Level 2 apparatuses. Congratulations Peppermint!
