Our mission is to ensure that students of different nationalities grow to their full potential as independent learners in a caring British international community.
NEWS Patana
Friday 18th August 2017
Volume 20 Issue 1
www.patana.ac.th
Exciting Updates and reasons to Celebrate In the Head of School’s Monthly Blog
Page 2
2017/18
Also in this issue
The Changing Face of Sports Development / The Latest from the PTG
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
Bangkok Patana is an IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC
1
Welcome Back I am delighted to welcome you all back to the 2017/18 academic year. A special welcome to any new families joining us this August, we are so pleased you chose Bangkok Patana School. I am starting my tenth year as Head of School and 33rd year in Education and it is really an honour to lead such an amazing school. After spending nine years as the Head of School, I am convinced more than ever that Bangkok Patana is a successful school. Bangkok Patana offers your child high quality teaching and learning founded upon high quality inter-personal relationships. Successful schools rely on recruiting, retaining and supporting the best teachers possible. Successful schools have minimal personal conflict and maximum personal happiness and satisfaction. Successful schools are also learning schools – they understand the value of self-improvement and continually strive to improve teaching quality. The school year has started very smoothly and I have observed lots of happy and relaxed students and teachers. New Students A very special welcome to our 308 new students starting Bangkok Patana School this year. We hope your transition is a smooth one and we are so glad you are joining the Patana community! Our total school population is 2,252 students and we are the largest international school in Thailand. Staffing We have 49 new staff joining us for this academic year, the new staff have already spent a week at school attending a very well organised and informative staff induction programme which Jackie Houghton and her team has done a superb job planning! As always, we are delighted with the high quality of teachers joining the Patana community this year. IB Results 2017 The 6th July brought the issue of results for the Graduating class
2
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
of 2017. Our wonderful graduates really demonstrated their academic prowess and not only lived up to the proud legacy of previous Bangkok Patana cohorts. but surpassed them, with our highest ever average score of 35 points (out of a possible 45) and an outstanding 100% pass rate for the IB Diploma- something we are incredibly proud of. This is particularly pleasing for a non-selective school, set against worldwide statistics of an average score of 30 points and pass rate of 80%. 22% of our graduating cohort joined the “40 club”, more than ever before, achieving a score of 40 points or more. This puts them among an exclusive group of only 5% of candidates worldwide. Special mention must go to Benjada (Nucky) Korprasertsri, who joined only 218 students worldwide with a perfect score of 45 points, and to Madison Frye and Mimi Thompson who narrowly missed this with 44 points, which is still a staggering achievement. Congratulations to our Class of 2017. (I)GCSE Results 2017 Students should be extremely proud of the results from the Cambridge International Exam Board, which were released on Thursday 10th August. This year we achieved an impressive set of results, which include an overall pass rate of 95.5% A*-C and an increase in all grades awarded at Grade C and above. This emphasises that we are delivering on our Mission Statement for all students to grow to their full potential. Our A*-B percentage of 79.8% surpassed that of last year (74.7%). We saw a similar increase in the outcomes of our most able students, who attained 55.7% at A*-A, up from 51.4% the previous year. Hard work from students and on-going high quality feedback from staff throughout the two-year programme, along with great parental support, has undoubtedly enabled our students to perform at such a high level. Most of the examinations were sat by our Year 11 cohort, and for this group of students, 29% have so far achieved all (I)GCSE grades at Grade B or above, and 16% of the cohort achieved grades that were all Grade A* or A. We await the Edexcel results that are published on the 24th of August. Year 11s deserve a huge congratulations and we wish them well as they embark upon their IB Programme. Building Work over the Summer We are delighted with all of the amazing building refurbishment work that has been undertaken over the summer holidays. Enhancing and modernising our learning environments obviously has direct benefits to our students and I’m sure our Nursery and Foundation Stage students are going to love their new learning environs once they move in on August 21st for Nursery students and September 4th for our Foundation students. This year’s major summer projects include: • Completely new upgrade of the Foundation Stage Building at the front of Primary • Completely new upgrade of the Year 3/4 building • A brand new Nursery building next to the Transport Building • Repurposing the top floor of the Year 5/6 building to create ECA performance spaces
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
3
• A new Sports Hall roof • Retiling of the 25m pool and new seating • Refurbished Primary Office • Brand new Secondary Hard Court
The Gift of Curiosity I read this educational article over the summer break which resonated with me big time. I remember talking to a parent in Term 3 who was telling me about his son getting very interested in drones. He described the high curiosity level his son had when he ordered him a new drone set which the son had to put together completely from scratch. His son is now a top drone racer in his age group. I kept reflecting on how important our curriculum at school is and of all the magic moments when a student suddenly gets curious about a new topic or object and once the curiosity quotient kicks in, there is no stopping the enthusiasm and passion. I am pleased to say that at Bangkok Patana School we are constantly looking at ways to bring out the curiosity in our students. Having every student pass their IB in July is just another example of the school’s success. As a school, we strive to make our curriculum and programme fascinating which in turn evokes curiosity for our incredible learners. I’m really looking forward to another year of exciting challenges ahead in our flourishing learning community. Matt Mills Head of School
Have you checked out the Home Languages ECA options for Block 1?
If you would like to access support for your home language (HOLA), help increase your children’s exposure to their mother tongue, or develop your child’s ability to communicate in their additional languages, then the HOLA programme is here to help! This block, we are able to offer: · Mandarin · French (Secondary School) · Singaporean Mandarin · Danish · Swedish · Dutch · Spanish · German · Japanese For any queries, please contact Jen at jepe@patana.ac.th or Ondine at onul@patana.ac.th
4
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
The Changing Face of Sports Development
Cindy Adair, Assistant Principal, Extra-Curricular Activities and Sports ne of the great joys of watching your child grow up is seeing them enjoy some of the same activities you did as a child. This is none more so than in the sporting arena. Watching your child on the football pitch brings back those memories of Saturday mornings spent with friends and family, trips taken and accolades won. However, in recent years much research has gone on in the field of Sports Development as there is a growing recognition that children are not simply “mini adults” and as a result the training methodologies applied, should differ from the traditional programmes offered to adult athletes (and those we remember as children). Mastering a sport is a gradual process and to avoid plateaus (or worse - injuries) later in a student-athlete’s career, a long-term approach is key. Bangkok Patana is lucky enough to have a large group of professional coaches in our ranks and we are careful to stay abreast with this new paradigm. I would like to share two examples of how we are ensuring long-term success by teaching skills in an age appropriate way and not rushing into the adult game.
O
Tiny Tiger Tennis ECAs
Coach Dan and his team deliver the play and stay model now recommended by the LTA and the ITF. This game uses a smaller court for Juniors, which are in proportion to the player’s size. The coaches also use a graduated system of balls with varying air pressure to ensure that groundstrokes stay between the waist and shoulder, rallies are longer, movement patterns mimic those on the adult game and technique remains a focus. Students only progress to the next stage (Red Ball>Orange Ball>Green Ball) when they are able to control the ball and implement tactics effectively. Most importantly this approach builds confidence and maintains interest. Our counterparts from other Bangkok International Schools are adopting this system also and as a result there is a growing number of Red Ball/ Orange Ball and Green Ball tournaments on offer. Even our more advanced Junior Tigers who have graduated across the road to the larger courts at the Tennis Centre, occasionally revert to a Green ball to correct a fault or drill a new shot.
SNAG Golf® ECAs
Pro Andrew and his team deliver the SNAG Golf® programme in the Primary school. SNAG® is a tested player development program designed for new learners of all ages. SNAG® contains all the elements of golf but in a modified form, making it an easy and fun way to learn and play golf. The system builds on strong fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and full swing to develop playing ability quickly and effectively. SNAG® incorporates developmentally appropriate equipment and instruction that will allow golf to be learned and played in non-traditional venues, such as on a soccer field, in a gym, or on the beach. The game has its own simplified rules and terminology that adds fun to the learning and playing experience. Look out for both these programmes when signing up for your Block 1 ECAs!
click here for the Canteen 18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
Menu 5
he t m o r f st The late
G
PTG
oodbye Holidays! Hello new school year and welcome to our new families! The PTG would like to wish everyone a fabulous year ahead. We have some exciting events and activities planned. Please save the date Friday October 6th for our annual social event. It promises to be a fun night! Please contact us on email ptg@patana.ac.th
Introducing your new 2017/18 PTG Committee:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairperson - Melissa Secretary - Fiona Treasurer - Khun Pook Communications – Gudrun Thai Liaison - Khun Koi SUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS Primary Representative - Jacqui Secondary Representative - Laura Primary Newcomers - Irma Secondary Newcomers - Angela Tiger Shop Manager - Janine Activities - Erin International Day - Katherine Fun Day - Vana and Apollo
PRIMARY YEAR GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Nursery - Khun Koi FS1 - Cari FS2 - Erin Year 1 - Rianka Year 2 - Vicharee Year 3 - Helen Year 4 - Amy Year 5 - Jacqui Year 6 - Vibeke
SECONDARY YEAR GROUP REPRESENTATIVES Year 7 - Aki Year 8 - Khun Nye and Khun Jam Year 9 - Marielle Year 10 - Lara Year 11 - Alex Year 12 - Angela Year 13 – Hazel and Laura
New! T ‘n’ T drop ins - Tea and Talk!
Every Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 11am PTG Room
Drop in for a coffee, a snack and a chat.
New parents, if you did not receive your "Tiger Spirit Welcome Pack" on Induction Day then please pop into the PTG room during one of our T ‘n’ T drop in times to collect. See you then!
6
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
Click here to join the PTG Facebook page
I
t’s been a roaring start to the term over on the Tiger Cart. Welcome back to school everyone and a particularly warm welcome to all the new parents. Thank you all for supporting the PTG this week with your purchases. We will continue to open at the Tiger Cart for mornings next week and after that we will be back in the Tiger Shop, behind the PTG room in the Primary Blue area. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for opening times.
Did you know that the Tiger Shop is entirely staffed by parent volunteers? We try to open mornings and afternoons, where possible. If you think you might be able to help or are just interested in finding out a bit more about what is involved, either stop by to chat to us at the Tiger Cart or email us at ptgtigers@gmail.com Don’t forget we now stock small and large umbrellas which are really useful for Bangkok’s rainy season!
We are here!
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
7
NEWCOMERS KEEP CALM
AND COME TO OUR
COFFEE MORNING Come and enjoy a relaxed and friendly cup of coffee after drop off and meet some other new and current parents. Monday 28th August, 8:00 - 9:30am Venue: Cross Campus Staff Room
Please RSVP by Thursday 24th August to ptg@patana.ac.th
8
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
#64 Watching Gender: How Stereotypes in Movies and TV Impact Kid’s Development As parents of three young boys we’re trying our best to make sure our conversations and media diet are as gender neutral/positive as possible, and regularly challenge any gender stereotyping that comes into their/our everyday conversations. I’ll admit it’s not easy, but with the help of some of the resources from Common Sense Media below I think you’ll find it a little easier to challenge them when they cross your path. Watch the 3min gender stereotyping video here Read age specific tips for Parents here Read the ‘Watching Gender’ Executive Summary Read the ‘Watching Gender’ Full Report here
Have a great weekend, Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration
Calling all Japanese Speakers
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
9
CATs Corner Tania Leyland, Community Services Coordinator
W
elcome to another exciting year for our Community Action Teams. Planning is well under way for this years campaigns and we have some awesome events planned as well as some good old favourite fundraisers. Here is a brief overview of each CATs primary objectives for 2017 / 18: Habitat for Humanity: Build a home for a family living in poverty Interact: Develop and deliver a creative arts programme to underprivileged children in Bangkok Project Star: Increase access to opportunities for young people with disabilities in Thailand Refugee Action Project (RAP): Raise awareness of issues faced by refugees in Thailand World Food project (WFP): Address food waste in our local and wider community and investigate re-distribution options RISE: Support the Place of Grace in their work with young children in disadvantaged communities in Bangkok Lets Erase The Stigma (LETS): Raise awareness of, and support people with issues relating to mental health Spectrum: Support the LGBTQ community Patana Marine Conservation Group (PMCG): Build and place artificial reefs to increase marine biodiversity Mercy Centre: provide monthly activities to improve the lives of children in the Khlong Toey area of Bangkok Hand to Heart (H2H): Develop and deliver a HIV / AIDS awareness programme for young people in our local community Amnesty : Campaign against the use of capital punishment Operation Smile: Support children before and after cleft lip palate surgery Patana Animal Welfare Society (PAWS): Support local organisations in their work to improve the lives of animals in Thailand with a focus on dogs and slow loris. 10
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
Habitat Humanity HABITAT for FOR HUMANITY “Building houses building hope�
H
abitat for Humanity is a renowned global charity dedicated primarily to providing reliable long-term
Habitat for Humanity is a renowned global charity dedicated primarily to providing reliable long-term shelter shelter for the less fortunate. At Bangkok Patana School, the Habitat for Humanity club has existed for for the less fortunate. At Bangkok Patana School, the Habitat for Humanity club has existed for over 15 years over 15 years to and continues to strive to achieve its mission and develop to itssociety. contributions society. Habitat and continues strive to achieve its mission and develop its contributions Habitattofor Humanity, is for Humanity, is thrilled to invitetowards you toour contribute our our cause byinsponsoring our here buildwe in October thrilled to invite you to contribute cause bytowards sponsoring build October 2017, aim to 2017,250,000 here weTHB. aimAdditionally, to reach 250,000 THB. reach there is no limit to donations and all amounts are at your own personal discretion, if you are interested in joining us andare ouratcause thenpersonal please contact asli18@patana.ac.th. are There is no limit to donations and all amounts your own discretion, if you are interested We in joining tremendously grateful for all contributions and extend a warm thank you on behalf of the Habitat for Humanity us and our cause then please contact asli18@patana.ac.th. We are tremendously grateful for all contributions and volunteers and the new homeowners for your time.
extend a warm thank you on behalf of the Habitat for Humanity volunteers and the new homeowners for your time.
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
11
Fulfil your potential with Bangkok Patana School Position Available: Social Media
and
Alumni Relations Coordinator
The Social Media and Alumni Relations Coordinator is a newly created position, reporting into the Development, Alumni & Marketing Manager. We are looking for a dynamic and innovative individual to join the team and drive the School’s social and online media presence and enhance the school’s alumni programme to create a culture where alumni relations are an intrinsic part of the School’s fabric. Key responsibilities will be split 60% on alumni relations and 40% on social media. For complete details and full job description click here.
Skills • • • • • • • • • • • •
and
Experience:
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Marketing and Communications or a related discipline. Native or first language English speaker with strong interpersonal skills. Solid experience of developing and implementing innovative social media campaigns through various communication channels in an international organisation. Previous experience with community or alumni engagement. Event management experience. Practical experience of design software and video editing (eg: InDesign, Adobe, Illustrator, Photoshop). Project management skills with the ability to work autonomously and get projects delivered to time and to budget. Analytical with a strong attention to detail in order to maintain quality data and produce meaningful “value add” reports for management. Extensive knowledge of and experience with online community management and social media management best practice. Content creation and curation. Ability to maintain a regular schedule of posts, coordinate with other writers and also have the ability to create content independently. Consistently demonstrates high energy, a sense of urgency, decisiveness and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. A self starter with the proven ability to work across different audiences, cultures and levels of experience.
Applicants are invited to send their C.V. by Tuesday 22nd August to: Talent Manager- HR Department, Bangkok Patana School, 643 La Salle Road, Sukhumvit 105, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 Tel: 02 785 2437 Email: hrdepartment@patana.ac.th Visit our website www.patana.ac.th Interviews will take place in English; short listed applicants only will be contacted.
12
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
What’s W
new in our
Snack Bars?
elcome back to the new academic year! During the holiday, the Food Service team have been working hard to improve the quality and nutritious value of the food on offer following on from the new BPS Snack Bar Standards. If you missed the new standards, click here to read. Some of you may have noticed a few changes and new items at the Snack Bars this week. Here’s what’s changed: • Processed ham and bacon has been replaced with top quality ham from Sloane’s Artisan Butcher in all of our products. • Our sandwiches are now being made with higher quality, preservative free bread. • We are now making our own mayonnaise in-house meaning it doesn’t contain any preservatives and tastes much better! • New homemade pesto (containing pine nuts) and tabbouleh have created tastier, more nutritious sandwiches and wraps. • Marinated chicken has made our chicken sandwiches even tastier! • Exciting new Toastie combinations; apple and cheese, banana and cheese, and spinach and cheese. • Our school baker has been busy developing new muffin recipes to create reduced sugar but awesomely tasty blueberry and raspberry muffins. • We have switched brands to offer tastier more nutritious juices. • There are still exciting things to come including new products from our newly sourced artisan baker, so keep your eyes peeled! We really hope you enjoy for the new options available! We always welcome your suggestions and feedback, email Khun Prim, the School Nutritionist at JIBO@patana.ac.th
ECA Sign Up Requirements for our Under 9 and Under 11 Football and Under11 Basketball Teams for Block 1
A
ny student wishing to be eligible for either of the Tigers “A” Teams which play in local football and basketball tournaments, plus the annual Phuket Football Tournament in November, must sign up for both the 2:30 – 3:30pm session and the following 3:30 – 4:30pm session for their chosen sport. These ECAs run on both Monday and Tuesday. Students who sign up for only one of the two sessions may still be chosen for other school teams, but will not be eligible for the ‘A’ teams. Please direct any queries to Mr Tatam, Leader of Primary PE antt@patana.ac.th
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
13
Transport Corner Weekly news from the Transport Department
A
warm welcome to our new transport users and a big thanks to our existing users for continuing to use our school bus service. We still aim to ensure that every route is efficient, arrives on time and every student has a safe and pleasant journey to and from school. At the beginning of term, many routes will need to be changed as new enrolments are accommodated. We also have a small percentage of students who have moved address, which will also require changes to existing routes. If you would like the Bus Driver to pick up your child at your new home, you MUST inform us your new address at least five working days in advance. We continue to monitor the changes and arrival time of the buses to school and will make amendments where necessary. We thank you for your patience and understanding if these changes impact your child’s bus arrangement. Please note that all students from Year 3 and above can view their bus number by looking on their dashboard and clicking on ‘Transport Information’. Parents can also view the new bus numbers via the Parents Gateway. Please remind your child that seatbelts MUST be worn at all times and MUST NOT be undone during the journey. Your help in reminding your child about the importance of safety on the school transport service is very much appreciated. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact us at 02 785 2470 or transport@patana.ac.th. Our transport office is opened from Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
REMINDER:
21st August – 1st September: No ECAs, only selective sports and activities will run with 2:30pm and 4:30pm buses only. Block 1 ECAs will commence Monday 4th September.
Contact Us
The Transport Department’s direct phone number is 02 785 2470. The office is staffed from 6:00am 6:00pm Monday to Friday. You can also contact us via email at transport@patana.ac.th
14
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017
Community
18/08/2017
Bangkok Patana School News
15
For daily updates, snapshots and news on life at school you can find us here...
643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna, Bangkok 10260. THAILAND Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Fax: +66 (0) 2785 2399 www.patana.ac.th Email: reception@patana.ac.th 16
Bangkok Patana School News
18/08/2017