Patana News Volume 20 Issue 2

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 25th August 2017

Volume 20 Issue 2

www.patana.ac.th

How The Potential Computerisation of Jobs is Going to Affect Our Children Here Come the Robots...

Page 2

2017/18

Also in this issue

Hungry? New Items at the Snack Bar / Snapchat Updates You Need to Know About 25/08/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC

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Here Come the Robots …

James Penstone, Cross Campus Principal

I

love the start of the new school year. After a relaxing holiday, most people return full of smiles and energy and a shared sense of purpose. I hope you are all enjoying the start of the new academic year, and I’d like to say a very warm welcome to all individuals and families who have recently joined us.

A new school year also means a lot of change. Change can be unsettling, especially if your change has involved coming from another school, and possibly from another country. Even students, families and members of staff who have been with us for some time may feel unsettled as they make the transition into a different part of the school. If this is you, please do share any anxieties or questions that you might have. There are various support networks across the school, and experience shows that sharing anxieties or questions (no matter how small they might seem) can go a long way towards easing their burden and finding solutions.

For the rest of this article, I want to talk about technology. Much has already been said and written about the disruptive effect that new technologies are having on our students’ current and future lives. We continue to grapple with the challenges which new online technologies pose for our lifestyles. Too much screen time, being vulnerable on social networks, game addiction, the distraction of smart phones and tablets are all themes that we continue to discuss and share the best solutions. This is an ongoing conversation well worth having.

There is another way in which new technologies are impacting on the future of our students, and one which could have an even greater effect on their quality of life. This change is getting less attention than all of the immediate stuff about screens, smartphones and social networks.

But we need to talk about it too …

Recently, I asked my Year 7 Learning to Learn class to predict the future. I asked them how the world of work could be affected by big changes between now and the time they could be graduating from university. They were quick to point out some significant world trends. Population growth, people living longer, the possibility of new and different types of conflict, and even interplanetary travel were all discussed. So too was the increasing automation of some jobs. Computers, robots, and rapidly emerging artificial intelligence are highly likely to replace the labour of humans in many industries and jobs. This is a safe prediction because it is already happening.

Two years ago, a study was conducted in the UK by the University of Oxford and Deloitte. They found that, in the next 20 years, about 35% of all current jobs in the UK are at high risk of computerisation. Their findings have been well reported in a very accessible, interactive web page which I recommend you visit if this topic interests you: Will a robot take your job?

Here are just a few of the many jobs that the research team think are very likely to be automated in the coming two decades: • Financial accounts manager (97.6% chance of automation) • Chartered and certified accountant (95.3% chance) • Inspector of standards and regulations (94.5% chance) • Medical secretary (85.1% chance) • IT operations technician (77.8% chance) • Legal associate professional (66% chance)

“In the next 20 years, about 35% of all current jobs in the UK are at high risk of computerisation.”

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Whilst this study was focused on the UK, it seems reasonable to assume that any advances in cutting labour costs are likely to be adopted across the world, especially where there is rapid economic growth such as here in Asia. In other words, robots and computers replacing people for certain jobs will probably be a global phenomenon.

Graphic Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-34066941

So what does this mean for our students?

It means they need to develop the skills, qualities and attributes for which machines are unlikely to ever provide good substitutes. That way, they won’t have to compete with machines for their jobs.

So what are these particularly human skills, qualities and attributes?

Empathy – jobs involving empathy for other people are at low risk of automation according to the research team. This includes social workers, nurses, therapists and psychologists. Even the most advanced machines can’t care about people the way that people can.

Creativity – anyone who can come up with original and creative ideas and solutions is unlikely to be competing against machines for their job. Artists, designers and engineers are at a low risk, for example.

Social intelligence and good negotiating skills are also human characteristics which will help secure employment in the future.

Management positions, for example, are at a very low risk.

With this in mind, I think it is a very good thing that our school vision statement emphasises the importance of developing empathy, creativity and critical thinking, as well as global citizenship. (I am also personally relieved that educators have a 1% or less chance of being replaced by robots, according to the same study).

Have a great year everyone.

25/08/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

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Hungry? Try a New Sandwich!

A new range of sandwiches are now available at the Snack Bars! Have you tried any of them yet?

Introducing…

• Shredded Chicken with Pesto (45baht) – A combination of shredded chicken with homemade pesto. Our delicious homemade pesto combines pine nuts and basil leaves for a true taste of Italy!

• Marinated Chicken Mayo Salad (35 & 40 baht) – Tasty marinated chicken combined with homemade mayonnaise. Similar to a British Coronation Chicken!

• Ham sandwiches (40-45 baht) – Did you notice the new ham? All our ham now comes from Sloane’s Artisan Butcher and is seriously good!

• Hummus Tabbouleh (30 baht) –Smashed chickpeas combined with mellow tabbouleh, a yummy vegetarian option!

• Mushroom Tabbouleh Salad Wrap (50 baht) – Olive oil sautéed mushrooms served with savoury tabbouleh – delicious and full of fibre!

Have you also spotted that all our new sandwiches and toasties are now made with better quality seeded bread!

New Mushroom Tabbouleh We do hope you enjoy the new items but please don’t hesitate to let us Salad Wrap know what you think! Please send any feedback to Khun Prim by emailing jibo@patana.ac.th Jiraprapa (Prim) Boonpan - School Nutritionist 4

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Bangkok Patana School News

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PTG

he t m o r f st The late

Let’s get in touch...

(PTG)? roup rG

e Parent Teac h t he act

How do I c ont

For general enquiries or if you would like to get involved in the PTG please email ptg@patana.ac.th

For specific questions relating to your child’s Year group please email ptgy(?)@patana.ac.th For example: ptgy5@patana.ac.th

Come to our annual Social Evening Friday 6th October at the Park Hyatt Hotel

Pop into the PTG room at TnT drop in times! (see below for more info) Speak to any parent wearing a PTG volunteer badge -

We’re here to help!

Ne w

f

m ro

TG the P !

T ‘n’ T drop ins - Tea and Talk!

Every Tuesday and Thursday 9am – 11am in the PTG Room

Drop in for a coffee, a snack and a chat.

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Click here to join the PTG Facebook page

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 25/08/2017

ptg@patana.ac.th Bangkok Patana School News

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#65 Updates to Snapchat you should know about Two new features you need to be aware of in the popular Snapchat app are Snapchap Maps and Snapchap Paperclip. In his popular blog, Wayne Denner explains what they are and the potential risks. He goes on to explain how users can turn off sharing their location – something I highly recommend for our younger users.

Links: https://waynedenner.com/blog/snapchat-maps-what-are-the-risks https://waynedenner.com/blog/snapchat-paperclip-what-do-parents-need-to-knowHave a mindful-tech weekend, Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration

IT Maintenance Schedule 2017/18

Regular updates and maintenance work to the IT services that support the various systems that we use at Bangkok Patana school are required.

In order to avoid disruption we have will schedule a regular time on the second Saturday evening of each month from 8:00pm to 10:00pm for this maintenance to occur. As a result, some of the services we provide may be interrupted during this short time.

Please contact helpdesk@patana.ac.th for further information.

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Maintenance Schedule 9th September 2017 14th October 2017 11th November 2017 9th December 2017 13th January 2018 10th Februry 2018 10th March 2018 14th Aprril 2018 12th May 2018 9th June 2018 14th July 2018 25/08/2017

CATs Corner Tania Leyland, Community Services Coordinator

Our

objective for

STOP

is to collaborate

CAT clubs in the Bangkok Patana and NGOs that can help us to not

with other community

only spread a strong message but also to educate people on the topic of

human trafficking.

Key Highlights in 2016/17: • STOP Silhouette II the Fashion show • Working with A21 • Fun Day - Sponge and Stock Stall • Working with Liberty Asia

Plans for this year • We will be collaborating with A21 which is an organisation that helps to rescue victims of human trafficking.

We will create an art competition that helps create infographic artwork. We hope to send these aesthetic photos and art for them to use in the new campaign they are launching right here in Bangkok. We are planning to involve Key Stage 3 groups.

• We will be joining A21 for their silent march in November and will be working with them to get more Bangkok Patana students involved.

• Hosting a fashion show, as it was a great success last year because it was a great way to get students who are interested in fashion involved, to express their thoughts through clothing designs and another great way to address our cause whilst bringing entertainment to an audience at the same time.

• Another idea we have which is still in a planning process is a ‘Rock Paper Scissor’ competition. We asked the students in the lower Secondary Year groups and they loved the idea as it will get more students in Key Stage 3 involved and will be a great way to generate funds.

This article was taken from the STOP Proposal presented at the start of the CAT year.

25/08/2017

Bangkok Patana School News

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Upcoming University Visits Careers and University Faculty University / College

Representative

Location

Date

Time

University of California, Irvine

John M. Brawner, Ph.D. Senior Studies, 2nd floor 25.08.17

12:15

Claremont McKenna College Glion Institute of Higher Education Les Roches International School of Hotel Management University of Chicago Rice University University College London State University of New York at Albany Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School

Conor Fritz

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 31.08.17

12:15

-

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 31.08.17

12:15

-

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 31.08.17

12:15

Colleen Belak

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 06.09.17

12:15

Dan Warner

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 06.09.17

12:15

Emma Hallett

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 06.09.17

12:15

Cynthia Look

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 07.09.17

12:15

-

Senior Studies, 2nd floor 08.09.17

12:15

Calling all Japanese Speakers 【ジャパニーズグループに参加しませんか】 バンコクパタナスクールのジャパニーズグループは、 日本 人の父親あるいは母親を持つ生徒の保護者により運営されているグループです。現在家54族が加入 しており、毎年行われるインターナショナルデーなどの学校活動に協力しています。 また、情報交換の 場として親睦会を年に数回行っています。参加ご希望の方は、渡辺までご連絡下さい。mikiwat0401@ gmail.com There are 54 Japanese families who are members of this group, we support International Day and other school activities. If you are a Japanese speaker or married to a Japanese speaker, then we would like to invite you to join our group. Please send an email with your details to add to the group list for future correspondence to Mrs Miki Watanabe, Email: mikiwat0401@gmail.com 【ＥＣＡ日本語のご案内】 日本人または日本語を母国語とする親を持つ生徒のためのＥＣＡ日本語が、新学期も引き続き開講 されます。外部からの国語教師が授業を担当します。 これを機会に子供たちの日本語力を高めません か。 詳細はＥＣＡ登録画面で確認願います。 A Japanese language ECA will be offered for students who are fluent Japanese speakers or those whose parents are Japanese speakers. Japanese teachers (not Patana staff) will lead the ECA and help your child to improve their Japanese. Please refer to the ECA Registration site for details.

Kind regards from Ema Mitarai - Japanese group 2017/18

Click here for the Canteen Menu 10

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In partnership with Bangkok Patana School

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Bangkok Patana School News

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Basic Thai Conversational Course for Adults (Interested parents)

Course: Thai Basic Conversation for Complete Beginner

Course: Thai Conversation for Lower Intermediate

The course is designed for non-Thai speakers who have no previous experience of the Thai language. The course will be taught in four blocks covering a total of 56 hours over the academic year. Students will learn how to greet others and introduce themselves, as well as vocabulary for food and drink, conversations about Thai Culture, going shopping, asking for directions and time and date.

The course is designed for speakers who already have a basic grasp of the Thai language or who have completed the Complete Beginners Course.

The course is taught in four blocks covering 56 hours over the academic year. Topics covered will include family, communication, health as well as an extended look at Thai Culture. By the end of this course, students should be able to express themselves with confidence and know more about Thai culture.

Block 1 Period : 04/09/17 – 16/10/17 Day : Monday Time : 8:00-10:00 am Instructor: Kru Nittaya Cost: 4,200 Baht (7 sessions) Places : 5 - 10 Venue: FHC 201 (at Front Hard Court building)

Block 1 Period : 07/09/17 – 02/11/17 Day : Thursday Time : 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Instructor: Kru Nittaya Cost: 4,200 Baht (7 sessions) Places : 5 - 10 Venue: FHC 201 (at Front Hard Court building)

* Registration period: 25/08/17 – 31/08/17 * Interested parents please email to register thai@patana.ac.th

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

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Transport Corner Weekly news from the Transport Department Reminders for the week ahead: • Please remind your child to check their belongings before getting off the school bus.

• Please remind your child to be on time if they need to get on the 4:30pm bus after their ECA. The bus driver will only wait a few minutes before leaving.

• We try to limit changes to bus routes and pick up times. If we need to make changes, you will always be notified in advance. Most changes and adjustments happen within the first few weeks of the school year.

• If you are in temporary accommodation and/or will move residence in the near future, please inform the Transport Department as soon as you have a moving date. A minimum of five days notice is required. Please check in advance that we have a route to your new location.

• Please be reminded that the Transport Service is NUT FREE and no student should have snacks containing nuts or nut products on the school bus.

• Please be informed that our school bus leaves the school at 2:30pm for students that do not have ECAs and at 4:30 pm for students who have participated in an ECA. • Please ensure that your child is at the pick-up point at the designated time.

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

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Community

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Community

Meet the ladies of SILC at our annual Welcome Back & Newcomers’ Coffee Morning!

29th August @ 10.30 am, Bangna Pride Hotel (formerly Garden Towers), 2/4-5 Moo 14 Bangna-Trad Road, KM.6.5,

Come along - to meet people, learn about SILC or renew your subscriptions, with coffee, cake and conversation!

BRING A FRIEND! RSVP to silccoffees@gmail.com silcbangkok@gmail.com

25/08/2017

www.silcbangkok.com

Bangkok Patana School News

www.facebook.com /SILCBangkok 15

Community

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Community

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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 18

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