Patana News Volume 22 Issue 6

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 27th September 2019

Volume 22 Issue 6

www.patana.ac.th

EMPOWERING STUDENTS Assistant Principal Suzanne Lindley on Learning to Choose, Choosing to Learn

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Also in this issue...

Wai Kru Day/Students Donate to Flood Victims/Reef Clean up on Koh Sak 27/09/2019

Bangkok Patana School News

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

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Suzanne Lindley, Secondary Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Assessment

Empowering Students: “Learning to Choose, Choosing to Learn�

Suzanne Lindley, Secondary Assistant Principal, Curriulum and Assessment

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ne way to boost student learning is by offering choices as students learn more when they are motivated and engaged. For students in Year 10 and 11, we offer the choice of which electives to study for one lesson per week. Each year, we look to develop and broaden the programme to meet the evolving needs of our students and to reflect the values of our Bangkok Patana community. This year alone, our dedicated and passionate teachers have drawn on their wealth of experience to create an additional 12 new electives for students, meaning we can offer the most diverse range of opportunities ever.

Tapping into students’ areas of interest, ideas and creativity, will lead to them being more invested in their learning. Research shows the strength of the connection between emotions and learning; when students are feeling positive, they will be more engaged and open to learning.

When students are unhappy or frustrated, this can trigger a stress-response mode, leaving them less open to learning (Judy Willis, 2006).

For some, there is the appeal of the additional challenge, to learn new information, explore new concepts, to think critically in areas such as Philosophy and Psychology, or to delve more deeply in to the history of America. Students choosing this type of elective may be motivated by their knowledge gaps, as one of the key drivers of motivation is gaining new learning (Drive; Dan Pink, 2009)

There is also the opportunity for further self-discovery, to explore their personality type, core-character strengths and how these influence the choices they make now and in the future. This can provide some insight into possible university and career options. Through electives such as Debating and Speaking with Confidence, students can explore ways to further develop their personal skills in being confident communicators, as well as critical and reflective thinkers.

So, with the potential of stress for Year 10s just starting their (I)GCSEs, and for Year 11s, knowing there are less than two terms until they complete theirs, for some of our students, the priority is to further explore opportunities to Through the elective programme we are able to create take care of themselves. This could be through a Spartaexperiences and opportunities for our heterogeneous stu- cus training circuit or to investigate and try different stratedents to learn and develop skills so they can self-differen- gies in the Art of Well-Being, to strengthen their social and tiate and engage in a personalised elective programme. emotional health.

Some students have been motivated to test their entrepreneurial skills by learning to trade the stock market, or to develop their business acumen by designing new merchandise to further promote the House system.

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Not only do students have the choice over the elective programme they engage in, but they also have an input into the sessions; to choose the topic to be hotly debated, for example, or what product they will create and sell on the Market campaign day.

The electives also provide a safe environment to take risks and make mistakes, whether that be crashing on the stock market, or learning that your initial MakeX Robotics design really needs a programming re-think.

Aside from our teacher experts, the elective programme also draws upon the wider expertise from our Patana community. The PTG have been very supportive working with students on ideas for the House Product Portfolio, and Ms Rego will lead a session for the same students on marketing. Elsewhere in the programme, Miss Tammy teaches an American dance to those studying all things American in the ‘Murica elective.

The elective programme in its design and delivery has a very student-centred approach and allows students to take responsibility for their own learning, which is intrinsically motivating. As I moved from class to class last Thursday afternoon, visiting the range of elective experiences, there was a real sense of commitment, collaboration, challenge and creativity.

What is especially powerful is that students take these experiences and extend and apply them well beyond the classroom. This summer one of our students was inspired by the Miniature World elective where students take a place which is special or memorable and make it in to a shoe box sized miniature world. Over the summer break, Alexander (Cokie) Smith, 12T set himself the challenge of creating an impressive miniature version of Bangkok!

As the world is becoming more complex, challenging and uncertain, it’s important that we provide opportunities for students to influence how as well as what they learn, and to design experiences that enable them to be balanced and fulfilled. By doing so, we are supporting their self-discovery and empowering them as life-long learners.

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Students Join Annual Beach and Reef Clean Up on Koh Sak

Claire Hightower, 13M n September 14th at 5:45am, a keen group of over 30 Bangkok Patana students and teachers joined forces with other international schools to undertake an annual beach and reef cleanup operation on Koh Sak, Pattaya.

This was the 11th year that the Patana Marine Conservation Group has taken part but the first time where Years 7 to 13 participated.

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After boarding the bus, there was a two hour drive to the Mermaid Dive Center, where we all registered for the trip and picked out our equipment. Then it was time to board the boat! This was slightly more adventurous than you might think; we all had to crawl through two other boats before reaching ours. Once everyone was settled in the boat (and wearing their lifejackets) we set off for the island. Patana Marine Conservation Group has been returning to the same island and reef for a few years now, this increases our chances of actually making an impact into the plastic pollution.

And it is working! Sonam, from 12M, has seen a marked reduction in plastic waste since the last trip.

“The last time I went on a beach cleanup was in 2017 and the beach was covered in waste; it was heaped with PET bottles, 7-11 bags, and small straws. This year, I’m extremely happy to say that there was so much less garbage on the beach we cleaned up. While we did collect a considerable amount of plastic, I think it was less than half of what I remember collecting last trip. I’m glad that the work we do really makes a difference in the environment.”

Once we arrived at the island, we split up into two group: snorkelers and divers. The snorkelers went on one large trip to the island and the divers had to separate dives at two locations on the reef. The snorkelers swam over to the island and immediately found their first obstacle; sea urchins, everywhere. After finding safe passage to land, snorkelers were able to instantly pick up small shards of plastic, batteries and plastic bottles. Priya, from 12C, was a diver on the last trip but went snorkeling on this trip.

“It was truly amazing to see a large group of students from different schools collaborate together for a common goal of making the ocean a safer and cleaner place. This trip was a journey that made me feel encouraged that the environment might have some hope if we all work together, and it was great to be part of a community that shared the same passion towards helping the environment. I amexcited to attend more trips in the future, and I believe this cause is helping make an improvement in the environment of Thailand”

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After everyone was able to return to the boat, from both the dive and beach cleanup, we were able to discuss what we found and how much we found. A few highlights are; a clock, an entire deck of playing cards, a toilet seat and a blue buoy wedged between two rocks. However, the most common items found were fishing line/rope, glass bottles and single-use plastics. We were also able to talk about our experiences. Emily, from 9K, said,

“I am so excited for next year not only because it is so much fun but because we are actually making a difference, and it really showed this year with the amount of plastics on the beach.

However the only frustrating part of going on these trips is having to pick up all of the micro plastic on the beach but you just need to push through because it is probably one of the most important jobs that needs to be done and you feel so accomplished when you have finished because you know that this nit-picky job needs to be done by someone and by completing it is actually saving the life in our oceans.”

As for me personally, this was my very first trip and it was an incredible experience. I’ve always been passionate about the plastic in our oceans but it is completely shocking to see it all in real life. It is now almost impossible for me to justify any single use plastics but it feels good to know that there is a community here at Patana that is working hard to directly combat plastic pollution in Pattaya. The highlight of the trip was seeing a pod of dolphins swimming around in waves near the island! That was such a meaningful reminder that our actions can have a direct impact on our environment and the marine wildlife.

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Students Pay Respects on Wai Kru Day

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n Thailand, students honour their teachers in a traditional ceremony called “Wai Kru”. Teachers play a very important role in the learning and growth of every child and Thai culture recognises teachers’ importance in society and in each student’s life.

The ceremony usually takes place at the beginning of each academic year; students express the deep gratitude and respect they have for their teachers. The ceremony allows teachers the opportunity to reassure their students that they will always be there to guide and support them on their learning journey. During the ceremony organised by the Thai departments, students performed the “Graab” gesture and presented teachers with four flowers that each represent ithe deal characteristics of students; intelligence, perseverance, ability to learn, discipline, respect and humility.

Best Plating at MasterChef Junior Thailand

Congratulations to Parima (Manta) Sinhaphalin (Year 9) who won first prize for Best Plating for her beautifully garnished dish of ravioli with mushroom and tomato chutney in Season 2 of MasterChef Junior Thailand. Well done Manta!

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Here

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Socially Responsible Design from D + T Students Richard Smith, Head of Design + Technology Faculty

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he Design + Technology faculty continues its commit- selves or understanding what others are saying ment to the concept of socially responsible design Through a series of four visits to the school our students and are now working with the Village International Educawill work with the team and the children in The Village to tion Centre, a school exclusively for children with special identify ways to support the children by designing products needs. that provide educational stimulus or emotional support.

Founded in 1999, The Village is a special school, they The process starts with collecting data through interviews have created a unique approach to helping children with with staff and close observation of the children. The stuspecial needs. In their learning environment the child is at dents identify a specific need and proceed to design and the centre of a 360 specialist team who all combine their test concept models, develop and refine prototype ideas skills and expertise to provide the best possible support so and evaluate the final product. The fact that the students the child’s strengths can be developed and their areas of work closely with the end users of their product makes the difficulties addressed. project very meaningful to them.

Our Socially Responsible Design project has been a Our Year 13 students went on their third of four visits on collaborative process between The Village specialist team Monday 23rd September where they were tested their working with our students to help them gain knowledge design ideas as working protypes in the development and insights about some of the following learning difficul- stage of the design process. ties: According to Harshi Sehmar, Principal, The Village “The • Difficulties in acquiring basic skills in an early work being done by the Patana D + T students is going to years setting or school. be truly beneficial for our children because it is designed and made on a deep understanding of our children’s spe• Social, emotional or mental health difficulties such cial needs and how it will help them to learn and develop as making friends, relating to adults or behaving properly to their full potential.” in an early years setting or school.

Our students will be entering their design work in the • Specific learning difficulty with reading, writing, “Thailand Friendly Senior Design Awards”. A national number work or understanding information. competition that is part of the “Thailand Friendly Design • Sensory or physical needs such as hearing impair- Expo” at IMPACT Exhibition Centre from 28th November ment, visual impairment or physical difficulties which might to 1st December. Finalists work will present their work in front of a panel of leading designers and university profesaffect them in an early years setting or school. sors. We see this as great experience for our students and • Communication problems in expressing them- good preparation for a degree course.

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Meet... The Design Council I

ntroducing the Design Council to the BangkokPatana community.

The Design Council is now in its second year and caters for students who share a passion for innovation and design-oriented problem solving.

ary School. Contestants will be expected to generate design proposals to help improve the quality of life for people suffering from arthritis.

There will be lunchtime workshops for students to work on their competition ideas and develop new skills. Year12 D + T students will lead The overall long-term aim of the Design Council is to de- the workshops with examples of their own work to show velop awareness for the importance of solving problems younger students. through design amongst students at Patana. We looked at This is a great experience for students to become inthe importance of sustainable consideration when designvolved in “Socially Responsible Design” and is excellent ing; the true value of empathy when designing for other people. The importance of bringing subjects and students preparation for IB D + T work. This is a great opportunity to together with different interests, working as a team, and get young students involved in a national competition and learning from each other. We hope to instil leadership promote the Design Council at the same time. The aim is to qualities in younger students. We want the Design Council have a body of young students working on numerous deto be a medium through which students celebrate their in- sign and manufacturing assignments throughout the year. terests in problem solving and designing.

In Term 2 we plan to look at the following projects: This year the Design Council is run by seven students • Outdoor Classroom Renovation ranging from Years 10 -13 and is open to students from • Foundation Stage Roof Garden Design Years 7 - 10 in Block 2 of the ECA program. The ECA will take place on Monday, from 2:30pm - 3:30pm through• Skills video (Students teaching other students) out the academic year at TEC103 in the D+T department.

• Baan Nonthaphum home for disabled children, reOur aim is to create a better school environment and convisit to donate further products. tribute to the local community by identifying design opportunities and generating smart solutions. We encourage We have an exciting year ahead with lots of cool prothe sharing of knowledge and understanding between stujects in store. We really hope that younger students get dents where teamwork is paramount. Our overall focus is involved and join us.

Sustainable Innovation and Socially Responsible Design.

We are very proud of the “Patana School Vision StateOur first assignment is working in partnership with Thaiment” and we feel that it fits the aims of the Design Council land Friendly Design: a government backed, media-based perfectly. initiative that promotes awareness for products and services that support the disabled and elderly and recovering “We are helping to develop global citizens who shape patients in Thailand. their world through independence, empathy, creativity and critical thinking” In collaboration with Thailand Friendly Design, we are hosting “The Junior Friendly Design Competition”. The first We invite all students who enjoy designing and making meeting will be on Friday the 27th of September and and wish to develop their skills beyond their D+T lessons. awards will be presented to the finalists in December to- We will be making valuable contributions towards the wards the end of term one. school and local community. We need you to make this happen.

The competition will be open to all students in Second27/09/2019

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A Volleyball Win Against Shrewsbury Bangkok: From the Perspective of the Floor

Blanche Boucher, 13S uick steps bounced off of me while both teams warmed up. Every once in a while a knee pad would graze my surface before shooting back up again. Before the game had even started, I thought I felt rain for the very first time. But it may have been the Bangkok Patana School Girls’ Volleyball team sweating from a lack of air-conditioning.

Either way, I was excited to see what both teams had in store.

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The first set included strong serves from both teams. However, this did not mean much for me because both teams put up a strong defense and refused to let the ball hit me. What scared me most was when I saw the BPS girls start to jump and hit the ball at ridiculous speeds. Yet every time I braced myself for a painful contact with the ball, a Shrewsbury player would save me with an interception. After a good fight, BPS Girls won 25-21.

The highlight of the set, and possibly of the whole match in my opinion, was when a tactical Shrewsbury player hit the ball deep into the backcourt; thankfully someone was there to save me from a potential bruise. Once up in the air, the ball dribbled down the net, and as I was bracing myself for contact, I felt something other than a ball. Surely enough, while the Shrewsbury girls celebrated the point, a foot from the Tigers’ side launched me back into the air, allowing a hitter to send it back over the net and win the point for BPS. In the second set I saw aces and fantastic hits from both sides, as well as collisions between players which resulted in both the BPS setters landing on top of each other. Shrewsbury took the lead in this set but the Tigers refused to give up and continued to fight for every single point, resulting in a 25-22 win. By the time the third set came around, I felt as though the floods from outside had made their way inside, but despite the warm weather, the BPS Girls managed to pull out another win, resulting in a 3-0 win for the Tigers.

Varsity Girls’ Football Team Gains Confidence in Win Against ASB Janelle de la Cruz, 11T

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he Varsity Girls’ Football team played against American School Bangkok (ASB) and from losing a game the day before against International Community School (0-1), we could all agree that this was the game to boost our confidence. Our team started off with aggressive attacks and shots on goal. The team’s numerous attempts at goal eventually led us up to an early lead in the first half. In this game, the team worked beautifully together in passing, moving without the ball to make space and creating shots.

Our shots on target eventually translated into goals, and we started piling them up. The game ended with our team with a victorious win of 9-0. This game is only the beginning of an amazing season as we gear for more wins ahead.

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Match Reports; JV Boys’ Volleyball and Under 13 Tennis Nicky Bocan, 11G, Junior Varsity Boys’ Volleyball Captain

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he Junior Varsity Boys’ Volleyball team started the season with an early away trip to International School of Bangkok (ISB), who always have very competitive Volleyball teams. We arrived via the bus in good time and had a full warm-up. The match started off well for us, as we built a very safe lead in the first set. We attributed our success to amazing set shots along with effective and powerful spikes which had gained us a great lead in the first set (18-25). However, in the second set, we didn’t start as well. We started to choke up and had communication problems losing 25-16. In the third set, we started off well again with a strong lead.

But as the game went on, we started to lose more points than we had won.

We needed two more points to secure the game but ended up entering a duce. Sadly, we lost the match (16-14) but we all played extremely well.

If we had just talked a bit more during the games then we would wave definitely won it. This was a tough lesson against a good team.

Then on Monday, 16th September, the JV Volleyball Boys’ team played the American School of Bangkok (ASB). It was very close and intense in the first set. Fortunately, we had started training with the key aspects we needed to improve from the last game that we had played. When the first set had stated we had managed to win the first point and get a comfortable lead. The JV team held the lead for a while but slowly started to lose it. Luckily, the team managed to gain our concentration back and won the set 25 - 21. During the second set, we managed to keep up the lead the whole game and won the second set thanks to the great communication with Kieran Smith (our setter and organiser) and the team. After the game, we played a third set for which we were able to change the line-up and give people practice at different positions. After the game we talked about what we could improve and congratulated everybody on the great win. A good start to our season!

Under 13 Boys’ Tennis Ratchapol (Tuna) Thebpatipat, 8R, Under 13 Boys’ Tennis Team A Captain

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eam A did tremendously well against Shrewsbury Bangkok with the score of 3-0.

Andrew dominated in the Singles (no.1) with a score of 6-0. Whilst, Tin Tin also dominating in the Singles (no.2) with a score of 6-0. Leaving with Pete and me, winning the doubles with a score of 6-2. Without a doubt, we played our very best today. I hope to bring you more good news and results in the next couple of weeks. Go Tigers!

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Ror Dor Students Contribute to Flood Relief Efforts in NE Thailand Dr Surapee Sorajjakool, Cross Campus Head of the Thai Programme

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or Dor students from Bangkok Patana School have been contributing to the flood relief efforts for affected people in NorthEast Thailand after Ubon Ratchathani and other nearby areas were hit hard by torrential rains and widespread flooding this month.

Ror Dor students donated and packed 108 boxes of consumer goods and dried food for flood-stricken villagers. The students then delivered the boxes to Thai Smile Airways at Suvarnabhumi International Airport where they will be delivered to flood victims in the North East. The Ror Dor students and Bangkok Patana send their heartfelt wishes that those affected by the flooding will see the situation improve quickly.

Gymnastics Academy Donates Equipment

William Preston, Gymnastics Academy Coordinator and Secondary ECA Coordinator

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he Gymnastics Academy, as a part of the long and dedicated tradition of community service, recently donated gymnastics equipment to Benchamaratrungsarit School and Gymnastics Club in Chachoengsao province. The Gymnastics Academy is a strong supporter of the growth of gymnastics in Bangkok and across Thailand. The students at the school were very excited to receive their equipment and are looking forward to growing their gymnastics club and providing high quality gymnasts in the future.

Many thanks to the Director of the Foundation Board office, Khun Kulvadee Siribhadra, the School Manager and Government Liaison officer Khun Pornpimol Charoen and Khun Rangsima Raksayos, Secretary to the School Manager for their kind support and help of this project.

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Register Online Here 27/09/2019

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Year 7 Up Close and Personal with Creepy Crawlies

Martin Devine, Secondary Art Teacher ear 7 students are currently learning about symmetry and there is no better creator of symmetry than mother nature herself. The students have already practiced drawing a symmetrical insect of their choosing, testing their ability to control proportion as well as their accuracy with a new material, charcoal and chalk.

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To deepen their understanding of the naturally occurring symmetry in nature, in this context specifically insects, the Science faculty provided resin samples of lots of different insects and binocular dissecting microscopes so the students could get up close and personal with their creepy crawlies.

The students were then required to draw ‘details’ of their insects, as if they were explorers, discovering these creatures for the first time and wanting to capture as much visual information about the insects as they could to bring back with them to show the art and scientific communities.

Students also had the opportunity to use technology responsibly by taking photographs of the microscopic images which they then added to their Art Digital Portfolios so they can use they for future study.

The artwork they create will go display in the Science faculty for other students to enjoy.

Anapana Meditation Course SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER STUDENTS AGED 8 - 16

Anapana (Mindfulness of breathing) teaches students improved concentration skills and enhances calmness of the mind and relieves anxiety. The course is completely free!

To enroll please contact Eva Sophonpanich at evasophon@hotmail.com 14

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Crazy About Cars Shehan Seneviratne

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harya Seneviratne has been a student at Bangkok Patana School from Year 1 and is now in Secondary School (Year 7). He has always been passionate about cars! His first word as an infant was ‘car’ (his Parents were not amused), and he first drove a car on his own at age 3, in the jungles of South Africa.

In pursuit of his passion, he has now graduated to Karting having had professional training in his home country – Sri Lanka and right here in Thailand.

He is currently competing in Thailand’s Junior Super Kart Championships 2019 at the Bira Racing Circuit and placed 2nd at the 1st round of racing held in August 2019. His current points tally is tied for 1st place and the overall winner will be chosen at the 3rd and final round of racing to be held on the 2nd and 3rd of November 2019, at the Bira Racing Circuit.

Let’s all rally around Charya and show our support for him in the final round in November!

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Year 12 and 13 Parents Coffee Morning Join the coffee morning with our Careers and Universities Counselors. Find out what happens once applications are submitted, the review process, what students and parents should know and how to manage admission decisions from universities. Directed at parents of Year 12 and 13 but all parents are welcome to join.

Wednesday 2nd October, 8am - 9am Senior Studies Second Floor

UPCOMING UNIVERSITY VISITS UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE

COUNTRY

LIM College Laboratory Institute of Merchandising

USA USA Singapore

Michigan State University Yale-NUS Management Development Institute of Singapore MDIS Jagiellonian University Claremont McKenna College Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

LOCATION

DATE

TIME

Senior Studies, 2nd Floor Senior Studies, 2nd Floor Senior Studies, 2nd Floor

01.10.19 01.10.19 01.10.19

12:15 09:15 12:15

Singapore

Senior Studies, 2nd Floor

02.10.19

12.15

Poland USA Ireland

Senior Studies, 2nd Floor Senior Studies, 2nd Floor Senior Studies, 2nd Floor

04.10.19 17.10.19 01.11.19

9.15 12:15 12:15

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

UNI University of Toronto, Canada COUNSELORS’ T CORNER

he University of Toronto was established in Toronto, Ontario Canada in 1827 and is located on 71 hectares within the city. The University of Toronto is a collegiate system, with eleven colleges and two satellite campuses in addition to the main one.

ALUMNI EXPERIENCES: Naomi Seaton, Grad ‘14

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have too many memories to count of my time at Bangkok Patana School: Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award with friends; the noodle bar at lunchtime; tending the outdoor learning garden across the road; and travelling for residentials. I remember dancing on stage in the annual Secondary production and every charity event at school. I remember those evening concert series, sports days and especially the Food Hall on International Day! Most vividly, I remember Monty the Python and forever hanging around the science corridor doing odd lunchtime jobs for my favourite teachers.

After I graduated, I took a gap year and then completed my undergraduate degree in geology at Imperial College London. I’m currently applying for postgraduate studies.

Living and studying in an international community from such a young age was hugely beneficial for interacting with people outside of school, especially in a professional setting. Many aspirational values and good habits that I picked up in school such as open-mindedness and maintaining a healthy balance between work, school and my personal life have really helped me through rough times during university and beyond. I greatly appreciate the opportunities that have opened up for me because of my globalised education.

There are nearly 72,000 undergraduate students of which over 17,000 are international, U of T has students from the United States, China, India, South Korea among many others. The University of Toronto offers over 700 undergraduate programs in Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Commerce and Management, Computer Science, Engineering, Kinesiology and Physical Education, Music and Architecture.

The University of Toronto is ranked 18th in the US News and World Report Global Universities index and in the Times Higher Education World University rankings and is the top ranked university in Canada.

Notable alumni include inventor Alexander Graham Bell, authors Margaret Atwood and William Faulkner, economist John Kenneth Galbraith, actor Donald Sutherland, producer Lorne Michaels, director David Cronenberg, and several astronauts. The University of Toronto has 10 Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, Chemistry, Literature and Physics including two Nobel Peace Prize winners. The university was the birthplace of insulin and stem cell research and receives the most annual scientific research funding of any Canadian university.

I’m hoping to build my career on research, primarily focusing on palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. I would like to be able to travel and experience our planet’s environmental diversity from the poles to the tropics; a dream that was sparked early on through Patana residentials and fieldtrips.

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Country Spotlight for International Day This year the PTG is introducing the Country Spotlight to broaden the learning opportunities of International Day. Students will be introduced to activities related to a specific country or culture. Participating countries will have a stall next to the Primary Snack Bar or in the Secondary Lounge for students to visit during their lunch period.

Come join and learn something new about another culture. Remember, International Day is November 1st.

WEEK OF 30TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER

2nd Oct -Italy - Primary Snack Bar – Come visit the Spotlight on Italy display and take home your own decorated pizza.

3rd Oct - United Kingdom - Primary Snack Bar – Take home a picture in a London/UK themed photo booth at the Spotlight on UK display.

3rd Oct - Malaysia - Primary Snack Bar – Learn about Malaysia while making traditional desserts and a bookmark to take home at the Spotlight on Malaysia display.

4th Oct - USA - Primary Snack Bar – Come join Team USA on the basketball courts to practice your shooting skills and to learn some fun facts about the US. 4th Oct - United Kingdom - Secondary Lounge – Take home a picture in a London/UK themed photo booth at the UK Spotlight stand.

TIGER SPIRIT DAY IS COMING! FRIDAY 4TH OCTOBER BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY WITH ‘KINDNESS ROCKS’ •

WEAR SOMETHING ORANGE AND BLACK

• TRY TO RAISE YOUR 100 BAHT BY DOING SOMETHING HELPFUL AROUND YOUR HOME. • THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT AN INSPIRATIONAL COMMENT TO WRITE ON YOUR ROCK! THE MONEY RAISED FROM TIGER SPIRIT DAY WILL SUPPORT CHILDREN’S PROJECTS IN THAILAND. 18

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Desert Island Discs With Cindy Adair

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his new column follows in the style of the famed BBC podcast which features a celebrity every week – here we feature our own Bangkok Patana celebrities! What eight songs, one luxury item and one book would you take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?

Today Ms Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Assistant Principal is stuck on a desert island.

MS ADAIR, IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WHAT EIGHT PIECES OF MUSIC WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU? Don’t Cry - Guns and Roses Imagine - John Lennon Just the Way You Are- Bruno Mars I Have Nothing - Whitney Houston Sitting, Waiting, Wishing - Jack Johnson Brothers In Arms - Dire Straits Girls Like You - Maroon 5

Ms Adair’s playlist on Spotify here

This Women’s Work - Maxwell PICK ONE LUXURY ITEM YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU. THIS ITEM MUST BE INANIMATE AND OF NO USE IN ESCAPING THE ISLAND OR ALLOWING COMMUNICATION FROM OUTSIDE. Bug Spray WHICH ONE BOOK WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU? A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute Interested in learning what other people would take? Find out more on BBC. Have a list of your own? Let us know! .

Contact SHKN with your favourites and why!

Friday 4th October Tiger Spirit Day, PTG Big Night Out

DATES

for your

Diary...

27/09/2019

Sunday 13th October King Rama IX Memorial Day Monday 14th October King Rama IX Memorial Day in Lieu Monday 21st October - Half-term Holidays Begin Friday 1st November - International Day

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STUDENTS SPEAK First Memories: Real or Imagined?

Karnsiree (Ling Ling) Chen, 13I

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any of us will claim to remember a memory from early childhood, perhaps a moment spent in a pram or a childhood adventure, but studies have shown that around four out of every 10 of us have fabricated our first memory. This was concluded as brains are unable to store memories in the long term until at least two years old due to the production of new cells forming in the brains that are thought to disrupt the connections needed to store information long-term. It’s why most of us have few memories of our childhood by the time we are adults.

However, many claim to have memories from before the age of 7, when memories begin to be stored. A study led

by Martin Conway found that 14 percent of the 6000 plus participants claimed to remember an event before their first birthday, and some even before their own birth.

It is unlikely that these memories are genuine because of what we know about the mechanism of the brain at that age. This has sparked further questions regarding the possible false nature of memories from early chapters of our lives.

A popularly touted reason is that human desire for control leads us to invent stories to give us a more complete picture of our lives. Experiments conducted to test just how pliable the memory is have shown that it is possible to induce fictional autobiographical memories in volunteers through asking probing questions, ranging from accounts of getting lost in a shopping mall to heavier memories like committing a violent crime that never happened. Almost three-quarters of these could provide startlingly vivid details of the events. It demonstrates that in a highly suggestive interview, people can quite readily generate rich false memories. This could be having an alarming impact in the long term, as what we believe to be real could shape how we behave as adults.

come ill from eating egg salad as a child and although this was untrue, a “significant minority” came to believe they had been sick, and as a result, avoided egg sandwiches for up to four months after the experiment. False autobiographical suggestions can have serious consequences too, especially in court. One of the major problems with legal cases involving false memories is that it is currently impossible to distinguish between true and fictional recollections.

Another dangerous consequence of memory implantation is through a technique called ‘regression therapy’ where patients confront childhood traumas that were “buried in their subconscious”. This resulted in the “satanic panic” of the 1980s and 1990s, in which some people were imprisoned for hideous crimes such as burying children alive that are now thought to have been based on false memories. False memories have serious consequences because it shakes the fundamentals of our existence, and the faith that we have in ourselves.

It is difficult to distinguish between real and false memories as they can often be equally or even more vivid than real memories. They are malleable and tend to change slightly each time we revisit them due to influence from our ever changing perceptions, state of mind and knowledge.

Every time a memory is revisited, neural networks in the brain are modified and altered, allowing for easy integration of new elements and alteration of existing ones.

However, if you wish to test your earliest childhood memories, there are some rough rules that can help. Memories before the age of three are more than likely to be false.

Any that appear very fluid and detailed, as if you were playing back a home video and experiencing a chronological account of a memory, could well also be made up. It is more likely that fuzzy fragments, or snapshots of Memories of food have been investigated to demon- moments are real. Implausible details are also another strate how fictional memories can impact us in the long telltale giveaway. term. In one study, 180 volunteers were told they had be-

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Dog Owner? Learn About Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Syndrome in Dogs M Joycelyn (Jo Jo) Intanate, 13T

ore commonly known as a “bloat” or “gastric torsion”, Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening medical condition commonly expressed within deep-chested dogs. In this process, the stomach dilates due to the excessive gas pressure exerted; this gas is unable to be expelled, and this results in a series of consequences: · Hypotension (low blood pressure) · Decreased blood flow to the heart · Ischemia (inadequate supply to an organ) · Shock · Pressure on diaphragm, making it difficult for regular breathing · Decreased perfusion, which leads to cell, and in some cases, organ damage As the stomach becomes enlarged due to the overwhelming gas pressure, this pressure is then exerted on major blood vessels. Due to the impact on these vessels this can lead to kidney failure, liver failure and endotoxic shock (when an infection leads to low blood pressure) (Bossart, 2017).

GDV is known to be a condition which rapidly progresses over time, and, if left untreated for a certain period of time (often an hour or two), may result in shock or death. The death of many dogs at the hands of GDV isn’t uncommon though: Mortality rates in dogs range from 10-60 percent, even with treatment (Cimino, 2000). Furthermore, even with surgery, the mortality rate reaches up to 33 percent (Staatz, 2006).

The effect of GDV in dogs is a topic which affects me personally: Almost six years ago, I lost my dog Buddy, a German Shepherd, to GDV at the age of five. The average lifespan of this particular breed ranges from 9-13 years. I later learned that GDV in part relates to chest conformation, and that larger dog breeds with deep chests tend to be more susceptible to this condition. Specific breeds at greater risk include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Irish Setters and Dobermanns, all of which are 25 percent more likely to develop GDV (Zeltzman, 2018).

Read more about the causes, the symptoms and how to prevent GDV in your dog on Scientia 27/09/2019

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#131: Persuasive Design Brian Taylor, Cross Campus Assistant Principal

Click here to view this video on Dan Pink’s website

T

his week in the Year 10 tutorial programme we’ve been looking at ways in which we can find balance in our digital and analogue lives. We familiarised ourselves with the persuasive design and dark pattern techniques that technology companies use to ‘trick’ us into using their products for longer than we know we should. As an educator, we need to shed light on these tactics, to dispel the naivety. Only then, when we are equipped with the knowledge, can we make an informed, objective decision as to whether we want to give more of our valuable time over to them.

As Dan Pink puts it, motivation to change comes from Mastery, Autonomy and Purpose. In other words, if you’re knowledgeable, intrinsic motivation, coupled with a ‘why’, then you are likely to change a habit. The technology we have at our fingertips is an incredibly powerful, creative, connective tool – we just need to get a little bit better at knowing when to put it down to help curate our analogue relationships. I hope to see you at the PTG Tech Talk morning on Wednesday 2nd October, 8:00am PTG Room.

Have a great weekend, Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration Links in this article: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZZkdYv44ns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxkrdLI6e6M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc Brian is our resident technology pantomath (we call him a guru but he’s not keen on that word apparently!). The first Wednesday of every month you can find him in the PTG Room from 8:00 - 9:00am to answer any tech queries and offer advice and support on parenting in this digital age. Also keep your eyes peeled for his amazing parent workshops. If you have something that can’t wait until 2nd October, email him on brta@patana.ac.th

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COMMUNITY

CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS: THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS Join Year 7 Student Puna Anantaprakorn for the Concert for Kids: The Carnival of the Animals

Directed By Tasana Nagavajara with Narrator Kibtchan Pasit Wattanalekhawong (Piano) Puna Anantaprakorn (Piano)

SATURDAY 28 AND SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 14.00 and 17.00 DR. THAWORN PHORNPRAPHA AUDITORIUM (5TH FL. SIAM MOTOR BUILDING, RAMA 1) (ENGLISH AND THAI NARRATION) BOOK ONLINE HERE

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