Term 1 Magazine December 2023

The Termly Magazine of Bangkok Patana School

Bangkok Patana Issue 71 Term 1, December 2023

Magazine

WELL-BEING

Climbing Up ‘Kili’: A Challenge Fulfilled

LEARNING

A Financial Literacy Adventure for Today’s Youth

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP Acksharaa Balaji’s Journey to Berklee and Music Therapy

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LEARNING

CONTENTS

Issue 71, Term 1, December 2023

14 6

Foreword

WELL-BEING 8

Climbing Up ‘Kili’: A Challenge Fulfilled 12 Meet Khun Jeab: the Transport Manager Who Keeps Bangkok Patana School Moving 14 Fun Run 16 Fostering Friendships

12 GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP 20 Harmony Beyond Borders: Acksharaa Balaji’s Journey to Berklee and Music Therapy

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22 From Bangkok Patana to the Bright Lights of London: Andrea Gatchalian’s Theatrical Journey 24 Art in Bangkok 26 To Volunteer or Not To Volunteer

LEARNING 10 A New Leadership Academy 18 Follow The Coin: A Financial Literacy Adventure for Today’s Youth Front Cover: Youjin Yue (Moon) Wu, 3L

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• Bangkok Patana School

22

CHOOSE

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Choose UWE Bristol.

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17 - Mechanical Engineering 20 - Creative Writing 23 - Economics 23 - Forensic Science Contact us: Arthittaya Inmankhong ( Joy) Country Manager Thailand, Myanmar and South Korea

Email: Arthittaya.Inmankhong@uwe.ac.uk UWE Bristol Asia Pacific

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FOREWORD

F

rom my first day at Bangkok Patana in Nursery‑ to my final year in Year 13, the experiences and opportunities I have had growing up in the Patana community have shaped me as an individual. Reflecting on my 16 years at this school, I have so many fond memories that will stay with me forever.

From all the Residential trips in Year 3 to 10, numerous FOBISIA and SEASAC sporting trips, lunchtimes with my friends in Seniors and the many ECAs and various events and competitions, I will never forget my time here. Two of my all-time favourite memories are getting to represent the Patana Tigers at FOBISIA in Shanghai in Year 6 and SEASAC Varsity

643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna Tai, Bangna Bangkok 10260 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Email: reception@patana.ac.th www.patana.ac.th

Football in Kuala Lumpur in Year 9.

Competitive Sport teams at Bangkok Patana have been one of the biggest aspects of my life, making so many friends and improving my ability to succeed as a sports person. Taking leadership roles within the sports teams has helped me to stay motivated to train and compete well. Continuing to participate in sport whilst undertaking the rigorous IB programme has been essential to me and has helped me to get a good study-work life balance.

The many teachers and coaches I have had over the years have provided me with so much knowledge, support and advice to prepare me to eventually leave the school with life skills that will

Editor: Sneha Mathew Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2411 Email: snma@patana.ac.th Advertisement: Finn Balslev Tel: 081-866-2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com

help me in further education and beyond.

Being in one school all the way through, I have made so many friends that I have and will keep in touch with once I leave the Patana bubble. My love for travel will make sure that I visit my friends who will be scattered all around the world in America, Australia, England and Asia.

As a Patana student we are provided with so many wonderful opportunities throughout our time at school. Read on for articles about the Kilimanjaro climb, CPL Leadership Academy, financial literacy and other great articles.

– Amelia Ahl, 13J Bangkok Patana Student from 2008 - 2024

Design & Production: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66 (0) 2943 7166-8 www.scandmedia.com

Bangkok Patana Magazine is the termly publication of Bangkok Patana School published three times per year and distributed to 2,000 members of the School community. Reproduction of articles, artwork and illustrations by written permission only. This magazine is printed on recycled paper.

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• Bangkok Patana School

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WELL-BEING

CLIMBING UP ‘KILI’: A CHALLENGE FULFILLED

By Carly Peart, Leader of Learning and Curriculum, Year 1

Y

ears ago, aged 18, I created a bucket list of things I wanted to achieve in life. Unlike my friends who focused on wanting a husband, family and career, I prioritised other objectives such as running a marathon, seeing the ‘Big 5’ in the wild and climbing Kilimanjaro. Years passed, and despite having done many of the things on my list, Kilimanjaro was not among them. Then roughly 18 months ago, my brother got wind of this and challenged me to climb Kilimanjaro (more affectionately referred to as ‘Kili’) with him. I was excited both by the thought of doing the climb but also getting to spend some time with my brother. It’s very rare now as adults, that we get to spend any quality time together, and I hoped this would provide such an opportunity for us.

We set off to Tanzania a couple of days after school fin‑ ished in June this year, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I was terrified I’d fail, that my knees would fail me, or I’d suffer with altitude sickness and not only let myself down, but my brother and the whole team of porters who went with us. However, I needn’t have worried as none of those worries came to fruition.

Speaking of porters, can you believe that for two of us climbing, we had 11 porters with us, as well as a cook, a Head Guide and an Assistant Guide! The porters all carry ap‑ proximately 25kg with them up and down the mountain, most‑ ly on their heads! My brother had done extensive research to ensure we went with a company who were members of KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) and ensure their porters are well looked after and cared for. Joining KPAP is not currently a legal requirement and there are still many climbing companies who sadly, are not members and therefore do not 8

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Bangkok Patana Magazine

look after their porters well. Something to be mindful of should you ever consider a climb!

There are multiple routes up the mountain, and opting for a quiet but challenging route, we chose the Umbwe route. For those looking to do it in the future, I would thoroughly recom‑ mend it. Yes, it’s steep, and we ascended over 2,300m in two days, but it is stunning, and we didn’t meet another soul.

You climb up through the forest, which rapidly changes to moorland on the second day and then emerge through the canopy to arguably the most incredible view of Kibo; the dor‑ mant volcano sitting on top of Kili. Once up to Barranco Huts, we then turned left away from the crowds about to climb the Barranco Wall, and followed the northern circuit, taking us around the top of the mountain. It is a much quieter route than most take, and it allows you to truly enjoy the beauty of the mountain without racing to campsites to secure the best spot.

Those who have done the trek before, know the agonisingly slow pace the local guides set to help you acclimatise to the altitude. Everyone who climbs Kili, will almost immediately hear the Swahili phrase ‘pole-pole’ meaning ‘slowly slowly’.

At times when we had a particularly steep climb, we went super pole-pole. As someone who never walks anywhere slowly, you can imagine the pain!

Summit day was certainly the biggest challenge, both physically and mentally. We were woken at midnight, had a small breakfast and then eventually set off just after 1am. The next 4½ hours are completely uphill; zigzagging your way up the side of the crater. Mentally, it’s tough as by this point, you’re over 5,000m and the altitude is kicking in. My strategy was simply just to count, how many steps to the left? How many to the right? Through this, I managed to keep putting one foot in front of the other and at 5:40am, we made it to the top of the crater, known as ‘Gilman’s Point’ (one of the 3 official peaks). We paused here for photos before moving to the next peak (Stella Point), a short 20-minute walk round the edge of the crater. Again, we briefly paused there for photos before setting off for the final climb. At this point, you are now at 5,756m and it feels like someone has a vice around your chest, squeezing out all the air. Only 1km stood between there and Uhuru peak, the highest point on the mountain at 5,895m and yet it took me the best part of an hour to climb it; that’s how pole-pole I was walking!

Standing at that summit with my brother was one of the best experiences of my life. Had I done it alone, it still would have been amazing, but to have done it together and to have spent that time together was incredibly special and something I will treasure for the rest of my life. Now, I just need to decide on the next challenge. Anyone got any suggestions?

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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LEARNING

A NEW LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

By Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Assistant Principal Professional Learning

T

his academic year, Bangkok Patana is embarking on an exciting collaborative journey to develop a Leadership Academy for staff in order to build our capacity to lead with clarity, purpose and empathy. This Leadership Academy will aim to support staff at each stage of their leadership journey from apisring, to established middle leader, to senior leader and beyond.

Much has been written about Leadership; John Quincy Adams (Secretary of State to the sixth President of the USA) once fa‑ mously said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Whilst the Chinese Taoist Philosopher Lau Tzu wrote, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists. When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”

There are many experts on leader‑ ship and many a theory abounds.

From servant leadership to situ‑ ational leadership, those who lead from the front as transformational visionaries and those who prefer to roll up their sleeves and “get in the trenches” with their teams; google “Leadership” and you’ll be kept busy for days!

Growing great leaders in an in‑ ternational school, requires that we first agree on what leadership is in 10

• Bangkok Patana School

our context. Throughout 2022/23, our academic leadership worked hard to condense this down into what is now known as the Patana 7 Pillars of Leadership: Leaders at every level of our or‑ ganisation will be using the Pillars as a tool to focus their profes‑ sional growth. This brings us to the Leadership Academy, this broad and differentiated professional learn‑ ing offering will aim to meet the fol‑ lowing needs: • The Leadership Academy will be tailored to align with the school’s specific mission, vision and val‑ ues. This ensures that leaders are well-versed in the school’s ethos and can implement strat‑ egies that uphold its guiding statements, putting Well-being, Learning and Global Citizenship at the forefront. “Leaders hon‑ our their core values, but they are flexible in how they execute them.” – General Colin Powell (Former US Secretary of State) • Developing a Leadership Academy ensures that the school has a pipeline of well-trained and experienced leaders who can maintain and enhance the school’s educational quality and reputation. This is crucial for meeting the high standards

Bangkok Patana Magazine

our community have come to expect. “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves” – Ray Kroc (Founder of McDonalds) • Bangkok Patana serves a diverse student population. A Leadership Academy can provide training in intercultural communication and understanding, enabling leaders to effectively manage diverse teams and cater to the unique needs of international students and their families. “Our ability to achieve unity in our diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.” – Mahatma Ghandi (Indian Lawyer, Politician and Social Activist) • A

home-grown

Leadership

Academy allows us to cre‑ ate bespoke and context rich content for our learners, which captures the unique leadership challenges of being a British but also international school located in the Kingdom of Thailand.

“Leadership is always dependent upon the context, but the context is established by the relation‑ ships.” – Margaret Wheatley (Author, Teacher and Activist) • The education landscape is con‑ stantly evolving. A Leadership Academy allows the school to stay ahead of emerging trends and incorporate innovative edu‑ cational practices into its curricu‑ lum and operations. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” – Steve Jobs (Founder Apple)

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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WELL-BEING

MEET KHUN JEAB

THE TRANSPORT MANAGER WHO KEEPS BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL MOVING Khun Jeab is our Transport Manager. She has been in this role for just one and a half years, but has already made a significant impact on the school’s transport service.

She oversees a large staff of 200 bus monitors and drivers, plus 18 office staff, and ensures that the school’s students are transported safely and efficiently every day.

Khun Jeab has a background in event management and procurement, having worked for another international school for 10 years before moving to Chonburi and then to Bangkok Patana. She enjoys working with her team and learning from them, as well as implementing new innovations and standards to improve the transport service.

In this interview, Khun Jeab shares her challenges, achievements, and aspirations as the Transport Manager, as well as her personal interests and hobbies.

What were the challenges you faced when you first started as the Transport Manager?

Khun Jeab: When I first started, it was a good chal‑ lenge for me to oversee a large staff group of 200 (bus monitors and drivers), plus 16 office staff. I try to develop the Transport service using innovation, with teamwork and team building.

The challenge when I first started was that I had to learn a lot about the culture here. I had to learn the policies and 12

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the plans and make sure they were being followed. I review the protocols, to ensure that everyone can follow the same guidelines. The first challenge was knowledge, then culture, then learning a lot about the rules and regulations.

What helped you overcome these challenges?

Khun Jeab: I strive to have an open mindset and this re‑ ally helped. As well, I have a very supportive boss and my team was very good in helping me. If we can have an open

Bangkok Patana Magazine

mindset and learn together, we can better face challenges and learn together. I wasn’t able to be trained by the previous Transport Manager and Khun Toon, my boss, helped me to work in the right way from the start.

What are you proud of as the Transport Manager?

Khun Jeab: I heard from other people that transport is better, we work easier with other people, we have good standards and we have new innovations like GPS coming to the Transport service. We put child car seats into our school buses before the traffic policy was implemented – We were the first school in Thailand to use child car seats! We strictly follow the standards of the Department of Land Transport (DLT). We are the only school that has a School Bus Safety Exellence certificate from the DLT. All of our buses have a licence from DLT. What do you like about working at Bangkok Patana School?

Khun Jeab: I like working here because of my team. They are very supportive of every position in the work flow. They have a service-oriented attitude towards the students, espe‑ cially that the students should be safe. Safety comes first for them. Bangkok Patana is a big school and very famous, the systems are good and everyone in Bangkok Patana has good professional experience. It gives me good vision.

What are your plans and goals for the future of the Transport service?

Khun Jeab: Next year, we are looking at electric buses to help with sustainability. This is a big change for transport to keep looking forward and be sustainable. I would like to promote the use of the school bus to reduce our carbon footprint.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

Khun Jeab: I like to travel, meditate and garden. In Chonburi, we have a longan plantation and in April we have a lot of longans.

I like to travel, and often go to Chiang Mai. My parents’

home is in Yasothon so we go there sometimes as well. My favourite thing to do is to take in the local culture and food.

I prefer homestay to 5-star hotels and learn about the activities and daily routine of the local people. My husband likes to taste the coffee in Chiang Mai. I like to practice meditation; even if I have five or ten min‑ utes I will meditate. I was accepted three years ago to do a meditation course at Wat Suan Santitham in Sri Racha. This Wat only accepts six people per year. It was for three days and two nights. It helped me be calm, listen to people and understand other people. Meditation makes my life easier.

I usually work from 7:00am to 5:00pm – and on the weekends I am available to answer questions from our staff who are working. There might be school trips on the week‑ end and I will monitor the trips to make sure all is fine with Transport.

What advice would you give to Year 13 students who are graduating from Bangkok Patana School?

Khun Jeab: I would say to them to follow their dreams and passions, and to always have an open mind and learn new things. They should also be respectful and kind to everyone, and to take care of themselves and the environment. I wish them all the best for their future.

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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WELL-BEING LEARNING

FUN RUN

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10th October 2023

Bangkok Patana Magazine

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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WELL-BEING

FOSTERING FRIENDSHIPS

By Carol Battram, Assistant Principal, Leaning & Welfare

I

last wrote about friendship before Covid brought so much disruption into our lives so I thought it would be in‑ teresting to revisit the subject and share what I think has stayed true.

Stop-press! Friendships are important!

Friendships are still a source of joy – and heartbreak. Many of us still spend too much time sending each other non‑ sense memes and place-holder mes‑ sages and far too little time catching up in person. At Bangkok Patana, we plan opportunities to excite, motivate and engage our students. We try to design engaging and positive classroom envi‑ ronments. We build relationships with our students so that we can best meet

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their needs. None of this, not one iota, will stimulate their brains in the same allencompassing way as a friendship high or a break-up low.

Friendships change and that’s OK A small number of my friends have re‑ mained constant for 30+ years but most friendships come and go. Some flourish with minimal care whilst others feel like the worst sort of unrewarded work. I’ve invested heavily in some friendships that have come to nothing – which nearly always hurts. It’s really not that much dif‑ ferent for our students – except that they also have to live out their formative years with a continuously rotating door of arriv‑ als and departures.

Teaching the skills and the language of friendship We get marginally better at navigat‑ ing friendships, but mainly through trial and error and the willingness of others to forgive us when we get things horribly wrong.

I wish I had been taught that friend‑ ships are not always healthy, and that respectful disagreements can and should be part of a mutually respectful relationship.

I wish I had been told that confront‑ ing a problem needn’t be a bad thing, and that advocating for oneself is not the same as being mean to others.

From Nursery through to Senior Studies, our students are taught about

Bangkok Patana Magazine

friendships and how to keep them in the healthy zone. We teach that most friend‑ ships will have their ups and downs and that’s OK. We teach that every friendship is different, and that it is good to have different friends. We try to take away the unhelpful pressure to find a BFF. We want every child to learn that trust, kindness and respect are the key ingredients for a healthy friendship. If spending time with a friend makes us feel good about ourselves, that’s in the healthy zone. If we are left feeling sad, excluded or anxious, then this friendship needs reevaluating. Sometimes a friendship starts off well, but those key ingredients are missing. A friendship should make us feel happy, trusted and respected.

We teach these words and skills so

A friendship should make us feel happy, trusted and respected. that our students can explain how they are feeling about their friendships and recognise when something needs to change.

It’s common for one friend to have no idea why their friend is upset with them.

A friendship can’t be repaired until we know what has caused the problem.

Peaceful Problem Solving and Friendship Fires Within Primary, a typical upset be‑ tween friends is called a Friendship Fire.

Most can be put out using peaceful problem-solving conversations – often supported by the teacher.

As they get older, our students start to understand that there are different points of view, and to respond in a more thoughtful way. The aim of peaceful problem solving is to confront the issue honestly, and then to forgive and forget, leaving their friendship closer and stron‑ ger. We want our students to become conflict-resolvers, not conflict-avoiders.

Find a good time to talk and listen.

Using a calm, serious voice: 1. Retell the situation.

2. Explain how it made you feel.

3. Talk it through, being respectful and honest.

Responding to mean-on-purpose behaviours When children are ‘mean-on-pur‑ pose’, they are driven to cause hurt and distress, perhaps several times on purpose. This happens often within the child’s friendship group. Mean-onpurpose behaviours require different responses in order to support all of the children involved and to bring about positive change. During the parent workshop in November I shared some of the strategies we use in school to sup‑ port students and help them respond to these upsetting behaviours.

We want Bangkok Patana students to stand up for themselves without mak‑ ing the problem even bigger and pos‑ sibly getting into trouble themselves. This is something that many of us would find challenging but, like any skill, the more you practice, the better you get.

Deploy a Quick Comeback!

‘That’s unkind. You need to stop.’

‘It’s not OK to talk to me like that.’

‘Stop. I don’t like it.’

‘I’ve asked you not to call me that.’

Very few of us can come up with a quick and effective comeback when we most need one, so we teach children some key phrases and how to use them.

Sticking up for yourself is not rude. In Foundation Stage many of our child use, ‘Stop, I don’t like it’, but the best come‑ back is the one that gets used, even when your brain is flustered.

1. Say your Quick Comeback using a strong voice.

2. Then walk away. Don’t get drawn in.

3. Report the behaviour to an adult.

We all have a role to play here. A child’s readiness to side-step conflict is reinforced when we tell them to ignore the problem or try to solve the problem for them. Once they learn to put out their own Friendship Fires, or develop the confidence to use a Quick Comeback, managing upsets within friendships be‑ comes part of their skill set. I wish I’d been taught that.

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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LEARNING

FOLLOW THE COIN:

A FINANCIAL LITERACY ADVENTURE FOR TODAY’S YOUTH

By Krishaan Phlaphongphanich, Year 12

I

n today’s rapidly changing world, there is a dire need for a solid foundation in financial literacy. However, our educa‑ tional systems often fall short of imparting these crucial life skills. Recognising this gap, I authored a novel titled Follow The Coin: A Financial Literacy Adventure to make personal finance both fun and ac‑ cessible for young readers aged 10-18.

The Adventure Begins: Inside “Follow The Coin” Set in the whimsical town of Pocketville, the narrative follows Penny and Dollar on their mission to restore financial understanding amongst its resi‑ dents. Through their adventures, readers are introduced to various financial con‑ cepts, including the workings of banks, the wonders of compound interest, the psychology behind money, and the essentials of stocks and mutual funds, among others.

Moreover, with crypto becoming an intrinsic part of our financial landscape, a section on “Crypto 101” has been included.

Why I Wrote It It’s alarming to realise how our edu‑ cational systems largely neglect finan‑ cial literacy, an essential life skill. This deficiency is concerning, especially when young minds are at their prime age to form habits and beliefs that will stay with them into adulthood. Instead of complicated textbooks and jargonfilled lectures, I envisioned a relatable, novel-style narrative, allowing readers 18

• Bangkok Patana School

to see themselves in Penny and Dollar, navi‑ gating the challenges of financial decisions.

The Imperative Need for Financial Literacy Thailand faces an on‑ going crisis with soaring household debt levels paired with high levels of financial illiteracy. At Super Satang, an initiative to teach the youth about financial literacy, we conduct weekly workshops on different personal finance topics.

However, through these sessions we realised that financial literacy is deeply intertwined with emotions and psychology. It’s more than un‑ derstanding budgeting; it’s about the stories we tell ourselves, our beliefs, and our relationship with money.

This discovery propelled the

emphasis in my book on fostering a healthy relationship with money. It delves deep into money psychology, touch‑ ing upon the scarcity vs. abundance

Bangkok Patana Magazine

mindset, highlighting the importance of a proactive and positive financial outlook.

What Can Parents Do?

financial matters, showing your child it’s not a taboo but an essential life skill.

2. Provide an Allowance and Teach Budgeting:

1. Identify Money Psychology: - Understanding Money Stories: Our beliefs about money, often called our “money story,” begin forming at a young age based on our experiences and what we observe. If a child con‑ stantly hears phrases like “we can’t af‑ ford that” or “money doesn’t grow on trees,” they may develop a scarcity mindset. Instead, encourage discus‑ sions that focus on abundance and opportunity. For example, rather than saying “we can’t afford it,” try “let’s plan on how we can save for it.”

- Avoid Being a Money Avoider: Some of us, unknowingly, become ‘money avoiders.’ We shy away from discussions about finances be‑ cause of underlying anxiety or fear.

Avoiding money conversations can perpetuate ignorance and misinfor‑ mation. Ensure you’re open about

- Practical Budgeting: Start with sim‑ ple tasks. If your child wants a toy, help them list out their current sav‑ ings, their weekly allowance, and how many weeks it would take to af‑ ford that toy. This exercise instills pa‑ tience and the concept of planning.

- The ‘Buy It Twice’ Rule: A golden rule to instill is, “if you can’t afford to buy it twice, you can’t afford it.” This promotes financial discipline and ensures children’s savings aren’t set back to zero after purchases.

3. Educate with Super Satang: - The Super Satang free online course offers modules that delve into these concepts and more. Using engag‑ ing methods, it ensures young learn‑ ers grasp these ideas in a relatable manner.

4. Demystify Money: - Open Conversations: Initiate ageappropriate financial discussions.

Maybe share stories from your own life, mistakes made and lessons learned. Demonstrating vulnerability in your financial journey can be a powerful teaching tool.

5. Foster a Positive Money Mindset: - Lack vs. Abundance: Children should be taught to visualize money as a flow – there’s always an op‑ portunity to earn, save, invest, and spend wisely. A mindset rooted in abundance sees potential and growth, while a lack mindset may inhibit financial progress.

By implementing these actionable steps, parents can ensure their children devel‑ op not just financial skills but a healthy money mindset. Both the book “Follow The Coin” and the Super Satang course serve as valuable resources in this jour‑ ney, making financial education acces‑ sible and engaging.

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

ALUMNI STORIES LIFE AFTER PATANA

HARMONY BEYOND BORDERS:

Acksharaa Balaji’s Journey to Berklee and Music Therapy

Culture Shock and Comfort in Patana Acksharaa Balaji’s (Grad’18) transi‑ tion from the familiar confines of Bangkok Patana to the vibrant streets of Boston to attend Berklee College of Music was far from smooth. She candidly admitted to feeling a cultural shock and a longing for the comforts of home, particularly the food. It’s not unusual for students to grap‑ ple with such shifts, and Acksharaa’s experiences only highlight the unique challenges of studying abroad. Yet, she credits Bangkok Patana for helping her adapt quickly to this new environment.

Finding Her Calling in Music Therapy Despite the initial hurdles, Acksharaa’s journey at Berklee held pleasant surpris‑ es. She began shedding her apprehen‑ sions about pursuing a career in music, realising that many of her peers were on similar quests. Her turning point came when she delved into music therapy, a highly selective programme. She under‑ went a rigorous application process and was one of the fortunate 21 students out of 50 to make the cut. Music therapy’s transformative power became evident to her, igniting her passion for making mu‑ sic a healing force for others.

“Imagine a world without music,” she mused, highlighting the importance of soundtracks and melodies in our lives.

Acksharaa’s internship experiences in healthcare settings, including hospitals, community centers, daycares and se‑ nior citizens’ homes, emphasised the 20

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profound impact of music on people’s well-being. Her insights were further deepened by her exposure to telehealth during the pandemic, demonstrating the accessibility and adaptability of music therapy.

Mastering Music Therapy Acksharaa’s pursuit of a Master’s de‑ gree in music therapy isn’t just about fur‑ thering her career. It’s about contributing to a discourse she holds dear – making

Bangkok Patana Magazine

Relaxation and Reflection

music therapy more culturally inclusive.

She envisions a future where everyone, regardless of their cultural background, can connect with the music used in their therapy. Her aim is to establish herself as a prominent voice advocating for cultur‑ al diversity in the field, emphasizing the importance of music that resonates with each individual’s unique experiences.

The young musician is also passion‑ ate about research and intends to ex‑ plore the intricate relationship between neuroscience and music, using function‑ al MRI systems. Her thirst for knowledge and innovation knows no bounds.

From Her Heart to Her Art When Acksharaa isn’t immersed in her studies, she’s expressing herself through her music. Under the pseud‑ onym “ARAA,” she has released an EP on Spotify. Her influences span a wide spectrum, from Joni Mitchell to Taylor Swift to Indian classical music. Her abil‑ ity to appreciate the diverse world of music has been broadened by her time

For relaxation, Acksharaa is an advo‑ cate for the simple pleasures in life. She cherishes her naps and takes leisurely walks. However, one piece of advice she is eager to share is the importance of therapy. The benefits of having a third party to talk to in the midst of a busy life have been invaluable to her. The relation‑ ships formed at Patana also hold a spe‑ cial place in her heart. Reconnecting with an old friend after eight years of separa‑ tion is a testament to the strong bonds she forged during her time at the school.

at Berklee, where she’s learned that all music, no matter how different, shares common threads of inspiration.

Acksharaa’s journey into music ex‑ tends back to her days at Bangkok Patana, where she was involved in IGCSE music and sang in the choir, even‑ tually becoming a part of the chamber choir. The lasting connections she made at Bangkok Patana are a testament to the school’s powerful sense of community.

As Acksharaa continues her journey into the world of music therapy, it is clear that her passion, dedication and unique perspective will contribute to the field in significant ways. Her story is a testament to the power of music and the enduring connections forged at educational insti‑ tutions like Bangkok Patana. We look forward to seeing how her path unfolds and how she continues to make an im‑ pact in the world of music therapy.

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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21

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

ALUMNI STORIES LIFE AFTER PATANA

FROM BANGKOK PATANA TO THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LONDON: Andrea Gatchalian’s Theatrical Journey Life Lessons from Bangkok Patana Grad’19 Andrea Gatchalian, affec‑ tionately known as Andy recalls her days at Bangkok Patana, where she made lifelong connections and discovered her love for acting. One of her cherished

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memories involves working alongside Katie Meadows, her higher-level theatre teacher. Katie played a pivotal role in shaping Andy’s career, particularly in preparing her for drama school audi‑ tions. “If it weren’t for her, I don’t think I would have even considered going to

drama school in the first place,” Andy explained.

Another significant memory revolves around meeting her current partner Jason, at Bangkok Patana. Their shared passion for acting brought them togeth‑ er, and she said he has been a rock

Bangkok Patana Magazine

throughout her challenging journey in the competitive entertainment industry.

Andy’s years at Bangkok Patana taught her valuable life lessons that con‑ tinue to guide her today. One of the most crucial lessons she learned is that loneliness is temporary. “Feeling lonely is only temporary, and you will find your place someday. Keep your chin up,” she said University and Beyond After graduating from Bangkok Patana in 2019, Andy pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. In 2022, she proudly gradu‑ ated from Mountview, marking a signifi‑ cant milestone in her journey.

Founding Orange Peel Productions After graduating, Andy co-founded Orange Peel Productions, a theatre com‑ pany, with a group of her close friends from Mountview. Their collaboration was a natural progression, given their shared experiences and understand‑ ing of each other’s work. Orange Peel Productions quickly gained recognition for its potential to create compelling and innovative theatre.

The camaraderie and shared artis‑ tic language amongst the group have been instrumental in their success. This supportive network of actors and friends allows them to explore new writing and ideas fearlessly. Currently, Orange Peel Productions is taking their production of

She believes that these art forms provide a platform to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level.

Sarah Delappe’s “The Wolves” to the‑ atres in London, a testament to their com‑ mitment to pushing boundaries and cre‑ ating captivating theatre experiences.

Theatre and Film: A World of Possibilities When asked about her motivation to pursue acting, Andy eloquently de‑ scribes the power of theatre and film to provoke thought and inspire change: She believes that these art forms provide a platform to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. They can

challenge preconceptions and encour‑ age self-reflection, making people feel seen and heard.

Andy’s diverse portfolio includes “The Kindness of Strangers,” a satirical explo‑ ration of the entertainment industry’s hid‑ den flaws, and “The Wolves,” a heartfelt portrayal of teenage girl soccer players facing life’s challenges. While these pro‑ ductions differ vastly in tone and content, Andy thrives in both theatre and film, relishing the unique experiences each offers.

An Exciting Future As Andrea Gatchalian’s journey in the theatre world continues to unfold, her talent and passion are taking her to new heights. She’s secured the leading role of Mia in the theatrical production “Ikaria”, which will go on tour, visiting various cities including York, Mold, Stafford, Guildford, Belfast, Whitley Bay,and London. Andy’s dedication and commitment to her craft have undoubt‑ edly paved the way for a bright and promising future in the world of theatre and film.

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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23

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

ART IN BANGKOK

By Marie-Claire Redman, Secondary Art Teacher

B

angkok has a reputation for being a centre of excellence for partying and food but over recent years, the artistic offerings of the nation’s capital have been developing into a thriving creative culture, offering something for all ages and tastes.

Start by familiarising yourself with the scene: River City Gallery in Talat Noi, is a booming arts venue with festivals on a yearly carousel, including the Mango Art Festival in May, which features an exciting mix of new Thai artists (visual, craft and performance) as well a pro‑ gressively broad selection of visiting international artists. This is a great op‑ portunity to invest in early-career artists and see their work become more popu‑ lar from year to year. ItalThai and River City also host the recently inaugurated annual Thai Portrait Prize at River City gallery, which is free to enter in August every year; use Instagram or their web‑ site to find out who won this year and

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see some top-quality portrait artworks.

Jam Factory in Khlong San regularly hosts exhibitions in its gorgeous, grassy mini-complex and also has a well-stocked bookshop. This space was designed by the talented architect, Duangrit Bunnag and the excursion combines well with a visit to River City Gallery. Check their Facebook or Instagram account for de‑ tails about current exhibitions.

If you are looking for something a little more niche, Kathmandu Photo Gallery, contrary to what the name suggests, can actually be found in Silom. This gallery regularly exhibits an exciting array of in‑ teresting and experimental photography work- complement this trip with a visit to FotoClub BKK (5 minutes’ drive away) to stock up on your own photography sup‑ plies so that you can have a go at taking your own photographs!

Anxiously anticipated, the exciting small gallery, Speedy Grandma, which features the work of upcoming artists as

well as an in-house library has reopened in Bang Rak and is currently hosting the exhibition Arcane Plateau by the author and artist, Thanawat Nomcharoen.

More small galleries which can be counted on to provide a ‘what’s hot’ list of Bangkok’s up and coming exciting art‑ ists include P.Space in Phra Nakhon and Street Star Gallery in Khet Suan Luang.

Check their current shows online before your visit.

Sometimes Bang Rak presents op‑ portunities to see art in unexpected set‑ tings; for example the exhibition space in Central: the original store allows the visitor to appreciate up and coming art‑ ists alongside the fascinating story of the store itself. Recent highlights have been exhibitions by Rattee Srichan-in (RT RATTEE), as well as a wood-carving work‑ shop with Chanatip Chuenbumroong.

Check out their instagram to keep up to date with this dynamic new space.

If you are on foot in central Bangkok,

Bangkok Patana Magazine

then a walk around Chaloemla Park (Graffiti Park) can be a lovely way to spend an hour or so, enjoying the everchanging landscape of Bangkok’s street art, which often features travelling guest artists from around the world, as well as a few local favourites you will recog‑ nise. Chaloemla is also a great place to people-watch as many local designers and photographers use this area for pho‑ to shoots; cool down afterwards in the

Gallery and Artist addresses and Instagram contacts in order of appearance: - River City Gallery 23 Soi Charoen Krung 24, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, @rivercitybangkok or @rivercitycontemporary for what’s on currently - Italthai Portrait Prize 2023 — RIVER CITY BANGKOK - The Jam Factory 41/1-5 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600 @thejamfactorybangkok - Duangrit Bunnag https://dbalp.com/ @DuangritBunnag - Kathmandu Photo Gallery 87 Pan Road, Silom @kathmanduphotobkk - Fotoclub BKK 1158 Charoen Krung 32 Alley, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 @fotoclubbkk

surrounding streets at a vintage clothing and coffee shop or one of the nearby cocktail bars.

Want to further combine culture with coffee? Palette Artspace in Thong Lo regularly hosts local and international art exhibitions and workshops in collabora‑ tion with BKK Unzine, where artists and graphic novel enthusiasts can gather and enjoy their favourite works, regular exhibitions as well as a great cup of

coffee. BKK Unzine also regularly wel‑ comes submissions of work from artists of all ages for its online magazine and exhibitions, with changing themes that will inspire all ages.

Art workshops are becoming a craze in Bangkok and there is something available for every passion; from learn‑ ing traditional fine art techniques to fun and fashionable crafts for your home.

Perhaps learn about Persian miniatures with Arash Geroeian or try rug tufting to make an accessory for your bedroom at Workshop Cafe. GC Cafe and Cat Cow Yoga in Nana are beginning to host small, well-priced workshops on eve‑ nings and weekends; watch this space for new hands-on art experiences that you can enjoy with friends and family.

Looking for more still? The amaz‑ ing Bangkok Art Biennale recently re‑ leased Marina Abramovic’s collabora‑ tion with Apinan Poshyananda, Spirits of Maritime Crossing, a teaser for the exciting things that are in store for the Biennale in 2024. BACC has also pro‑ vided a new resource which highlights a wide variety of events and happenings across the city; visit the website or follow on instagram to find something you find inspiring!

- Speedy Grandma 3 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 @speedygrandma.rathon - Thanawat Nomcharoen @frankthanajah - P. Space 33, 35 Phraeng Nara Rd, Khwaeng San Chao Pho Sua, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 @pspace33 - Street Star Gallery 1140 On Nut Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250 @streetstar_gallery - Central. The Original Store 1266 Charoen Krung Rd, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500 @central.theoriginalstore - Rattee Srichan-in @rt_rattee - Chanatip Chuenbumroong Chanathip Chuenbumroong | Facebook - Chaloemla Park (Graffiti Park) Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

- Palette Thonglor 1057 Thong Lo, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 @palette.artspace - BKK Unzine www.bkkunzine.com @bkkunzine - Arash Geroeian www.arashgroyan.com @arashminiature - Workshop Cafe 333 Ratchadaphisek 14 Alley, Khwaeng Huai Khwang, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310 @fickle.lifestyle - GC Cafe 176, 1 Sukhumvit Road, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 @gcssoi8 - Cat Cow Yoga Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110 @catcowyogabkk - Bangkok Art Biennale various locations, Bangkok Art Biennale | BAB2024 (bkkartbiennale.com) - BACC, 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 www.bangkokartcity.org @bangkokartcity

TERM 1 – 2023/24

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25

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

TO VOLUNTEER OR NOT TO VOLUNTEER

By Safy Rizk, PTG Chair

”The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” – Oscar Wilde “How can I volunteer? “ is a question PTG members often hear and while the channels are certainly numerous, I be‑ lieve the question should be “why should I volunteer?”

Volunteering in any community can build a sense of purpose and fulfilment – by “donating” your time, effort, knowl‑ edge or support, you will be able to cre‑ ate that sense of belonging. Being part of a whole, allow humans to connect with others who share similar experiences and concerns. It provides an opportunity to build new friendships, enhance social connections, and feel a sense of pride in being part of a collective effort to im‑ prove the overall experience of others.

Volunteering enables you to Influence and have a voice in shaping other people’s lives. By actively participating in decision-making processes, you can help shaping policies, programs, events and procedures. This level of empower‑ ment can positively impact your mental health and overall wellbeing.

It is also a chance to develop and enhance certain skills such as event planning, leadership, communication, and teamwork while creating a window for personal growth and boosting confi‑ dence and emotional intelligence.

Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose. It reset your mindset and help in keeping you mentally stimulated.

It can combat stress, loneliness, social 26

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isolation and can increase your dopa‑ mine level.

Being part of Bangkok Patana School and the PTG, parents can see the impact of their contribution on their children. Role modelling sets a positive

example for children by demonstrating the value of giving back to the commu‑ nity. When children see their parents ac‑ tively involved in school, they are more likely to develop a sense of civic respon‑ sibility and become engaged citizens themselves.

PTG supports school initiatives by vol‑ unteering their time and resources. They provide support to new families, share information about the school routines, answer questions and provide guid‑ ance. This support helps new parents feel more welcomed, more engaged and accordingly more united.

Participating in PTG can have a sig‑ nificant impact on the school spirit and the well-being of parents at Bangkok Patana. It also enables parents to play an active role in creating a positive school environment and contributes to the over‑ all strength of the school community.