Patana News Volume 25 Issue 18

Curiosity and Questioning

One of favourite literacy activities to play with my students is a twist on a reading game. Over the years, the game has had many titles, but is currently stuck as ‘The class versus Mrs McCormack’. For this activity, I read a short extract from a book and pause for student response. Yet, rather than me asking the class a question, they must ask me one based on what I have just read. If I get the answer correct, I win the point. If I get it wrong, the class win the point.

This activity is always popular with my Primary students, from the youngest to the oldest, and is guaranteed to get the class energetic and engaged. It is also an excellent yet simple learning strategy. But why so?

It is of no surprise that ‘beating the teacher’ is foremost extremely appealing. But it is more than competition that makes this activity effective. Rather, it is the “twist”: the fact that the students ask me the questions and not the other way round. Thoughtful questioning relies on the students really listening; honing in on small details; applying a certain level of understanding and knowledge; and having the creativity and critical thinking skills to come up with a question that no one has asked before. For me, it is one of the most productive ways to end a lesson.

Last year, I came across the book When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids by Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski. This book discusses the teachings of Fred Rogers, the host of the popular children's television show "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", which ran from 1968 to 2001. Each chapter is devoted to ways in which educators and parents can foster the ‘3 Cs’ and it echoes what I have discovered through my simple reading activity. That is, the “tools for learning”, as Fred calls them, are easy to develop through everyday interactions and that curiosity and questioning plays a key role.

At Bangkok Patana, we place emphasis on creativity and critical thinking and we guide our students to be rigorous, inquisitive and creative, as well as critical and reflective thinkers. Our curriculum and approaches to teaching and learning are designed to support these skills and attributes and can be evident in every Primary classroom space and shared area.

Over the last week, I decided to go on a learning walk around our school to spot specific examples of this type

of learning in action and I am delighted to say, I really didn’t have to look far:

In the Foundation Stage, the team have come back to their purpose and in a series of meetings they have reformulated their vision statement:

Our children are happy, confident and kind global citizens. They demonstrate curiosity, creativity, independence and resilience. These are developed through positive relationships and an authentic, child-led pedagogy. Children initiate their own learning through play and have autonomy and voice.

Step into any Foundation Stage environment and this is clearly evident.

In Year 1, a small group of students were working with their EAL teacher, Ms Diana, to consider all the ingredients they could add to a Troll Pie. What do Trolls even like, I wondered? “Worms” I was quickly told. I didn’t stay around to taste it!

In the Library, students are invited to visit the creativity corner and each beak and lunch time this wonderful space is full of students exploring their interests and curiosities.

Sarah McCormack, Primary Principal

In Year 2, the team have been trialling and adopting more creative play-based approaches and the shared areas are frequently redesigned to encourage and promote student-led and hands-on, interactive experiences.

what are the push and pull factors of migration; what are the differences between safe and unsafe migration.

And finally, in Key Stage 2 there have been some fantastic examples of unit Entry Points. Entry Points are provocations which are designed to get children engaged with the learning that is to come and to introduce them to the key driving questions. Year 4 are currently ‘Digging the Dirt’ and considering what they can learn from the past.

Socrates, often considered the father of Western philosophy, believed that the key to knowledge and wisdom was to question everything and to never accept something as true without first examining it through critical thinking. In the last few weeks, AI and Chat GPT have taken over the news, tempting us to think that the ways in which we access and understand knowledge may shift dramatically.

However, before students turn to AI for an essay, article or letter, they will still need to know the right questions to ask and have the critical thinking skills to be able to evaluate the final product. And teaching those skills can start with simple everyday interactions and a good book.

Year 5 are delving deep into how they can raise awareness of the rainforests.

And in Year 6, they have just begun their migration unit considering questions such as: why do people migrate;

Wondrous notebooks Wondrous notebooks

Two years ago, during the pandemic, I met the editor-in-chief of Butterfly Publishing to improve my Thai writing skills. This person is referred to in the foreword of the book as “the notebook Oldman”. I talked to him about many exciting things; when I got home, I wrote this story and illustrated the pictures to go along with it. Although I was not able to see my friends at that time, I had fun running around in my imagination through the creation of this notebook.

Now that I am 10 years old, I looked back at my old work and realised there is a lot that I can improve. So, I went through and edited my whole first draft of the notebook.

In some ways, this book was a collaboration between my 8-year-old self and my 10-year-old self. The book was originally written in Thai and has since been translated by another young writer, Naijai Metzger, so that more people can enjoy the story.

During the revision of my old work, I learned many valuable things, such as: “If you have a dream, you shouldn’t give up on that dream because if you work hard enough towards it, eventually it will come true”. I had always dreamt of seeing this story become an actual book, and now I can hold that very book in my own hands!

“One of many beautiful creations to come out of the global pandemic! A wonderful example of how two writing styles can be mixed to create a story like no other. Plearn started with a beautiful poem and developed it by adding prose, intertwining the styles together to create a wonderful text, accompanied by stunning watercolour illustrations, making it stand out from other stories. Copies are now available in the school library so that her work can be shared and celebrated throughout our community. I recommend for you to read her story and embrace its unique style. I hope it encourages others to follow their own writer's voice and explore the different styles of writing.”

- Alex Lowe, Year 6 Teacher

Before we look at what factors to consider when finally making that choice on which university, or even which country, you decide to locate to, let’s look at the process of what it has taken to get here. The energy exerted, the copious amount of emotional and intellectual time spent carefully researching to craft the perfect ‘fit for me’ list, hours of soul searching and in-depth personal reflections for essay preparation and the nail-biting moments questioning yourself and asking ‘is it worth it’? Applying to an institution is a huge accomplishment in and of itself; being offered an actual placement is an achievement. When offers do start coming in, the realisation of a final decision can be easy for some, but daunting for others.

If you have offers of admission to multiple universities, it can be difficult to choose which one to attend. However, by considering a few key factors, you can make a more informed decision and select the university that is the best fit for you. Here are a few things to consider:

Academics: Take a detailed look at the courses offered and research the professors who will be teaching them. Does one assessment style suit you better? Check the resources that are available to students, such as libraries, labs and study abroad programs. Make sure that the university you choose has academic programmes that align with your career goals.

Location: You should have already chosen a university location that you would be happy with, but now consider the lifestyle you want to have during your university years and choose a location that aligns with that. Consider things like the weather, proximity to family and the cost of living in that area. Also, think about the access to large airports and if there are any direct flights to places like Bangkok, if your family are still residing here. Visualise yourself being there and acknowledge what feelings that elicits.

Campus Culture: Take a look at the culture of the university again, digging deeper this time. Consider the size and student body, the extracurricular activities offered and the campus life. Look again into the sports teams, social life and student organisations. Spending three to four years in one place is a long time, so personal preferences beyond the classroom are a key factor.

Reach out to alumni: Your University Counsellors and the Alumni Coordinator can help you with this. Alumni can provide valuable perspectives that you may not have considered previously.

Overall, the key aspect to making your final decision is to trust your instinct! Even after considering all of the above factors, it will be that unique, individual feeling that just tells you ‘this is the one’

Danielle Sheppard, Careers and University Counsellor

Sirianong (Plearn) Devakula Na Ayudhya, 6L

PAT A NAPATH WAYS

AUSTRALIA

University of Melbourne (2) University of Sydney

CANADA

McMaster University

The University of British Columbia Toronto Metropolitan University (2)

Trent University University of Calgary University of Guelph University of Waterloo Western University (2) Wilfred Laurier University York University

JAPAN Kyoto University of Applied Sciences

NETHERLANDS

Maastricht University University of Amsterdam (3) University of Gronningen Vrije Universiteit

SPAIN

IE Univerisity - Madrid

UK

BIMM Institute London

Cardiff University City University of London (3)

Durham University

King’s College London Kingston University (4)

Loughborough University Nottingham Trent University (2) Oxford Brookes University Queen Mary University of London (4)

Royal Holloway, University of London (3) University of Aberdeen University of Bath (4) University of Brighton University of Bristol (7) University of Dundee University of Exeter (4) University of Greenwich University of Leeds (2) University of Leicester University of Lincoln University of Liverpool (2) University of Manchester (5) University of Oxford (2) University of Reading University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of St Andrews (2) University of Surrey (4) University of Sussex (2) University of the Arts London University of the West of England University of Warwick (2)

University of Westminster University of Worcester University of York

USA

Babson College (2) Boston University California College of he Arts Case Western Reserve University Cornell University Fordham University Franklin and Marshall College

Hult International Business School Indiana University - Bloomington Loyoyla Marymount University Maryland Institute College of Art Michigan State University New York University (2)

North Carolina State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Pace University

Portland State University

Pratt Institute

Santa Clara University

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The New School

Tufts University University of North Dakota University of Pennsylvania

Primary 3-Way ConferenCes

Last term, the Primary School was filled with spark and energy, as families joined us for our annual Conference Day. At Bangkok Patana, our Conference Day is an opportunity for students to communicate their learning with their parents, adding to our sense of community. Through the eyes of the children, families experience how and what they are learning in school; what they enjoy the most; their proudest achievements and their challenges.

This year, we complimented the occasion by opening up our specialist areas of learning as well as showcasing our primary playgrounds. Eagerly, students collected stickers via the Conference Passport as they journeyed around the whole school engaging in a variety of activities such as: arts and crafts; experimenting with musical instruments; showcasing their ICT projects and even having a game of badminton!

We would like to thank all the families that were able to attend this exciting event, and for your valued feedback. We look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Julie Kelly, Leader of Excellence in Teaching and Learning

“The opportunity for your child to take you around their school and participate in all the areas of their learning was invaluable and such a lovely experience for our family.”

“The kids were able to lead the conference which I think was so amazing!”

“My daughter demonstrating her writing and math skills was interesting. The open house was also useful since it was the first time that we visited all the facilities.”

“We liked that we got to see music Sports the IT and Thai studies as well.”

“My son loved spending some hours in school with me. He loved showing me around. As we don't come in the children's classrooms often, it was a very effective and lovely way to see how are children learn.”

“As a parent we got more insight into how the day is spent by my child at school. And I suppose for kids it was a very supreme day where they shared their space with their parents. It was a very special day.”

THANK YOU FOR YOUR POSITIVE COMMENTS!

biodiversity in your baCkyard

Bolakoso, SEC Key Stage 3 Representative

Biodiversity is defined as the variety of different species that live within an ecosystem. It is important for maintaining the balance of nature and the health of our planet. There are many ways that the average person can help boost biodiversity, both in their own backyard and in the wider community. Biodiversity is one of our focus areas in the Student Environmental Committee (SEC) and we are lucky on campus to have a healthy range of birds, insects, fish, squirrels, turtles, geckos, lizards and the odd snake (eek).

Here are a few simple steps that anyone can take to support biodiversity:

• Plant native species in your garden. Non-native plants can sometimes be invasive, which can harm local ecosystems. By choosing native plants, you can help support the species that are already adapted to your region and climate.

• Place an insect hotel in your garden, providing a place for insects to rest.

• Put out sugar water for bees and birds (pollinators) during the dry season to ensure they have the energy needed to do their work so we have flowers and fruit to enjoy.

• Participate in local conservation efforts or incorporate a visit to a conservation centre in your next holiday. Thailand has some amazing Elephant and Turtle sanctuaries for example. You could volunteer your time for a beach or reef clean-up or donate money to these organisations to help them in their efforts.

• Reduce your use of pesticides and other chemicals. These chemicals can be harmful to local species and can also make their way into the larger ecosystems like waterways. Instead, try using natural pest control methods or using physical barriers like netting or scarecrows.

• Support sustainable agriculture. Choose foods that are grown using sustainable methods, which are better for the environment and can help support local ecosystems. Buying fruit and veges that are in season from your local market is a great way to achieve this.

• Get involved in citizen science projects. There are many projects that rely on the help of everyday people to collect data and monitor local species. By participating in these projects, you can help scientists understand more about the local environment and how to protect it. Check out Citizen Science Projects, who have projects underway in the Gulf of Thailand, monitoring the health of Turtles, Seahorses and Sea Slugs.

• Be a responsible pet owner - make sure your pet is secure at night and will not be out hunting native fauna. You might also want to go a step further and support organisations which work with Soi Dogs and Cats by spaying/neutering them to ensure their populations don’t over-run native species.

By taking small steps like these, you can make a big difference in supporting biodiversity in your community

Ana

donated in nan

All blankets collected from the Blanket Donation drive have been handed out to members of the Lua ethnic group living in Nan province. The foundation through which we donated the blankets celebrated Christmas together with the community of Baan Saphan Village. All recipients were very grateful for their gifts of warmth!

A very big thank you goes to our Bangkok Patana community who donated blankets to this worthy cause.

Robine Johnson, Year 1 Teacher

blankets

Habitat for Humanity build

STUDENT PARTICIPANT REFLECTIONS

“Going on this year’s Habitat for Humanity trip was one of the highlights of my journey at Bangkok Patana. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to work alongside the Habitat for Humanity Thailand team in building a ramp at the Pachi PWD Centre in Ayutthaya. One of the highlights of the trip was having the opportunity to converse with the community living at the centre, as well as eating the delicious lunches they kindly prepared for us. This trip was definitely something I have never experienced before and I would encourage all seniors to take part in the future!” Alexis

Loke, 13W

“In collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Thailand, our goal throughout the year was to raise enough money to fund a Build, which would happen in December 2022. We spent the year organising events and communicating with sponsors to collect THB 300,000. Our trip was spent paving the way for easier access to homes for those with disabilities. We collaborated with the local community as they showed and explained the process and intentions behind the plan. One of the most memorable moments was a heartwarming speech given at the end of the build which ended in tears of joy. Through the blaring sun and hard work from everyone involved we managed to exceed expectations and finish the work we had set out to do. This was one of the most exciting and rewarding trips from my time here at Bangkok Patana.” Chloe Yang, 13R

Alexis Loke, 13W and Chloe Yang, 13R

Professional learning in term 2

One of the characteristics of a great teacher, is their own commitment to being a life-long learner. Term 1 saw a record number of staff engaged in Professional Learning opportunities. Here are just some of the opportunities coming up in Term 2:

•Paul Hurrell, a UK Outdoor Education specialist was in school last week working with our PE and Duke of Edinburgh International Award Leaders on best practices in Climbing and Kayaking.

•Dr Gianfranco Conti is in school this week working with our MFL, Thai and EAL teams on the best teaching and learning strategies to support language learning.

•Just prior to the February half term we are very excited to be hosting world renowned expert on Instructional Coaching – Jim Knight. Jim will be offering a five-day intensive institute in partnership with Chapters International.

•We have two staff attending the EARCOS Teachers Conference in Kota Kinabalu and Mr Murgatroyd our Head of Libraries will be presenting at the Conference.

•We have five staff attending the FOBISIA Leadership Conference.

•We are hosting the Association for Science Education Asia Conference 2023 for Secondary Science Teachers and Science Technicians in March. This event will attract around 100 teachers and ‘techies’ from the region and feature keynotes by Professor Christine Harrison of UCL.

•After working with her virtually for the last six months, we will finally welcome Angela Browne (in person) to Bangkok Patana to work with our DEIJ Advocates.

•Three of our Secondary staff will travel to Adelaide, Australia to attend the IBO World Conference. They will then visit the Australian School of Science and Technology who are known for their innovative multi-disciplinary curriculum.

•Our World Café Series returns for 2023/24 with events to discuss Physical and Neurodiversity as well as Faith and Religion.

•We will welcome Tom Sherrington back in May for our whole school CPL Day and also to host a large regional WALKTHRUS event.

•We will welcome Matt McGinlay to Bangkok Patana in May to work with our Secondary staff on CEM Data and the Great Teacher Toolkit.

•Our new and emerging Middle Leaders will continue their online programme with Andy Hind, a UK leadership consultant.

Running alongside these major events are a range of internal CPL offerings led by Teachers for Teachers. Our popular “Books and Burritos” programme has been reimagined as “Pizza and Pedagogy” in Term 2 and staff have voted to read and learn about AI in Education – timely given the recent explosion of ChatGPT and other similar tools.

Photos from Dr Gianfranco Conti’s visit this week with Primary and Secondary MFL teachers to develop curriculum and observe lessons.

Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Assistant Principal, Continued Professional Learning

STUDENTS SPEAK:

What Happens Now

by Garam (Momo) Lee, 7H

Counting down the days, they seem happier, They show more acts of kindness and are more connected to one another, They have faith in new opportunities, a possibility for change, No, a reason for change, Are they celebrating the end of something or the beginning?

Maybe it’s both,

The end of a chapter and all the worries and obstacles that made things difficult that year, But a celebration of everything that has been learnt and accomplished, The beginning of a new story, The idea of starting afresh with a clean slate, Shared by all regardless of religion, ethnicity, or status, Everywhere and anywhere, They celebrate with explosions of colour in the sky, food, music and laughter, They seem to appreciate each other more and are more forgiving,

But after a short while they forget, The spell is lifted and they fall back into their old ways, If only they could keep that spirit with them, How much good they would be able to do, How much joy they would be able to experience, How much more they would be able to achieve, But how long will it take for them to realise this?

Please complete the customer survey for users of the Bangkok Patana School Libraries, linked below. The Libraries are considering all possible improvements to their services and would like your opinion.

All responses are anonymous, so if you would like to discuss a specific question please email dapa@patana.ac.th or stmu@patana.ac.th

Only the first question is required, all following questions are optional. If you do not wish to answer, or have no response, please move to the next question. Many thanks for your time in helping the Libraries to be the best they can be! CLICK

In Loving Memory of Hatice Torun

Hatice Torun was a German and French teacher in the Secondary World Languages faculty from 2019 to 2021. She was a bright, bubbly teacher who was always very prepared for her lessons and had quality relationships with her students.

She moved back to the UK and sadly passed away from a serious illness. She was only 29 and has left us much too young. May She Rest in Peace.

Desert Island Discs

With Kim Ekstrom, Careers and University Counsellor

This 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 Careers and University Counsellor, Kim Ekstrom, is stuck on a desert island.

MR KIM, IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WHAT EIGHT PIECES OF MUSIC WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?

Rocket Man - Elton John

Cecilia - Simon & Garfunkel

Wild World - Cat Stevens

Lemon Tree - Fools Garden

Click to listen to Mr Kim’s playlist

Smooth - Santana ft Rob Thomas

Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O’Connor

San Francisco - Scott McKenzie

Iko Iko - The Dixie Cups

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.

A coffee maker (hoping there are coffee beans on the island!)

WHICH ONE BOOK WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?

The Bridge Builders by Jan Guillou

Catch the real Desert Island Discs on BBC. What are you listening to? Have a list of your own?

Let us know! Contact STML with your favourites.

#236: What Parents need to KnoW about tWitter

Twitter is a social media network which allows users to post short messages (‘tweets’) of up to 280 characters. Tweets can consist of text, photos, videos, audio, links, polls and GIFs –often linked by hashtags if they share a common theme or message. Hashtags receiving high levels of interest are said to be ‘trending’. Twitter users can engage with other people’s posts by liking, retweeting (sharing) or tweeting back (commenting on). Since the entrepreneur Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 for $44 billion, the platform has undergone several major changes.

In the guide, you’ll find tips on a number of potential risks such as trolls and bullying, fixation on view count and interaction with strangers.

Have a great weekend.

Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration

For

daily

643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105) Bangna Tai, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 THAILAND