Patana News Volume 25 Issue 31

PATANA NEWS

Friday 26th May 2023

Volume 25 Issue 31

Embracing inclusivE ai in Education

By Brian Taylor

Also in this issue...

Patana Page-Turners: Journeys

FOBISIA Football

Everest 70 Assembly

How Rice Can Save the Skies

PTG AGM

Primary Development Plan Updates

Exploring Ireland’s Universities

BMAC Gymnastics

Healthy Living and Our Environment: Webinar Recap and Presentations

www.patana.ac.th

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Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB

World School accredited by CIS

Embracing inclusivE ai in Education

There are no superlatives that can describe the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the past several months. Even those with full-time roles curating the content around AI cannot keep up. The analogy I like to use in the AI ‘arms-race’ is the volume of content provided on platforms like YouTube, Neflix, TikTok, Instagram, podcasts etc. A couple of years ago, after reading Cal Newport’s Digital Minimalism, I resigned (in the good sense of the word) myself to the fact that there is only a finite amount of time in the day for you to consume, perhaps indulge, in what’s out there on offer. When friends and colleagues suggest the latest series to watch on Netflix or such, perhaps you feel a twinge of regret or envy and ponder ‘how do they find the time to watch / read / listen to it all?’ The first step in my ‘recovery’ from worrying about not keeping up to date was simple, I stopped caring about trying to keep on top of it all. I handed in my resignation on trying to stay up to date. Once you’ve done that, unsubscribed from all the commercial emails you never read, the YouTube subscriptions you never watch, un-followed the never-listened-to-podcasts, there’s a huge sense of relief, a sense of freedom that prevails. Perhaps this freedom stems from the fact that it is you taking control, rather than the algorithms. Content, like the everyday work we do, simply expands to fill our time. I call this the H.I. step: Human Intelligence taking control of the artificial intelligence that,

up until recently, was/is silently permeating, influencing, some may say manipulating, humanity.

This is where I segway back into the inclusivity of AI. Through feedback on presenting to parents at our PTG Tech talk mornings, face-to-face discussions with colleagues, and being part of a global group of educators that meet weekly online to discuss and share our thoughts on AI vs HI, I’ve come to realise the significance of, and how pivotal our role is, in trying to understand and help ‘shape’ and ‘grow’ AI. Just like the way we help our students grow to their full HI potential, AI is also in its infancy, and bias will happen unless it is carefully considered with inclusion in mind. The most critical step in creating inclusive AI is to recognise where and how bias infects the systems. Like our children, how AI grows reflects how we raise and nurture it. In part one of this two-part article, I would like to walk through the five main biases, and in part two next term explore how they may be mitigated by design, how we can become better at identifying them, and subsequently hone our information literacy skills.

FIVE WAYS TO IDENTIFY BIAS

1. Dataset Bias. When data used to train machine learning models, for example ChatGPT uses large language models (LLMs)), doesn’t represent the diversity of the users. Large-scale datasets are the foundation of AI. At the same time, datasets have often been reduced to

Brian Taylor, Cross Campus Assistant Principal, Curriculum Technology Integrator

Image source: In Pursuit of Inclusive AI. Five lessons for humanizing technology | by Inclusive Design | Microsoft Design | Medium

generalisations that don’t consider the diversity and variety of users, therefore underrepresenting them.

Metaphor: an infant defines the world purely on the small amount they can see. Eventually, the child learns that most of the world lies beyond the small set of information that’s within their field of vision. This is the root of dataset bias: intelligence based on information that’s too small or homogenous.

2. Associations Bias. When the data used to train a model reinforces and multiplies a cultural bias. When training AI algorithms, human biases can make their way to machine learning. Perpetuating those biases in future interactions may lead to unfair user experiences.

Metaphor: remember this riddle? A father and his son had a car accident. The father died but his son survived and he has to go to surgery. When the surgeon came and saw the boy, the surgeon said: “I can’t perform surgery on him, he’s my son.” Answer: The surgeon is his mother.

3. Automation Bias. When automated decisions override social and cultural considerations. Predictive programs may automate goals that go against human diversity. The algorithms aren’t accountable to humans but make decisions with human impact. AI designers and

practitioners need to consider the goals of the people affected by the systems they build.

Metaphor: ‘blindly’ following turn-by-turn GPS directions even when you know they are clearly wrong or dangerous.

4. Interaction Bias. When humans tamper with AI and create biased results. Today’s ChatGPT and BARD can make jokes and fool people into thinking they’re human to some extent. However, attempts to humanise AI have unintentionally tainted algorithms with toxic human bias. Interaction Bias will appear when bots learn dynamically without safeguards against toxicity.

Metaphor: interaction bias in social media algorithms can be likened to an echo chamber, where only the views and information that align with your own are amplified, while others are muted or diminished.

5. Confirmation Bias. When oversimplified personalisation makes biased assumptions for a group or an individual. Confirmation Bias interprets information in a way that confirms preconceptions. AI algorithms serve up content that matches what other people have already chosen. This excludes results from people who made less popular choices.

Metaphor: a teacher who is only getting feedback on the quality of their instruction from students who like them for all of the House Points they give, will unlikely see contrasting perspectives or points of view, restricting exposure to alternatives and diverse feedback on their teaching.

Look out for part two of this article in term 1 next academic year. Interim, you can find our curated site (kudos to Glenn Malcolm) on artificial intelligence here: Technology for Learning: Artificial Intelligence - Bangkok Patana School (fireflycloud.asia).

Image source: How to Recognize Exclusion in AI. By Joyce Chou, Oscar Murillo, and Roger… | by Inclusive Design | Microsoft Design | Medium

INTERVIEW: ALISON BASTIN, PATANA PARENT

1. What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?

As a child of the ‘70s and ‘80s, the era of the original Star Wars, Indiana Jones and ET films as well as the much loved Dungeons and Dragons game. I was always immersed in the worlds of fantasy, sci-fi and adventure and, since VR, Disney+, Netflix (and all the rest) hadn’t yet arrived, the only option was to read... and read! You’d often find me in a quiet little space, my nose buried in a Forgotten Realms or Terry Pratchett novel, journeying through magical worlds with spellbinding characters. However, it was only when watching Season 3 of “Stranger Things” that I was suddenly reminded that I had also actually read and been mesmerised by the book “The Neverending Story” by Michael Ende. The “journey” isn’t just that of the fictional heroes and characters of the story but that of the human, the reader of the book (Bastian), himself. His connection, empathy and limitless imagination are integral to the narrative. I remember the excitement, thinking that these worlds were tantalisingly close to ours and reading that each of us has unknown potential.

2. Which fictional character would you most like / least like to meet in real life and why?

Sticking with the Fantasy theme, I would very much like to meet both Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg; the two no-nonsense, older witches from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld. I would love to ask them what advice they would have for anyone starting out on a journey. I think their answers would be insightful yet bonkers!

3. What does the term ‘New Beginnings’ mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?

To me, the word “Journey” conjures thoughts of adventure, discovery, reflection and transition. Its definition is greater than the simple act of travelling from “A” to “B” and can be used to describe shifts from one real-life location to another as well as the process of personal and cultural discovery. “Journey” also connects with the word “chapter” and therefore stories - “The next chapter of the journey” - and, to me, is a word strongly connected with the Fantasy genre of literature. “The Never Ending Story” would have to be my recommendation.

FS AND KEY STAGE 1 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Sophie Riley, Leader of Learning and Welfare, Foundation Stage

The Magic Train Ride by Sally Crabtree. Visit lots of places from the jungle to the land of cakes. As you travel fast and slow there is so much to do and so much to see. This book is also offered as an audio, sung in a very catchy tune. With its repeated refrains and fun places, this is a firm favourite in Foundation Stage.

We’re Going to Find the Monster! by Malorie Blackman. Head on this daring adventure with a special girl called Charlie and her brother Eddie as they tackle shimmering oceans, huge high mountains and the bubbly bubble lake, trying to find the monster. This book is great for prompting students to tell their own stories as they can make anything ordinary seem exciting and challenging.

The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson. Head off with this brave snail and his itchy foot as he searches for adventure and hitches a lift around the world with a humpback whale. Another lovely rhyming adventure from the author of The Gruffalo

KEY STAGE 2 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Napat (Oto) Boonsri, 4N

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. The four Pevensie children are evacuated during the war and go to live with an elderly professor who lives in a huge old house. One day, they are playing hide and seek and Lucy, the youngest, hides in a wardrobe. Walking through the wardrobe she finds a new, snowy land. She has found Narnia! The siblings continue to visit this new land, having many adventures and meeting new friends, including Mr Tumnus the Fawn and a brave lion named Aslan. When a witch turns the land’s inhabitants to stone, they must work together to save Narnia. Although this book was the second published in the seven book series, I think this one is where readers age 7+ should begin.

Talya Nahmias, 4W

Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix by JK Rowling. I love all of the Harry Potter books because JK Rowling has created such a fantastic world. The Order of the Phoenix is my favourite in the

Your monthly round up of reading recommendations. This month’s theme… Journeys

Curious if we have any of these books available in our libraries? Search online here, or contact our library staff here

series because it is when Harry realises how many people he has supporting him. The Wizarding World has changed, Voldermort is controlling the ministry and it is very dangerous. Harry and the Order of The Phoenix (a group of wizards who oppose Voldermort) must work together to defeat him and his Death Eaters before it is too late! This book is thrilling and full of suspense. I think it is a great choice for lovers of adventure!

Sara Rigby, 4D

The Flames of Hope (Wings of Fire #15) by Tui T Sutherland. Wings of fire is a wander into a world of dragons. My favourite part of the book is when Luna, a silkwing, saves the two continents, Pyrrhia and Pantala, from a scavenger who tries to take over the world! Luna almost gives up but then she realises how much her friends count on her. This book is a thrilling opportunity to immerse yourself in adventure. It is a great book for fantasy and dragon lovers!

relating to the Greek gods, but he has to find out his role as a hero.

Harry Potter (series) by JK Rowling. The Harry Potter book series is great for those who are interested in magic. Harry Potter lived in a normal town as a normal human, but one day, a letter appears at his doorstep, telling him that he is a wizard, and is invited to Hogwarts, a school for wizards. Throughout the series, he has to face challenges against Voldemort, the evil wizard who killed his parents, and save his school. This book is great since it involves fun adventures and amazing journeys that Harry goes on with his friends.

KEY STAGE 4 AND 5 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Tanzila Sumaiya, 12W

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. An Afghani-born American immigrant Amir, goes back to Taliban-run Afghanistan at the behest of his dad’s friend. Born before the Taliban seized power, Amir reminisces of local kite-flying competitions and his loyal friend, Hassan, whom he shares a dark secret with. As Amir comes back to Afghanistan in pursuit of Hassan’s son, he must face his past and find redemption.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A classic where an Andulisian boy named Santiago travels to the Egyptian pyramids in search of treasure after dreaming about it. While in Egypt, Santiago meets personal mentors including an Englishman and an alchemist, falls in love with a tribal girl Fatima, and discovers the importance of his identity.

Prince of Abyssinia by Samuel Johnson. A philosophical book where a privileged Prince Rasselas, though cooped up in a castle with never-ending feasts and performances, finds something amiss in his royal life. The naive Prince along with his sister and their two servants, escapes the castle and heads to the Middle East and explores different ways of living life, hoping that one will achieve immaculate happiness.

KEY STAGE 3 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Sanaa Sachdev, 8D

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. This is a great book relating to journeys as it shows how an orphan, Alina Starkov, has to adapt to a new life as a very prestigious Grisha Saint. She has to find three amplifiers and travel across the GrishaVerse to collect them all. This fantastic story runs along three books - each where they must find one amplifier.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (series) by Rick Riordan. This series is about a boy who is the descendant of a Greek god. He has to go on adventures to help himself and others and find out his true identity as a demigod. Not only does he go on a journey to places

FOOTBALL ACADEMY

FOBISIA FOOTBALL 2023 AT BANGKOK PATANA

Bangkok Patana School recently played host to more than 70 teams from around the region, including visitors from China, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. With over 800 students gracing the Sport Complex turf, the Football Academy, led by Coach Justin and Brandon during the weekend, created a fantastic example of inclusive and exciting tournament action. Throughout the three days, matches were close and teams were vying for their final positions with penalty shoot-out, drama aplenty.

Bangkok Patana had 9 teams in action across the weekend with a number of B teams getting the chance to lace up and compete which was a fantastic benefit of hosting such a large scale event at home.

Our Under 12 Boys’ were excellent throughout with fighting spirit and teamwork on show in every fixture. Special mentions must go to Lachlan for making an excellent save in one of their penalty shoot-outs (check out the Football Academy Instagram). Christopher also scored a great penalty (also on the Football Academy Instagram). Our Under 12 Girls’ played with their usual enthusiasm and skill (Minna saved several penalties and kept 8 clean sheets) and Marcus and Londo from our Under 14 Boys’ showed great leadership, effort and work rate in executing Coach Brandon’s high press tactics.

Our Under 14 Girls’, despite having three players unavailable due to injury (including their goalie), played some exciting attack-minded football and finished their section as both top scorers and Bronze medalists. Chanya’s composure and accurate passing and Isabelle’s dribbling from centre back into midfield caused plenty of confusion for our opponents.

Our Under 16 Boys’ ran out eventual winners. It was pleasing to see how much this meant to them and the effort they put in to achieve this. Well done to Karan who linked up well with Bardia, Gui-Chai and Nicolas in their match with Bangkok Prep, with some nice, cushioned headers and composed, accurate finishing.

Our Under 16 Girls’ finished runners-up. Big shout-out to Lara for scoring with her right foot (she’s been practicing this a lot at training) and Riko and Abigail who both scored excellent goals. Patreeya stepped into midfield at times and showed great close control and link-up play.

We’d like to say a big thank you to our parents for providing loads of support over the weekend and the Sports and Activities Department who helped us ensure the event ran smoothly. Also, a big thank you to Coach Farn, Harry and Chai for staying with us until 9:00pm on Thursday evening roping off pitches and ensuring we were prepared for the following day! We look forward to welcoming this fantastic competition on the annual Bangkok Patana calendar as the Patana 7s next year. Mark your calendars for 3rd-5th May 2024 when it returns!

Justin Jempson, Assistant Head Gymnastics Coach

How ricE can savE tHE skiEs

Tanat (Johnny) Tungsubutra, SEC Secretary, 12C

My story begins last summer, when I began researching how environmental changes are affecting rural Thai communities. After reaching out to the Suphanburi People Protecting the Environment Foundation, Ms Peerada Patitus (Khun Add) (the organisation’s founder and a dedicated environmental advocate) kindly invited me to come and see their work firsthand.

We left Bangkok on a fresh Sunday morning, reaching Suphanburi in less than two hours. Khun Add enthusiastically showed us around while explaining their mission and diverse projects. The facilities included a space for converting plastic into gasoline using an innovative process called pyrolysis that regulates carbon monoxide emissions by minimizing the amount of oxygen involved. I was especially impressed by the massive fermentation tanks that culture microorganisms for biological wastewater treatment. Khun Add also produces commercial biofertilisers using organic waste collected from fresh markets around the district.

Sounds like a ton of smelly waste, right? As it turned out, the facilities were pristine and the air was gloriously fresh, making it difficult to imagine the smoggy skies of Bangkok looming just over the horizon.

and with Khun Add’s guidance and support, we spent the past year developing a rice farming pilot project in Suphanburi. The initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and generate economic opportunities for local farmers by replacing crop burning with microorganisms that can decompose rice stumps into organic fertilizers. We wanted to support a sustainable transition away from chemical fertilisers, which are not only expensive but degrade soil and crop quality.

During the meeting, Khun Add mentioned an ongoing agricultural project that immediately grabbed my attention. In Thailand’s agricultural regions, rice cultivation occupies the largest area of land use of all crops. After the harvest season, farmers often burn the rice stumps to clear the land: a major contributor to the rising PM2.5 levels already among the highest worldwide. For generations, my ancestors were rice farmers, and I finally had an opportunity to (literally) reconnect with my roots.

To develop a sustainable alternative to crop burning,

With Khun Add’s support, we identified a suitable plot of land for the pilot project, measuring approximately four rai. In late 2022, we faced a major setback due to unseasonal flooding, forcing us to dramatically alter our approach. Our original strategy had focused on using a microorganism named Rhodosac to decompose the rice stumps. However, after weeks beneath the floodwaters, the stumps had already decayed naturally.

Another challenge derived from our focus on chemical-free and pesticide-free farming. The crops were threatened by a fungus called downy mildew, weeds, golden apple snails and green rice leafhoppers. However, perhaps due to a combination of good luck and absence of chemical pesticides to throw off the ecological balance, the ecosystem miraculously balanced itself as the pests were taken care of by other natural predators.

We prepared rice seedlings using plastic trays containing hundreds of 1-inch wells filled with a special chemical-free soil combined with charcoal and manually added unmilled rice to the soil. The seedling trays were kept in sunlight and regularly watered, and after two weeks we had a batch of 4-inch-tall seedlings ready for transplantation! The seedlings’ root systems were intertwined in the wells, so we could speed up the process by removing bunches of 6-8 seedlings at a time with their roots and soil intact. Ideally, using this technique would produce strong seedlings and reduce the need for chemical pesticides during the planting season.

rai, we exceeded expectations, yielding approximately 50 buckets per rai. Encouraged by this promising beginning, we are currently refining our techniques and a second crop is currently underway. We are also developing an educational outreach program to engage rural rice farmers and persuade them about the benefits of shifting towards sustainable agriculture.

Finally, Planting Day dawned! We invited primary students, teachers and farmers from the local community to help out. We planted using the ‘throwing technique,’ scattering seedlings like tiny marbles across the field.

Despite Thailand’s rapid modernisation and industrialisation, in many ways agriculture remains the backbone of the nation. Unless action is taken, accelerating climate change in the form of suffocating heat waves, extended droughts and air pollution will only worsen in the coming years. Just like farmers require balanced ecosystems for healthy harvest, our society needs a ‘learning ecosystem’ to promote sustainable practices. Despite the daunting environmental challenges we face, as the ancient Chinese proverb goes: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

Three months later, the crops were a meter tall with golden grains and ripe for harvesting. Rice yields are traditionally measured in ‘buckets’ per rai, with one rice bucket equalling approximately 20 liters of unmilled grains. Although we had projected 35-40 buckets per

Arts CounCil

Penelope Dever, 9V

Hello there, I am a Key Stage 3 student here to talk about one of my recent art projects.

I am showcasing my most recent and personally my favourite, my book sculpture. My original thought for this project was for it to be a fairytale coming out of the book, almost as if it were alive. My inspiration for this were numerous book artists, for example, Alexi Francis and Betty Pepper, who would carve books and pictures of book art on Pinterest.

Throughout the project, I wanted to make sure that I would not be wasting any paper. To describe my finished result, there is a dragon, a princess with some scenery in the background. My favorite part is the dragon. I used wire to make a rough skeleton of the dragon and then masking tape to create the body’s base and wings. To make it seem like it was “escaping” the book, I ripped up and glued pieces of paper from the book. It was interesting to see how it would dry. Originally, I wanted the pieces of paper to just wrap around the tape base, but parts of the paper would hang off which gave it the illusion of being a bundle of paper. I used black paper from the book for a form of corruption, something I went with only towards the end of the project.

This project was amazing for me as Art is my little space outside of the world. I would recommend art to people looking to express themselves, through fine art, music or performing. Art is a nice way to end a day.

Ptg agm rEcaPs a succEssful YEar

TheBangkok Patana School PTG recapped a successful year at their recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). PTG Chair Safy Rizk emphasised their motto, “PTG is Fun!” and recounted the many events and activities that brought parents together throughout the year. Head of School, Matt Mills, reminded the gathering that both the PTG and the school share a common interest – the children – and both work towards a common goal of providing a supportive environment for children and their families. Ms Rizk was profuse in her thanks to the many volunteers that supported PTG activities throughout the year.

The PTG financial accounts were reviewed and the financial statements were approved. The new roster of PTG representatives for the 2023/24 school year were presented and voted upon by those present. A big thank you to those who served and are stepping down, and a big welcome to the newcomers on the committee. Keep up-to-date with PTG actitivites by following them on Instagram, join their Facebook group and get more information on their Firefly page

Photos by Ethan White, 10K

PrimarY dEvEloPmEnt Plan uPdatEs

In a large school such as ours, it is often hard to see what goes on behind the scenes. From the team of business and support staff who make our school operations run like clockwork; to the gentle care and compassion of our dedicated nurses when our students feel poorly; to the gardeners who keep our space green and healthy; and the chefs and catering team who provide us with nutritious snacks and lunches.

This is much like the creativity, development and innovation that is happening in classrooms, meeting rooms and offices around our campus daily. A lot goes unseen in an organisation of this size but Patana is very much alive with discussion, thought and debate; and with small, yet instrumental, changes allowing us to both stay true to our guiding statements and at the forefront of education.

This year in Primary, we launched our Strategic Vision for the next three years. Having spent my first year in post, working with our middle leaders, talking with students and gathering feedback from parents – I was thrilled to bring together a set of strategic goals and themes to guide our growth.

As we come to the end of the academic year, I am delighted to provide an update on our successes and outline some of the positive developments you can expect to see next year.

engagement, motivation, creative and critical thinking. These characteristics now feature in school reports and next year, we will be looking more closely at how the characteristics map to our school values; support core competencies and meta-skills; and are embedded in our curriculum and practices.

WE ARE UNIQUE

Our community is diverse, dynamic and ever changing! Let’s celebrate who we are.

Our first objective within this strategic area was to roll out our revised and contemporary PHSE curriculum to support the personal, social, and emotional development of our students. Ms Kate McClenaghan was appointed as our first ever PSHE A post lead and has been working across all year groups to embed the new program.

Secondly, we continued the roll out of the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL) throughout our school, which will help our students develop skills and attributes such as

Thirdly, in conjunction with Secondary, we began a comprehensive review of our language provision to ensure that our students have access to the best possible language pathways. Next year, we have set ourselves the goal to identify ways in which we can support our EAL learners to be able to take a modern foreign language.

GROW OUR LEARNERS

Supporting students and staff to reach their potential, in all areas of school life.

This year, we conducted a thorough review our assessment and reporting processes; with a focus on how we can provide a contemporary and holistic approach to assessing and reporting student learning. We have made bold decisions to replace the old and outdated systems of ‘levels’ with new assessment methods and a new report template for December 2023. Thank you to those parents who have been involved in this review process.

Sarah McCormack, Primary Principal

Linked to our whole school target, we shone a spotlight on evidenced-based instructional strategies, using Tom Sherrington ‘walkthrus’ and training our middle leaders on instructional coaching. This ground-breaking work will continue next year, as Bangkok Patana is set to become a leader in the field.

CREATE CREATIVITY

In a post-pandemic world, let’s put creativity and expression at the heart of what we do.

the Creative Arts team, as we bring together the art, music and drama provision.

Across the school, we continued to embed the Power of Reading techniques and approaches into our Literacy curriculum. Our goal is to develop reading comprehension and writing composition, and foster a whole school love of reading and writing.

Identified as a growth area for our school, we began to develop our Creative Arts programme. This year, we focussed on raising the visibility of music and art, through performances, connection with the core curriculum and ECAs.

For next year, we are thrilled to have appointed Ms Alexa Nicholson to become our first ever specialist Drama teacher and she will be developing our Drama curriculum and events, with a special focus on an annual Year 6 performance. Additionally, we are delighted that Mr Charlie McLean has taken on a new leadership position overseeing

We trust that you have had a wonderful year, brimming with memorable events, engaging activities, and a fulfilling learning experience in the Primary School. As the summer draws near, it's a time for both celebration and contemplation.

We highly value your feedback, and we kindly request you to spare a few moments to complete a brief survey designed specifically for Primary parents. This survey aims to highlight our strengths, identify areas for improvement, and gather ideas for future parent workshops. Additionally, we extend a warm invitation to Primary parents to join us for an informal coffee morning on Tuesday 30th May where we can reconnect and look forward together.

brEatHE nEw lifE into Your scHool suPPliEs

Ana Bolakoso, SEC Key Stage 3 Representative

As the school year draws to a close, students and staff are faced with the task of cleaning out their cubby holes, lockers, desks and offices. No doubt many of us will find half-used notebooks, abandoned pencils and pens still in working order and other paper-based products. What to do with these resources? Sadly, many of them will go into the bin without another thought when they still have plenty of life left in them yet.

This year, we’d like to actively encourage you to recycle paper products, including notebooks, textbooks and binders, by taking them to Mr Smith in SCI 412. Through

proper recycling practices, we can divert these materials from landfills and promote a more sustainable approach to waste management.

At Bangkok Patana School, we understand the importance of conserving natural resources, such as wood fibres, water and energy. Recycling paper products significantly reduces the need for harvesting virgin materials, preserves forests and safeguards valuable ecosystems.

Recycling paper products requires less energy compared to producing them from scratch. By recycling at the end of the school year, our community helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions associated with paper production. This collective effort supports the transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

So, as you begin the big “Spring Clean” ahead of the holidays, resist the urge to throw away that half used notebook and instead let the SEC breathe new life into them ready for use in classes next year or by our community partners from various CAT clubs.

Kim Ekstrom, Careers and University Counsellor

InMarch, I embarked on a journey to Ireland with the intention of exploring its educational offerings. Ireland, the only country in the EU where English is the first language, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, friendly people and rich history.

Ireland is a country with some of the most welcoming, down-to-earth and affable people you could ever meet - the Irish. From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed and it was so easy to strike up a conversation with the approachable locals. It’s no surprise that international students comment on how safe and at home they feel in Ireland.

In recent years, Ireland has become an attractive destination for individuals seeking new horizons and promising job prospects. The aftermath of Brexit led to the relocation of many European headquarters from England to Ireland, making it a prime location for large corporations such as Google, Amazon, Facebook, TikTok, Apple, Microsoft and JP Morgan. These companies recognised the advantages of conducting business in Ireland, including easy access to European markets and favorable corporate tax rates. Ireland’s thriving pharmaceutical industry is also noteworthy, as it hosts the European headquarters of nine world-leading pharmaceutical companies.

The allure of studying in Ireland, though, extends beyond its beautiful surroundings, friendly inhabitants and promising job market. Trinity College Dublin (Trinity), University College Dublin (UCD) and University College Cork

(UCC) are among the globally renowned universities that attract students from around the world. Trinity, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth, holds a prestigious position among esteemed institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. With its location in the heart of Dublin, Trinity is the oldest surviving university in Ireland and one of the seven ancient universities of Britain and Ireland. The university’s diverse community of 18,000 students, including 5,200 international students, creates a truly global environment. Trinity’s collaboration with Columbia University in New York offers a unique dual BA program, enabling students to earn degrees from both institutions.

UCD, the largest university in Ireland, welcomes 30,000 students, including 9,000 international students, to its campus near downtown Dublin. In Cork, the second-largest city in Ireland, UCC thrives with a vibrant student population. UCC, originally known as Queen’s College, benefits from its proximity to a dynamic medical hub and houses its own university hospital adjacent to the campus.

Ireland provides significant opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in medicine. The country’s universities reserve 30% of their medical programme seats for international students, a much higher percentage compared to the UK. Institutions like UCC, UCD, Trinity, University of Galway and Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) offer comprehensive undergraduate medicine programs. RCSI, founded in 1784, is the only specialised university for medical degrees in Ireland, attracting a diverse student body of 4,000 individuals, with 70% being international scholars.

This is the "Hub" at University College Cork. It was constructed in 1850 following a generous contribution from Lord Clarendon, who served as the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland at the time. Notably, the building holds significance as it is referenced in James Joyce's renowned novel, 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man'. In the novel, Joyce mentions that the protagonist's father pursued his studies within this very building.

Beyond medicine, Ireland offers promising prospects in fields like pharmacy and computer science. As a major exporter of medicine, particularly in Cork, Ireland serves as a prominent pharmaceutical hub. The presence of major IT companies, which have established their European headquarters in Ireland, presents opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders who could become their future employers. Internships are an integral part of the academic experience in Ireland, providing practical insights and networking opportunities. Moreover, students who complete their bachelor’s degrees in Ireland are granted a one-year post-study visa, opening doors to exciting possibilities.

Technical University Dublin (TUD) is a remarkable institution that often goes unnoticed. The fusion of Dublin Institute of Technology and Tallaght Institute of Technology in 2019 resulted in TUD, located in the heart of Dublin. This ambitious endeavor received a one billion Euro investment, creating a campus that blends modern architecture with ancient structures. TUD offers unconventional learning spaces that promote open collaboration and knowledge exchange. With 16,000 students, including 1,600 international scholars, TUD represents a diverse community united in the pursuit of education.

Ireland, with its captivating charm and approachable people, offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a country filled with history, arts and natural beauty. Beyond the universities, Ireland provides a nurturing environment for international students to experience personal and academic growth.

I visited the Library of Trinity College Dublin, also known as Leabharlann Choláiste na Tríonóide in Irish. The library operates as a “copyright library,” requiring publishers in Ireland to submit a free copy of all their publications to the library. Within the Library, notable permanent exhibits include the Brian Boru Harp, an important national symbol of Ireland, a replica of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, and the renowned Book of Kells.

I had the privilege of meeting Kenji Miyauchi, an exceptional individual who belongs to the Patana Alumni of 2020. Kenji is currently enrolled at Trinity, where he is pursuing a degree in Medicine. He shared his remarkable journey from the International Baccalaureate programme to his third year of medical studies.

Evelyn has accepted an offer to study Medical Biosciences at Imperial College London, as it boasts “world-renown excellence as a STEM-oriented school” where she is particularly excited to immerse herself in the “research-intensive, laboratory-focused curriculum”. At Bangkok Patana, Evelyn credits her Higher Level IB Biology and Chemistry courses in allowing her to gain a deeper understanding into the areas of Science that most interested her. As Captain of the Gymnastics team, Evelyn will miss Bangkok Patana’s “irreplaceable and comforting sense of community”, as well as “the unconditional support from teachers and coaches”.

Kylie will be studying Health Sciences at Boston University on a Presidential Scholarship, pursuing a pre-med track with an intended minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders. “My (I)GCSE and IB courses at Bangkok Patana all demonstrated to me the importance of the ability to perceive the world from countless viewpoints and Boston University’s programme really seems to embrace this same value,” Kylie explained. Throughout her seven years at Bangkok Patana, Kylie actively participated in a range of community service activities, cross-campus initiatives and extra-curricular academic programmes. She aspires to become a doctor who “will never forget how precious and individual each person’s life is”.

Stuti will begin her Patana Pathway with a gap semester, through which she aims to undertake practical work experience. Come January 2024, Stuti will then be attending New York University (NYU), starting in the Liberal Studies core programme. At Bangkok Patana, Stuti enjoyed the challenge of her Chemistry and Economics courses. She also served as Co-Vice President of the Amnesty CAT Club and shared that this experience “allowed [her] to see the tangible impact that the group can make in the community”. Stuti is grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities, clubs and school events throughout her 13 years at Bangkok Patana. Click to read more about Stuti’s Patana Pathway!

Click to read more about Kylie’s Patana Pathway!

Click to read more about Evelyn’s Patana Pathway!

Rebecca Dzatkowski, Head Gymnastics Coach

BMAC GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023

Last weekend, the Gymnastics Academy travelled to NIST for the BMAC Gymnastics Championships 2023. This was the final meet of the competitive season and the gymnasts have been working extremely hard to hit their personal BMAC goals. The BMAC weekend kicked off with the MAG category with Bangkok Patana taking 20 gymnasts across six different teams. The teams did an awesome job, with all teams placing 1st or 2nd in the finals. A special mention to the following gymnasts who achieved the individual all-around title for their level: Tharin Huynh, San (Penne) Banomyong, Poomphan (Zea) Luenganantakul and Oliver Somanatha Arachchige. The second session of the day was designated to the high-level WAG gymnasts, with Bangkok Patana taking 20 gymnasts across five categories, ranging from Level 4.5 - Level 8! Level 4.5 and Level 5 were awarded the Team Gold, with Level 6 coming in a close 2nd. Bangkok Patana also dominated the individual all-around podium with the following gymnasts taking the gold: Elizabeth Lee, Karen Kawasaki, Jasmine Beroud and Keira McKnight-Burrell. A special mention to Keira McKnight-Burrell who competed at the highest level at BMAC. The final session of the day was the WAG Level 4 category, with Bangkok Patana taking both a junior and senior team. Both teams fought hard until the end and came in second.

On day two, the WAG Level 2 teams were up! These gymnasts have progressed so much over the year. Well done to Tisha Dhanuwongkarnkar who took the Level 2 junior individual all-around title and Ellie Vergara who claimed the Level 2 senior individual allaround trophy! The final session of the BMAC weekend was the WAG Level 3 teams. The Level 3 junior team took the Team Gold, with Ploynapas (Pam) Asawapiwat claiming the individual allaround title. The Level 3 senior team proudly took their 2nd place spot after a tremendously close competition, losing out on the Team Gold by 0.05 of a point! Well done to Jingtong (Angel) Sun who claimed the individual all-around Level 3 senior title.

Gymnastics is a tough sport - the fail:success rate takes a lot of mental toughness and resilience as gymnasts will repeatedly fall and struggle as part of the learning process before achieving success. Gymnasts must preserve through the downs before experiencing the ups and for those gymnasts who perform incredibly at training but had an off-day at BMAC, it’s especially hard to bounce back. Regardless of the results, all gymnasts should be proud of themselves for turning up and giving it their all on the day!

And that's a wrap to the 2022/23 competitive season. A huge thank you to the fabulous and dedicated gymnastics coaches who have done an incredible job with the student athletes. Finally, a big shout out to the #ORANGEARMY parents who turn up in full force cheering loudly from the stands!

HEaltHY living and our EnvironmEnt

TheSchool was pleased to host a webinar this week on how we can adapt our habits to be healthier within the constraints of our environment. Within an hour, two speakers addressed the topic and were able to answer a few questions.

Mr Coke Smith, Secondary Curriculum Leader for Environmental Science explained the details of some of the terms we use regarding Air Quality. He showed, for instance, how the term AQI encapsulates a calculation of a number of compounds. He showed the difference between the particle sizes for PM 10 and PM 2.5, and explained VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and how these are also calculated.

Mr Smith talked about some of the causes of air pollution in Bangkok. He explained why traffic is the prime contributor, and reviewed the other contributors to pollution in the city. Some of the key takeaways for our community included the problem of idling cars, and the research done by our students showing that distance from the main road makes a difference to the level of pollution particles. He explained the effect of thermal invasions, helping the participants to understand why pollution might stay around longer than expected. Before he concluded, he listed some of the ways we can help to alleviate pollution in order to benefit the environment in which we live.

The second speaker, Dr Wanviput (Fah) Sanphasitvong is a preventive medicine specialist from Bumrungrad International Hospital and VitalLife Scientific Wellness Centre. Dr Fah showed how PM2.5 affects our bodies and shared some startling statistics from the WHO on death rates due to pollution. She listed ways we can protect ourselves and these included avoiding strenuous exercise near high-traffic areas, conserving energy in our homes, avoid burning items such as wood or trash and being environmentally and socially responsible in our actions. She emphasized that the benefits of moderate physical activity outweighs the health risk of PM 2.5 and shared the source of the research. Dr Fah also gave some recommendations on the use of N95 and other masks, as well as debunking they myths of the benefits of wearing an ionizer. She addressed the issue of Heat, giving ways to cool down and symptoms to recognise to prevent us from over heating.

Dr Fah closed her presentation by encouraging people to follow the six pillars of lifestyle, and particularly recommended these be followed to ameliorate the effects of pollution.

If you missed the webinar, please click below to view the recording, the presentations and some more resources.

Healthy Living and Our Environment Webinar 24th May 2023

Presentation: Coke Smith, Bangkok Patana School

Presentation: Dr Fah, Bumrungrad International Hospital

Additional resources from Dr Fah:

1. 10 Tips to Protect Yourself from Unhealthy Air | American Lung Association

https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/10-tips-to-protect-yourself#:~:text=Avoid%20exercising%20outdoors%20 when%20pollution,exercising%20near%20high%2Dtraffic%20areas.

2. Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools, EPA456/F-14-003, August 2014 (airnow.gov)

https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/ school-outdoor%20activity%20guidance.pdf

3. Air pollution, physical activity and health: A mapping review of the evidence, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020319097

4. Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools, EPA456/F-14-003, August 2014 (airnow.gov)

5. The Health Impact of Air Pollution and Outdoor Physical Activity on Children and Adolescents in Mainland China - The Journal of Pediatrics (jpeds.com)

https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(16)31084-8/ fulltext

6. Engagement in outdoor physical activity under ambient fine particulate matter pollution: A risk-benefit analysis – ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S2095254620301277

7. Ambient Air Pollution: Health Hazards to Children | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)

https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/147/6/ e2021051484/180283/Ambient-Air-Pollution-Health-Hazards-to-Children?autologincheck=redirected

Patana ParticiPatEs!

Achievements from Our Community

Vorasaree Wangwittaya, Patana Parent

TheInternational History Bee is a buzzer-based history quiz competition for individual students aiming to demonstrate their superior historical knowledge. Throughout the year, students enter competitions in different regions around the world. One such student Matthias Tan from 7T, decided to give it a try and entered himself for the 2023 Online Spring History Bee Elementary Final. Below is his account of how he got on.

Participating in the Online Spring History Bee Elementary Finals as an individual was an exhilarating and transformative experience that culminated in an overwhelming sense of accomplishment as I clinched the victor's crown. The journey from the initial rounds to the final moments was a rollercoaster of emotions, intellectual challenges, and intense competition.

Throughout the competition, I was tested on my depth of historical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to make split-second decisions. The adrenaline rush of buzzing in with the correct answer and witnessing the points accumulate filled me with a sense of confidence and excitement. However, it was not without its moments of doubt and uncertainty. The competition was fierce, with brilliant individuals from countries across the Asian region showcasing their expertise and passion for history.

After each round, win or lose, I immersed myself in further research and analysis, determined to strengthen my weaknesses and expand my historical repertoire. The preparation was rigorous and demanded countless hours of studying, analyzing primary and secondary sources, and honing my ability to connect historical events and themes. It was a journey of continuous growth and self-improvement.

When the final moments arrived, and I was declared the victor, an overwhelming rush of emotions flooded over me. A profound sense of pride, satisfaction, and disbelief filled my heart. The realization that my hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the study of history had paid off was

both humbling and empowering. I felt a deep appreciation for the countless individuals who supported and encouraged me along the way, from mentors and teachers to family and friends.

Clinching the victor's crown not only affirmed my passion for history but also reinforced the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It was a testament to the value of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and the power of knowledge. The experience reminded me that true success comes not only from individual achievements but also from the collective efforts of those who have inspired and guided me throughout my academic journey.

As I reflect on my experience in the International History Bee and Bowl Asian Regionals, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships formed, the knowledge gained, and the personal growth I experienced. The victor's crown symbolizes more than just a victory; it represents the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for history. It serves as a constant reminder of the immense potential we possess when we combine passion with perseverance.

Moving forward, this achievement motivates me to continue exploring the complexities of history, contribute to the understanding of our shared past, and inspire others to embrace the beauty of historical inquiry. The journey does not end here; it serves as a stepping stone for future endeavours, sparking a desire to continue pushing boundaries, taking on new challenges, and making a lasting impact in the field of history.

Larisa (Risa) Wangwittaya, 5C performed as a piano soloist with the Thai Youth Orchestra (conducted by Dr Akkrawat Srinarong and Khun Suthipong Tantivanichkij) on 21st May 2023 at the Thailand Cultural Centre (Main Hall).

Matthias Tan, 7T

INTERNATIONAL HISTORY BEE: AN ENRICHING HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE!

Members from Bangkok Patana (Duncan and Karen Ferguson, Rachel Stead and Tracey Williams) are performing a summer concert with the Zing Choir.

All are welcome to join!

The concert will be held on Sunday 28th May, 4:00pm at the Lancaster Hotel.

Tickets are THB 200 each and all proceeds go to charity.

Camp Dates: June 28 - July 4, 2023

Center of Learning Network for the Region, Saraburi

Culminating Concert: 7 PM, July 6, 2023

Chulalongkorn University Music Hall

Guest Conductor: Dr. T.J. Harper

Director of Choral Activities, Loyola Marymount University, USA