By Mark Verde
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1Bangkok Patana School News PATANA NEWS Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit IB World School accredited by CIS Thursday 15th September 2022 Also in this issue... The Greenest Fun Run Yet! World Peace Day Bangkok Patana University Fair Patana Plugged PTG Tech Talk with Brian Taylor Season Changes with Coke Smith Page 5 Page 6 Page 8 Page 11 Page 12 Page 14 www.patana.ac.th Creating Creativity: What is atom-ing
Providing new experiences for the children to explore sparks a desire to know more. The “Surfing Scientist”, Ruben Meerman, and Ian Stuart of the Atomic School, lit up our school with pops, bangs and explosions that de lighted the children in 2018 and 2019. Their collabora tion with our school brought a change to our curriculum as we introduced atomic theory to the children. From the age of 4 years up to 11 years, children were learning about atoms, molecules and compounds. The periodic table became as well known as the times tables in all classes and children were able to explain how water was made from hydrogen and oxygen and what the dif ference was between methane, ethane and propane.
Creating Creativity: What is atom-ing
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Creating a creative curriculum is a very important part of a school’s role and a key priority on the Primary School’s development plan. Sir Ken Robinson defined creativity as “the process of having original ide as that have value.” He said it differs from imagination, which is the ability to bring to mind things that aren’t present in your senses and he believed that “creativity is putting your imagination to work.”
Mark Verde, Primary Assistant Principal, Learning and Curriculum
A prime example being a graduate who had just been recruited by The Mercedes F1 group, with the task of creating new ideas for their new F1 engine designs!
I am fortunate to teach in Nursery on Friday mornings and see this research in action. Our youngest children are our biggest risk takers. They explore brand new ex periences and with the careful guidance, support and kindness from our wonderful Foundation Stage teach ers, they will have a go and are not frightened of be
ing wrong. This is made possible by carefully planned, highly engaging learning opportunities and a focus on building positive relationships between our teachers and the children in their care.
“So, what are the job prospects after completing a Fine Art degree?” The Head of the Art programme kindly explained that 96% of all the previous year’s art graduates had secured employment, some as artists, but most in top industrial positions. She explained that the graduates were being chosen not because they had amazing artistic skills, but because of their creative mind.
In December 2021 I visited Loughborough University with my daughter who was considering studying Fine Art after her IB studies. When the tour ended I asked the typical dad question;
Creativity is hugely important to prepare our children for the life ahead of them. Our role as educators and parents is to make that happen. In Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk on why schools need to embrace kids’ crea tivity he explains that all children have tremendous tal ents. They will take chances and if they don’t know about something they will have a go - they are not frightened of being wrong.
Our whole school learning focus is based on using strategies to unlock student potential and we are doing this in the Primary School by using instructional coach ing and strategies from Tom Sherringon’s walkthrus to achieve this goal. Positive relationships are at the centre of the “Bangkok Patana 7”, in which we are all focusing on the five steps shown below to enable our children to grow into creative learners.
I’m very proud to share that my daughter will begin her new journey at Reading University this coming weekend, continuing on a new creative journey studying Fine Art –watch out, Mercedes, she’s a Ferrari F1 fan!
Picasso said “all children are born artists, but the prob lem is to remain an artist as we grow up”. At Bangkok Patana, it is our goal to develop the whole child and grow their creative ideas throughout their Bangkok Patana journey.
Ian said that being able to work with everyone at Bangkok Patana is GOLD (Atomic Number 79).
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excited to announce that Ian and Ruben will be returning to Bangkok Patana in October, straight after half-term, when we will be hav ing a Primary Science Week. They will be sharing new ideas and experiments with our com munity to spread further crea tivity into the curriculum. Ruben sends this message to whet our appetite:
I’ve been developing new 3D animations since our last visit to show children how the food they eat turns into the carbon dioxide they exhale. Individual atoms are too tiny to see but 3D animation can help kids imagine what’s actually going on inside their own bodies. I can’t wait to share these resources with the teachers and continue the learning journey we start ed four years ago. And, as usual, there will also be lots of explosions, of course.
Throughout Primary Science week (October 24th28th), Ruben and Ian will be in and out of classrooms, working alongside teachers, providing explosive assem blies and will deliver a parent workshop around Atomic Theory and Health Literacy.
4 Bangkok Patana School News 15/09/2022 CliCk to register! CliCk to register!
2. You’ll notice our marketing and registration methods are all paperless and online this year, please like and share any Fun Run posts you see, so we spread the message far and wide.
4. Plan ahead for a plastic packaging free post-workout snack. Consider a banana or mandarin that comes with its very own organic packaging or a delicious Thai street food snack, wrapped in banana leaves.
3. Bring a reusable water bottle. In the past, Fun Runs and Marathon events were huge producers of plastic waste – not our Fun Run! There will be water stations at the start, and on the course for you to refill if needed. There will also be tables for you to place your water bottle on whilst you run.
The GreenesT FUn rUn YeT!
Shoe Donation
The SEC have high hopes for the Angela Royle Fun Run this year – we hope to make it the most sustainable yet! Getting out in nature at Rama IX Park is a great way to start your day. Here’s how to ensure it’s great for the planet too…
6. All about the gear – try to resist the urge to buy new trainers and fast fashion for the big day. Vintage is in! Besides, your wellworn trainers and lucky socks will ensure you don’t leave the event with blisters.
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Angela was during the Penguin Run in Year 2 for the Antarctica 2041 campaign, she would come out onto the Primary back field and cheer us on before school and at break, while we raced around the 200m track, keen to win points for our class and a coveted medal.
Ana Bolakoso, SEC Key Stage 3 Representative
If you’ve not already signed up to run or volunteer it’s not too late! This year’s event is special as we are honouring a former Bangkok Patana Teacher – Angela Royle or “Miss Angela” as we all knew her. Miss An gela loved to run and exercise and she would be so proud of you all for getting involved, whether you plan to race for the win or just enjoy a gentle walk or jog with friends and family. My favourite memory of Miss
1. Consider how you’ll get to the Run. Carpool with a friend or family member to cut your emissions.
Bring your used trainers to the SEC Table at the Fun Run to do nate to those in need! A former Bangkok Patana parent will be taking used shoes and trainers to a rural community in West Ugan da. In this community, the children walk 4-5km to school barefoot, often on dirt tracks. In recent years, construction companies have entered the area, leaving dangerous debris on the walking paths. Your donated shoes and trainers will help to protect the school chil drens’ feet on their journey to school each day.
5. Training hard for the event? Consider joining a Conquerer Challenge – these fun virtual challenges track your runs towards a goal and as you hit key milestones they plant trees on your behalf. Super cool!
The charity funds raised at the Angela Royle Fun Run will be in used in part to build a playground at a rural school in Northern Thailand - a fitting tribute indeed!
6 Bangkok Patana School News 15/09/2022 EndRacism. BuildPeace . World Peace Day 21st September 2022 Primary School purple dress down day Secondary School purple or blue dress down day Stay tuned for activities organised by school community clubs
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Thank you to all the staff who were involved in the audit process, our SST Trainers and those who volunteer to be Water Safety and First Aid reps for their year groups. Be cause of you, Bangkok Patana is a safer place!
Garam (Momo) Lee, 7H
Thinking of what school was like just three short months ago, Being in a single classroom for all of the day, Sat amongst the friendly faces I already know, Familiar sounds and voices are a comfort in a way, An assuring sense of calmness that lets everybody feel, Safe inside the hours spent outside of what is known, Easily predicting what they’ll serve for each day’s meal, A little bit repetitive but I never felt alone.
SST provides an online platform (Pectora) for staff to undertake "flipped learning" prior to their course. They then spend between four and eight hours undertaking practical training. Staff learn how to respond to an emer gency calmly and provide basic life support until a Nurse or other support arrives to help. The curriculum covers small incidents like how to manage a muscle cramp or nosebleed, all the way up to performing CPR and using an AED or stabilising a suspected spinal injury.
Now the days seem longer with our classes far apart, We navigate them punctually with friends or on our own, Secondary seems complex especially at the start, But once you get the hang of it, it starts to feel like home,
Last week we welcomed Charne Schnetler to campus to undertake our annual audit. This involves observing a course in action, checking our equipment and facilities and spending time with our Nursing team and Trainers. I am pleased to share that Bangkok Patana passed the audit with flying colours. This quality assurance process ensures we stay abreast with new trends in training and treatments, as well as ensuring our specialist first aid equipment is maintained to the highest standards.
SST is a Dubai-based company, offering globally recognised safety training programmes from Ellis & Associates in the USA and consultancy for schools and aquatic facilities. Here at Bangkok Patana School we want to ensure every student is protected, safe and se cure and as such, we have partnered with SST to deliver our annual Water Safety and First Aid Training for staff.
Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Assistant Principal, Continued Professional Learning
three short months ago...
Water SaFety StaFF training
Thinking about all the things that I have yet to learn, And all the memories that I will look back on in time, A season of my life to which I cannot now return, Onto another journey with its own wonders to find.
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School of the Art Institute of Chicago
U P C O M I N G U N I V E R S I T Y F A I R S
US Mini-Fairs
State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany
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UniverSity of BritiSh ColUmBia viSitS CampUS!
Kevin Keller, Head of Faculty, Careers and University Counselling
Wednesday, 21st September
Tuesday, 27th September Canadian Mini-Fair
Last week, Scott Lee, Associate International Recruiter for the University of British Columbia (UBC) visited Bang kok Patana School to meet with interested students. Nearly 50 students learned about UBC’s respected rep utation for top academics, high post-graduate job placement rate and of course, their beautiful campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, British Columbia. UBC is very popular at Bangkok Patana- in the last three years, twenty former Bangkok Patana students have chosen UBC as their university destination! We look forward to continuing to welcome many universities on campus over the next several weeks – check out the upcoming visits above!
Bangkok Patana University Fair 200 universities onsite!
Monday, 19th September
Thursday, 22nd September
Students can contact the Careers and Universities department for more information.
Monday, 10th October
10 Bangkok Patana School News 15/09/2022 3rd -5thOctober 2022 FESTIVALCONCERTWEDNESDAY 5TH O�TOBER 2.30PMatBangkokPatana School ROSAMUNDSTUETZELTHEATREGUESTCONDU �TOR: LIN MARSH “ALONGCAMEMAN” BY LIN MARSH Bangkok Patana School King’s College International School Bangkok Prep Thai Chinese International School St. Andrews International School (Nord Anglia) Shrewsbury International School ICS Bangkok Bromsgrove International School Denla British School Charter International School Shrewsbury City Campus St Andrews 107
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Overall winners and runners up: Girls’ A Draw Winners Raichah and Asama Girls’ B Draw Winners Anya and Teerin Boys’ B Draw Winners Anton and Philip; Runners Up Robin and Tobi
The next event for the Under 14s will be the BMAC Invitational Singles on Sunday 25th September.
Dan Ahl, Cross Campus Head Tennis Coach
Last Saturday, Bangkok Patana hosted the season opening Under 14 Doubles event. Participating were pairs from STA, ISB, NIST and HIS. The event also ran an A and B Draw for both boys and girls. With doubles being a key part in the BMAC and SEASAC team events, it was good to see many pairs volleying and using attacking tactics. Bangkok Patana pairs notably stood out, as net play, moving forwards and understanding the dimensions of the court are key parts of the Tennis Academy training programme.
TennIs TACADeMY ennIs ACADeMY
Thank you to all staff and parent volunteers who support ed this event!
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On Friday 9th September, the Gymnastics Acade my were thrilled to host its first MAG Team games night since pre-COVID. What a fun-filled evening it was! These social events are so important for the gymnasts to build new relationships with their peers and strengthen their rapport with their coaches. Additionally, after the recent gymnastics trials, it was a fantastic way to wel come new gymnasts into the team! This year, the gym nasts were treated to a special trip to the pool to play on the inflatable assault course, kindly supported by the Head of Swimming, Coach Tim! After this, the gym nasts returned to the gymnastics hall and were treated to pizza and popcorn to refuel. Following food and a
GYMnAsTICs GYMACADeMY nAsTICs ACADeMY
little rest, the gymnasts played some team games to truly burn off some energy. The final event of the night was the much-anticipated hide & seek game, which demon strated some incredibly creative hiding places! After the games, we said goodbye to the junior gymnasts and the senior gymnast stayed behind for a movie night.
Rebecca Maw-Dzatkowski, Cross Campus Head Gymnastics Coach
Seeing the gymnasts smiling and playing together out side of training was such a wonderful experience! We hope the MAG team had fun!
Coke Smith is our Environmental Science Leader and would love to hear from you if you have any questions or simply need some tips on how to get the most out of your weekend in the wilds of Thailand! Feel free to reach out at cosm@patana.ac.th
WildliFe spoTTInG with Coke seAsons Are A’ChAnGIn’!
Alexander Coke Smith IV, Secondary Environmental Sciences Leader
One of the things about the changing seasons is that we can start to observe the faunal changes that happen annual ly during these periods of time. There are certain species that are viewable more easily during certain seasons and now is a good time to try for some of those late wet-season critters. For example, reptiles and certain species of birds are good to search for right now.
We’ve had a heck of a wet season! And it’s clearly not over yet…
Our weekend was spent with many species of reptiles – a wet season item for sure. We even had a quality sighting of the extremely rare Spotted Coral Snake, a true highpoint for herpetologists! We also spotted some nice birds and a few mammals inside and outside of the park. While many may not consider the wet season the best time in the forests of Kaeng Krachan, it is important to remember that while the numbers of critters may be smaller, the assortment of species will be different than what one might expect later when the seasons complete their change. And sometimes it is just lovely to get out of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for some fresh air and greenery! Nature time!
the Smith family spent an awesome end-ofwet-season weekend at Baan Maka Nature Lodge (www.ba anmaka.com), which is located just outside of Kaeng Krachan National Park. We also visited the salt ponds at Laem Pak Bia and Pak Thale to see what is happening there.
Baan Maka is a great place to stay while hitting the amazing bio-hotspots of Petchaburi province. The resort is located in a lovely subtropical dry forest-setting and his home to many of the region’s species and has an amazing species list that may even rival Kaeng Krachan itself! Well….not quite….but it has a wealth of biodiversity in its own right. The owners are professional naturalists as well and help wildlife enthusiasts know what is happening at any given time in and outside of Kaeng Krachan.
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Soon the dry season will be upon us and there will be many species that are found mainly during that time period. Mammals are best seen in the dry times when water is a bit more scarce. And in the cooler months there are still more options available for wildlife watching. Currently we are seeing many of the waders coming back to the salt ponds, both west and east of the greater Bangkok area, thus signaling a true season al
Lastchange.weekend,
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WHICH ONE BOOK WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?
Stone Thrown - Turin Brakes
MS CORRIE, IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WHAT EIGHT PIECES OF MUSIC WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?
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.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
For What Its Worth - Buffalo Springfield
Desert Island Discs
Live Forever - Oasis Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Today Secondary Science and Biology Teacher, Corrie Wales, is stuck on a desert island.
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Alive - Pearl Jam
Caught a Lite Sneeze - Tori Amos
Click to listen to Ms Corrie’s playlist
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.
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?
A guitar
Hedonism - Skunk Anansie
With Corrie Wales, Secondary Science and Biology Teacher
Heroes - David Bowie
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guide, you’ll find tips on a number of potential risks such as accidental exposure, in appropriate language and unsuitable videos.
Creepy characters like Slender Man or Huggy Wuggy. Dangerous online challenges. Songs or videos that aren’t suitable for youngsters. When things like these begin trending online, it can be difficult to prevent children accidently stumbling across them – especially if they use a range of platforms, like online games, social media, streaming sites or messaging apps. A trend can originate in one online space and rapidly spread to other platforms or via chat apps. The frightening Huggy Wuggy char acter, for instance, first emerged as part of a game on Steam; now there are parody songs on TikTok, videos on YouTube and more than 45,000 results for #huggywuggy on Insta
We hope you can join us at the next PTG Tech Tips event (see page 12) on 4th October! Be sure to sign up here
#225: WhAT pArenTs neeD To KnoW AbouT
Ingram.the
Cross-plATforM shArInG of InApproprIATe ConTenT
Have a wonderful long weekend.
Brian Taylor Assistant Principal, Campus Curriculum Technology Integration
18 Bangkok Patana School News 15/09/2022 COMMUNITY
In a follow-up to their August concert, Om and Friends are performing the third of Beethoven’s three Razumovsky cycle of string quartets commissioned by the Russian ambassador in Vienna, Count Andreas Razumovsky, and pub lished in 1808. The String Quartet No. 9 in C major is a product of Beethoven‘s “middle” period. Unlike the other two quartets in this cycle, this quartet does not have an explicit Russian theme, but the second movement conjures up the vast barren landscape of the Siberian tundra.
Join us at the Neilson Hays Library for an evening of string quartets by the German composers Felix Mendelssohn and Ludwig van Beethoven performed by Om and Friends.
One of the most popular composers of the early Romantic Period, Felix Mendelssohn began his musical career at an early age publishing his first piano quartet when he was only 13. He enjoyed success throughout Europe and Britain with his more conservative musical tastes, and was founder of the Leipzig Conservatory. Completed two months be fore his death at the age of 38 in 1847, Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F minor was his last major composition. It is thought that the piece was composed as a tribute to his sister, Fanny, who died a few months beforehand. Fanny was a well-known pianist and composer in the Berlin musical circles, but at the time it was not proper for a woman to have a musical career, so she remained non-professional.
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643 Lasalle Road (Sukhumvit 105)
Bangna Tai, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 THAILAND
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Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 Fax: +66 (0) 2785 2399 www.patana.ac.th Email: reception@patana.ac.th
