Patana News Volume 26 Issue 25

Evolution of thE library in a tEch obsEssEd World

By Stephen

thE Evolution of thE library in a tEch obsEssEd World

Stephen Murgatroyd, Head of Libraries

It is hard to imagine that it was only 16 years ago that the first Amazon Kindle was launched to an expectant and excited audience, and with it came the headlines about the death of print books. Although it seemed to be a universally held belief that books would soon be going the way of Beta-Max and VHS videos, floppy discs, vinyl records, cassette tapes (kudos and ‘age’ for those of us who remember all of those - and for those that don’t, try Google) books are still the boss and the reading tool of choice for the majority of the Bangkok Patana community.

The libraries at Bangkok Patana are testament to this, with 1,000s of books gracing our shelves being borrowedfrom the gorgeous board books shared with our youngest readers, to complex tales spun by master storytellers for our older ones, with all types of reading material to be enjoyed in between these bookends. Of course, books are not the only method of word digestion available in our libraries, there are also eBooks, audio books, magazines, newspapers and online access to thousands of other titles available

to read and to borrow, along with a few Kindles of our own for our community to use. You have to be able to adapt to the needs of everyone who uses what a library has to offer - as they say in the business world, you have to adapt or die. A little harsh, perhaps, but a truism nonetheless; if you do not adapt and change then you will soon become an irrelevance and people will just vote with their feet and stop using your services.

One of the secrets that a book has is its longevity. We are still able to read books, scrolls, wall paintings and hieroglyphics hundreds and thousands of years after they were written or drawn - how many of the most recent technological innovations over the past 50-100 years are still readable today? Each generation grows up thinking that their ‘new’ is something that will last, yet history often paints a very different picture. However, if you had been around in the 1440s, when Johannes Gutenberg introduced letterpress printing to Europe, you would look around a modern library and still be able to navigate

that ‘new’ technology with relative ease. This is not something that can be said for our parents or grandparents and the technology that existed in their day compared to today. In an ever-changing world, books have become a constant, evolving to the needs of the day and always providing whatever is needed between the covers - this is something that I suspect will be the case for many a long year yet.

The biggest disruptor, and the fastest growing one at that, is Artificial Intelligence. Although the metaverse as an idea has been around since 1938, the speed of the rise of AI over the past couple of years has been incredible. It has grown exponentially, especially recently, and new improvements and ways of using it seem to be cropping up on what feels like a daily basis. The ways in which it can be used for research and data analysis is phenomenal and has been explained elsewhere in other Bangkok Patana publications, so I will not go into it here. However, I do wonder, as I extrapolate decades into the future, what impact it will have on libraries down the line. It is one of those exciting technical innovations that may well have an impact on humanity in the way that books did when they were made more readily available nearly 600 years ago. If books can survive this new-wave technology, then perhaps they really are indestructible!

Tracey Barton, our Cross Campus Teacher Librarian, was teaching a research lesson to a class of Year 5 children the other week. She introduced the children to a fact about the Amazon rainforest that she had come across in a book she was interested in and had flicked through it (not something that is easily done on a computer or a tablet) - however, she encouraged the children to then use iPads to delve deeper into the subject using her initial ‘nugget’ of information as the inspiration. The children were both enthralled and engaged and this showed them that books and tech can work hand in hand to make discoveries and create new links in the knowledge and their learning.

I shall finish by mentioning the Post Office scandal in the UK, which has been all over the news. For those (I suspect quite a few) who are not aware of one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in the UK’s history, here is a link to a BBC News article explaining everything about the Horizon saga. Why, you might justifiably ask, mention something that has nothing to do with libraries? Well, it has everything to do with the main point of my article and that is how do the libraries at Patana react to the constant shifting sands of technology improvements and development to remain relevant in our ever-changing world? During the reporting of news around the huge impact the scandal has had over the last 20+ years, I came across an article entitled ‘Have

we lost faith in technology?’ and it got me thinking … did books ever generate this reaction? Perhaps back in the early days (of the Middle Ages) they may well have done, as allowing more people access to knowledge that had previously been denied them made those in power feel more vulnerable. But today, we have a completely different view of books and the value they provide to all of us. It is highly understandable that there may well be a general mistrust of technology if it is just used to control or prosecute, so we have to strike a balance between all of

the massively positive impacts that technology has on our everyday lives (way too many to mention here) with the negatives that might come with data trawling, harvesting and knowing where we are at all times. The library tries to balance all of these different aspects, and at the moment the books are still the boss! Words are power and that is what we are committed to providing the children and students at school with, so they can be the masters of the changing world they will be entering once they graduate. Happy Reading!

ib

carEEr rElatEd ProgrammE

bangkok Patana rEcEivEs official authorisation

We are delighted to share news that we have been officially authorised to run the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) in addition to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) from August 2024.

This new curriculum expands our provision for students in Years 12 and 13 by allowing them to study a subject of passion in depth. We already have an inaugural cohort who will begin IBCP programme in August. They will take a specialised Art pathway, consisting of two IB courses, a BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design, and the IBCP core curriculum. This is just the beginning of our expanded provision to Year 12 and 13 , and we look forward to adding a variety of different pathways and specialisms through the IBCP programme in the future.

REAL WORLD LINKS

We are very keen to build real-world links to the world of Art and Design, either here in Thailand or further afield to enhance our programme. If you know of any artists, galleries, or schools of design that may be worth explor -

ing as partners, please do contact Andy Roff at anro@ patana.ac.th

Our IB Art Programme is already strong, and a good example is the IB Art Show that opened yesterday. If you have not yet visited, please do take some time to enjoy the work of our Grad’24 IB Art students in the Exhibition Hall until 28th April 2024. The Secondary Visual Art Department routinely brings in professional artists to share their craft and inspire our students. Most recently Bangkok Patana alum Jesper Kirketerp was in school working with our students on sculpture.

The IBO were really impressed with our application, and particularly commended the knowledge and enthusiasm shown by our community for a course of study which we feel will enhance our already very strong Senior Studies provision.

Secondary Principal Matt Seddon wrote about the IBCP programme in a previous edition of Patana News, explaining more about the programme at Bangkok Patana.

Matt Seddon, Secondary Principal

bangkok Patana classic mEEts Jazz

Christopher Ferne, Head of Arts Faculty

“Life is a lot like jazz. It’s best when you improvise.” - George Gershwin

David Larking, Head of Instrumental Music and Staff Leader for the student and staff Jazz Bands shared with me his reflections on how aptly Gershwin’s statement embodies the sentiment of this unique concert, which celebrates not just the Music itself, but the spontaneity, creativity, and collective spirit that define our concert of jazz and classical fusion.

Following this years’ hugely successful ‘Classic Meets Jazz,’ Mr Larking acknowledged with pride that “Similar to a sports team, the success of these ensembles hinge on effective communication, collaboration, and a strong sense of camaraderie,” adding “Witnessing students’ dedication, growth, and passion for music during rehearsals is truly inspiring and often the highlight of my week.”

Indeed, listening to the students who have been dedicated to such rigorous and sustained practice and how they feel realizing the fruits of their labor on the night is deeply moving. “This concert has been a big focus of my attention for quite some time, and it’s a special time like no other where we finally showcase our music to others. Theres a unique feeling of finally standing on stage and hearing

the band’s sound in the theatre; it’s a whole different resonance to when you’re in practice in the band room,” said Jazz band member, Molly Moo Ming.

Whilst writing this article, I must confess that the ‘Classic Meets Jazz,’ concert is a particular favourite of mine. The culmination of two dearly cherished musical styles which hold relevance globally in terms of music history and have long standing traditional value within our school community, signify a coming together of cultures and a celebration of differences and commonalities, as well as the beauty of collaboration. Mr Larking clearly agrees and explains this well ‘Classic Meets Jazz is a unique concert as it brings together two seemingly disparate yet deeply intertwined musical genres: classical and jazz. Despite their perceived differences, both forms of high art music share a rich history and have had an influence on each other and on popular culture. For instance, the foundational elements of modern music, such as chord progressions and melodic structures, can trace their roots back to classical compositions. Similarly, jazz has served as a catalyst for various contemporary music styles like hip hop and R&B. This concert not only celebrates the legacy of these art forms but also highlights the diverse talents nurtured through our extensive Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) programme at

Patana. It’s a showcase of our choirs, jazz groups, and orchestral ensembles, culminating in a collaborative performance! Put simply by Music Curriculum Leader Laura MacRitchie, “Classic Meets Jazz, is a chance for all of the music ensemble to come together and celebrate many different styles of music.”

Krisztina Ujhazy, Conductor of the Orchestra, echoed this appreciation joyously sharing that, “It is always the highlight of my week to work with the Orchestra. I am proud of each of the members, they are diligent, hard-working, and willing to donate their time and effort into something that results in excellent performances and creates great memories that will last a lifetime. For this particular concert performed pieces that are not just challenging musically, but also fun to play and listen to. It gives the opportunity for the students to demonstrate their highly developed skills and musical sensitivity.” She added that, ”There are a record 65 members of the Orchestra now, which is fantastic!”

Member of the Orchestra Jihyo Hong shared her feelings on her favorite part of this years concert. “This year, in particular, I loved it when the Jazz Ensemble and the singers performed ‘What Won’t You Do for Love’ as the song recently went viral on social media, and it was great to hear the full live version, which sounded much better than the audio!”. Reflecting on the performances she was part of Jihyo shared that, ‘“As a member of the Orchestra, we had to play various kinds of music from fast, lively Radetzky March to Mozart Symphony no 36, The Linz, where we had to pay close attention to dynamic changes to create a more dramatic effect.”

As Mr Larking puts it, “Beyond musical excellence, what truly resonates with me is the profound connections forged among the students during rehearsals and performances together. Whether it’s the culmination of years of dedication to our jazz program or the evolution of our musical culture at Patana over the past two decades, seeing how far we’ve come fills me with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.”

It is no doubt that the Highlight of the evening was the performance of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. Member of the Senior Choir Felix Darley shared that, “It has been one of my favourite songs for a long time and it was stunning, lifting, empowering to be a part of it on the night. I feel that we, being lead masterfully by Mr. Larking, really perfected the beauty and ethereal bliss of that song and did it justice. This show will be staying in my memory for a long time.” Molly Moo Ming shared that “This year’s Stairway to Heaven was the first mass band I’ve ever per -

formed in, and combining forces with the other ensembles makes the music sound richer and knowing that so many people have put their heart into one song can resonate with an audience better than just one ensemble.” Jiyho added, “When we were playing the mass piece Stairway to Heaven, I realised you are not always heard individually, but ‘felt’ by the audience collectively.” Lucas Perren, long standing drummer for the Jazz Band shared that “Classic Meets Jazz was my last Patana concert performing with the Jazz band as I’m graduating this year. It was an honour to perform with my friends and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to get close with them through this activity. Classic Meets Jazz showed me how far I’ve come as a drummer. I am a big Led Zeppelin fan and John Bonham is one of my favorite drummers, playing one of their songs for my last school concert was something I never expected but am really glad to have taken part of.”

Lucas continued, adding that, “Being involved in many musical performances in school throughout the years has taught me a lot of different things such as dedication, confidence, and what I cherish most: being able to have a good time even under pressure. I plan to continue performing when I leave Patana as music is one of my biggest passions and I’ve always enjoyed all the school performances I’ve been in.” It is wonderful to hear the rewarding effect being involved in school concerts gives our students and the inspiration it instills in them for continuing to enjoy performing music in their futures.

sciEncE WEEk in Primary World languagEs:

cElEbrating curiosity and languagE lEarning

Mariela Bianciotti, Leader of Learning, World Languages and Team

Science

Week in Primary School is an exciting time when students’ curiosity and enthusiasm are ignited. It provides a unique experience for young learners to develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and perseverance. As part of this engaging event, the Primary World Language team has seen a great learning opportunity by introducing renowned scientists from countries where the languages students are learning are spoken.

This cross-disciplinary initiative not only enriches language learning but also inspires students to explore the fascinating world of science. By connecting language learning with scientific discovery, we aim to nurture well-rounded learners who can thrive in an interconnected global society.

FRENCH

In French, our students were spotlighted on one of history’s most iconic scientists: Marie Curie. A pioneering scientist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she was a trailblazer in the field of radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields—physics and chemistry. Curie’s groundbreaking research laid the foundation for countless scientific discoveries and advancements, revolutionising our understanding of the atomic structure and paving the way for modern nuclear physics.

Year 4 and 5 students embarked on a journey to uncover her life and achievements. Together, they completed a fact sheet, weaving together insights from a video they watched in class. One aspect that really caught the attention of our budding scientists was Marie Curie’s connection to the periodic table of elements. They were thrilled to learn that Curie’s discoveries, particularly radium and polonium, had a direct link to what they’ve been studying in their science lessons. Meanwhile, Year 6 students paired up to perform mock interviews of Marie Curie entirely in French. One student took on the role of a journalist, while the other channeled the spirit of Marie Curie herself.

French students realised they had at least one thing in common with Marie Curie: they can speak several languages. But it wasn’t all serious stuff and students even came up with a few fun hashtags for her: #radioactive, #SOsmart, #LoveScience, #Girlpower. One question that really got the students’ imaginations running wild was whether Marie Curie would glow in the dark after being exposed to so much radioactivity. Finally, Marie Curie once said, “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves.” This insightful quote resonated with our students as they delved deeper into Curie’s story, drawing inspiration from her unwavering determination and resilience.

MANDARIN

In Mandarin students learnt about Zhang Heng a Chinese scientist who was born in year 78AD, almost 2000 years ago, so this makes it even more interesting for students to learn about Chinese Science inventions as well as culture. Zhang invented many things, but our Mandarin classes focused on his invention of the world’s first seismoscope, which discerned the cardinal direction of an earthquake 500 km (310 mi) away. Year 4 students learned about his life, his achievements and invention. They watched a video and created a fact sheet about his life. They also introduced him in Mandarin. Year 5 & 6 students focused on questions, identified the answers to the question, then did an interview. They paired up as reporter and interviewee, performed interview asking and answering questions about the life and invention of Zhang Heng.

In our first lesson in Spanish, students learnt about Adriana Ocampo, a Colombian/Argentine planetary geologist, and the Science Program Manager at NASA Headquarters, who has made significant contributions to our understanding of Earth’s history and the catastrophic events that shaped our planet. Ocampo identified the Chicxulub impact crater, a colossal scar on Earth’s surface situated on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Formed over 65 million years ago by an asteroid impact, this crater had devastating consequences, including the extinction of more than half of Earth’s species, including the dinosaurs. Fascinated by her groundbreaking findings, students then delved into the intriguing world of cenotes, a Mayan word meaning “cave with water”. The formation of these natural pits or sinkholes, numbering approximately 6.000 across the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico were indirectly influenced by the Chicxulub impact crater that altered the geology in that area, creating fractures, and allowing water to flow into these underground chambers. It was at this moment that one Year 4 student, enthusiastically shared

with the class “I’ve been there!” and he eagerly recounted a personal experience while swimming and exploring with his grandfather the crystal-clear, transparent waters of one of these cenotes during their trip to Mexico.

In our second lesson, students in Year 4 introduced themselves as Adriana Ocampo using the vocabulary and sentence patterns they know, while students in Year 5 and Year 6 wrote a more detailed biography about her life. They were impressed to find out that even at 69, Adriana’s work at NASA’s New Frontiers Program is remarkable, as she is still finding out more information about Mars and Jupiter. In a short but inspiring interview, Adriana talks to younger generations about finding their purpose. She says “We are the architects of our destinies. Don’t choose the safe passage, choose the one that challenges you more. You must learn new skills, learn new languages, learn new ways of doing things, but always having that North Star, which is your DREAM, your GOAL. Make sure what you select in your life is something that you would do even if they didn’t pay you for it.” After watching this interview that served as a hook, our students wanted to ask her more questions, so they did a roleplay in Spanish between Adriana and a reporter -practising all the questions they have learnt so far. At the end of the lesson, students learnt a song called “Ciencia con Paciencia” which is a clever play on words. The phrase combines “Ciencia”: meaning “Science” in Spanish with “Paciencia” which translates to “patience”. By blending these two words, the phrase suggests that scientific endeavors require patience. It’s a delightful way to emphasise the persistence and time often needed in scientific research and discovery.

To conclude, Science week in Primary World Languages has been an exciting week full of scientific wonder and language learning. Students and teachers eagerly anticipate next year’s Science Week to discover and learn about the lives of other famous scientists who share the language we are learning.

SPANISH

ommunity EngagEmEnt at bangkok Patana

Isaac Goh, Year 13

Throughout this academic year, we at Amnesty club have been deeply committed to promoting human rights, with a significant emphasis on supporting refugees in their pursuit of education. In collaboration with LifeRaft, an organization dedicated to hosting study groups and sessions for children, we’ve managed to create a nurturing learning environment for refugees. Our initiatives have included fundraising efforts through two bake sales, aiming to cover expenses for textbooks, test fees, and computers, making education accessible for those displaced by conflict or persecution.

Additionally, our involvement in the Write-4-Rights campaign allowed us to voice our support for individuals facing unjust imprisonment or persecution. This year, we focused on cases that resonate with our principles, including Pedro Henrique in Brazil, and Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul in Australia. These efforts highlight our belief in justice and the power of solidarity across borders.

Beyond these efforts, we hosted an in-house debate that sparked thoughtful discussions on the complexities of accepting refugees. The debate explored potential rules and structures that countries could implement to assist refugees effectively, without compromising their own economic stability. This event provided a platform for diverse perspectives, encouraging a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by refugee resettlement. Through dialogue, we sought to envision practical and compassionate approaches to integration that respect both the rights of refugees and the interests of host communities.

Our activities this year have demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights advocacy, highlighting the importance of education, justice, and informed debate in fostering a more inclusive and equitable world.

gymnastics invitational

Georgina Wright, Head of Gymnastics

Ahuge

congratulations to all of the Gymnastics Team who have competed over the past month at both Harrow and NIST Invitationals. Bangkok Patana was represented by nearly 100 gymnasts at each event, the most entries from any other school! The team have been working hard either side of half term break and Residentials to ensure that they are ready both physically and mentally. Support for their peers, as always, was outstanding. Among many individual podiums, highlights below for team achievements. Particular well done to those in ‘Senior’ categories of each level. Gymnasts are often competing against children much older than them due to the age categories.

GO TIGERS!

caring for coral this songkran

Ana Bolakoso SEC President

As the weather heats up, many of us head to the beach to swim, surf, kayak, and dive. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival, is a time of renewal and celebration. It’s also a popular time for beach vacations, making it the perfect opportunity to practise responsible snorkelling and diving to protect our precious coral reefs.

CHOOSE ECO-FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN:

Before you dive in, make sure your sunscreen is reefsafe. Chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate can harm corals, leading to coral bleaching. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less harmful to marine life.

MAINTAIN BUOYANCY CONTROL:

Good buoyancy control is crucial when diving or snorkelling near coral reefs. Avoid touching, standing, or kneeling on corals, as this can cause damage or break fragile structures. Practise your buoyancy skills in open water to minimise your impact on the reef.

DON’T FEED THE FISH:

Feeding fish can disrupt their natural behaviour and diet, leading to ecological imbalances. Enjoy observing marine life without interfering with their feeding habits.

BE AWARE OF YOUR FINS:

Fins can accidentally kick and damage corals, especially in tight spaces. Be mindful of your movements and maintain a safe distance from the reef.

TAKE ONLY PICTURES, LEAVE ONLY BUBBLES:

Resist the urge to take souvenirs from the ocean. Coral fragments, shells, and other marine life are vital to the ecosystem’s health. Capture your memories with photos instead.

FOLLOW THE RULES AND GUIDELINES:

Respect marine protected areas and follow local rules and guidelines. These regulations are in place to preserve

the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE TOURISM:

Choose tour operators and dive centres that prioritise eco-friendly practices, such as limiting group sizes, providing environmental education, and actively participating in conservation work.

PARTICIPATE IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS:

Get involved in coral reef conservation projects, such as coral planting or reef clean-up activities. Your participation can make a significant difference in the preservation of these underwater treasures.

Here are some Thailand-based coral conservation projects that are currently in action:

New Heaven Reef Conservation Program (Koh Tao):This program focuses on coral reef restoration, research, and education. Volunteers can get involved in activities such as coral nursery maintenance, reef monitoring, and marine debris removal.

Eco Koh Tao (Koh Tao): Eco Koh Tao specialises in marine conservation and education, with a focus on coral reef restoration, research, and eco-diving courses. They offer various programs for divers and non-divers to participate in conservation efforts.

Green Fins Thailand: Green Fins is an initiative that promotes environmentally responsible diving and snorkelling practices. They work with dive centres and operators in Thailand to reduce their environmental impact on coral reefs. Green Fins Thailand.

Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC): PMBC conducts research and conservation activities related to marine biodiversity, including coral reef restoration projects. They often collaborate with other organisations and volunteers for reef rehabilitation efforts. Phuket Marine Biological Center

Onthe 12th March, the Design + Technology Department welcomed visiting lecturers from the University of Northampton to Bangkok Patana School. The group consisted of two Senior Lecturers, Sarah Cave and Gill Chambers, from the Faculty of Education accompanied by Harshi Sehmar, the Principal of The Village Education Centre, an international special needs school here in Bangkok.

After a tour of the campus, they met with Mr Richard Smith, Head of D+T, to discuss past, present and future IB coursework projects linked to the Village Education Centre. At the heart of this visit was the opportunity to continue the dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise and to review the collaboration that has been carefully crafted over the last decade which has helped Bangkok Patana’s D+T department maintain such high recognition for the IB board. Central to its acclaim is the ethos of socially responsible design. Here, innovation isn’t just about pushing the boundaries of creativity; it is about addressing real-world challenges with empathy, honesty and ingenuity.

One of the most striking aspects of Patana’s IB D+T curriculum is the focus on understanding the needs of children with special needs. Over the course of two years, each IB D+T student delves deep into the world of difference, gaining insights into the unique challenges faced by individuals with diverse learning differences which can arise from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and Dyspraxia, to name a few. The Year 12 and Year 13 students are also introduced to theorists such as Vygotsky, Bronfenbrenner and Maslow, who all signpost us to look closer at the individual needs of the child. Over the course of two years, each D+T student is given the opportunity to spend valuable time with a specific student at the Village. They also meet the child’s key therapists such as Occupational, Physio and Speech Therapists, allowing them to get a clear understanding into the needs of the child. Armed with all this important knowledge, the Patana IB students aim to design something that will enhance the lives of these children.

This unique hands-on approach isn’t merely an academic exercise in pursuit of a high grade, it is also very much about fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy among Patana students. By immersing themselves in the lives and experiences of a specific student at the Village, they build a clearer understanding of the challenges the child faces which, in turn, enables them to design with purpose, compassion and empathy.

The visit provided a platform for exchange and collaboration; the visiting lecturers helping the D+T department keep abreast with current best practices in the UK. Discussions revolved around the importance of integrating socially responsible design principles into educational curricula and the broader implications for society.

As we reflect on this enriching experience, it is evident that collaborations like the one between Design + Technology at Patana and the Village Education Centre are not just shaping the designers of tomorrow, they are nurturing a new generation of empathetic, caring problem-solvers who are committed to making the world a better place, one amazingly innovative and bespoke design at a time.

Such collaboration and shared learning enable and ensures that education becomes a powerful force for positive change in our communities and beyond.

Richard Smith, Head of Faculty, Design + Technoloy and Harshi Sehmar, Principal, The Village Education Centre

changing tidEs in univErsity admission

Kevin Keller, Head of Faculty, Careers and University Counselling

University admission has been in the news in several countries over the last few months. In our most recent university coffee morning, we examined some of the trends and topics which could be causing concern or confusion in several of Bangkok Patana’s most popular university destinations. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be covering these changes and providing updates to the wider parent community since our most recent presentation.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

One of the major legacies of the COVID-19 pandemic in university admission was the removal of the SAT/ACT standardized testing requirement. The global lack of access to the exam caused the vast majority of US universities to remove the requirement and move to a more qualitative approach to verifying readiness for university study. Now that the world has settled into normalcy following the global upheaval of COVID-19, universities are reviewing the policy which removed the SAT, crunching the data on the success of students admitted without scores and determining how best to move forward now that the SAT is again widely available (and now online only!).

You may have seen in the news that universities like Dartmouth College and the University of Texas re-instating the SAT requirement while similar universities like Vanderbilt University and Cornell University have decided to keep their “test optional” (submission of an SAT/ACT score is optional) in place. Some universities have even announced that the test optional policies will continue for the foreseeable future.

WHY IS THERE A DIFFERENT APPROACH?

while others have found the opposite and the lack of consistency can be very frustrating!

WHAT CAN PATANA STUDENTS DO?

Bangkok Patana Students hoping to study in the USA should certainly take the SAT (hosted at Patana in a closed test centre) or the ACT beginning in Term 2 of Year 12. Any earlier, and it’s not an accurate depiction of ability or college readiness and the lower results can cause unnecessary stress. Statistically, taking the exam too many times may lead to stagnation or even a drop in scores, so we only recommend taking the SAT 2-3 times between later Year 12 and early Year 13. There are many test-prep organizations out there, still touting the value of the SAT in university admission to pressure students and their parents to pay large tutoring fees. In some cases that is true, but in the majority of cases the SAT is a small part of a much bigger picture when universities are reviewing applications. Instead of spending time studying for the SAT, engage in charity work, learn a new language, start an investment club, complete a long-term internship or research project; these activities can really make-or-break an application to top universities and in most cases, are far more meaningful to admission officers. In short, it’s all about finding balance.

There are two sides of the argument. One side argues that the exams signify college-readiness and allows students from backgrounds which historically have limited access to higher education to demonstrate an additional piece of evidence to support their admission. The other side of the argument believes standardised testing gives an advantage to students with access to the best schools and tutoring services, which cause inflated results and giving too much emphasis on quantitative data puts too much pressure on students to perform on a single exam.

These two approaches are causing universities to pour resources into studying the success, graduation rates and campus engagement of students who were admitted under test-optional policies over the last several years. Some universities have found data supporting the use of the SAT,

smilE day 2024

Thank you to everyone who contributed towards Operation Smile. The Primary School fundraised a total of THB 94,206.

#271: 3 in 3 Patana Ptg tEch tiPs

If you have any areas of technology you would like me to talk about in these 3 in 3 videos then please add a comment in the video or contact me directly on brta@patana.ac.th.

Timestamps

0:00 #1 Everything you need to know about Private Browsing

Screenagers Blog | Must-Knows About Incognito Web Browsing (screenagersmovie.com)

1:33 #2 Breathe life back into an old laptop you may have lying around

How to Install ChromeOS Flex - Tech Advisor

2:31 #3 Computer viruses sent in SVG photo files - how to protect yourself SVG Files and Malware (waynedenner.com)

Have a great weekend.

Brian Taylor

Assistant Principal, Technology for Learning

Patana participateS!

Achievements from Our Community

Last weekend the province of Chai Nat hosted Round 3 of the Thai National BMX series. It was a lonely affair for history teacher Rod Fountain because the rest of the team had other stuff going on: Nico Lovegrove (Year 9) was busy assisting at Patana’s Science Conference, Freddy Minchin (Year 10) had commitments with the Mercy Centre Community Action Team and understandably, Frank Myers (Year 9) didn’t fancy spending the weekend alone with a history teacher!

Heading up to Chai Nat alone, Rod (No.816) was again racing an ‘Old School’ BMX bike (from 1984). He was nervous about how he, and it, would perform on this track which like the bike is old. A mix of asphalt and dirt, the track has a couple of notorious features which never fail to bring the dreams and machines of racers literally crashing down to earth. In fact, Rod’s 2022 season ended here when he crashed just seconds after the gate dropped.

With sharp gravel on the track and thorns in the grass at the side, races here see as many punctures as they do crashes which left Rod wondering which, if any, he’d suffer

from. ‘Luckily’ it was the former. With no time to change his tyre before the first race, he pumped it up and hoped it would last the 40 seconds until the end of the first heat, or ‘moto’. It did and so rather than change it that day he just blew it up minutes before each moto!

With no real chance of winning against the modern bikes on the gate, Rod’s aim for the weekend, and the season in fact, is simply to get as close to the front as possible. At round 1 he managed 3rd place on the smooth concrete surface of his local track but didn’t think that would be the case at Chai Nat. He should have more faith though because he ended up with third place and another unexpected trip to the podium!

There are two new tracks being introduced to the championship next year which will add some much-needed variety and will attract even more spectators and racers. If you want to be one of either then please get in touch with Rod on rofo@patana.ac.th or follow the team’s journey at www.facebook.com/pedalsreadygo

“This is a video I edited for Ignite, a club at our school that spreads awareness and gives insight to many different religions. With Ramadan and Eid coming up, we wanted to raise awareness on the topic so people around the school could have a better idea of what Ramadan and Eid are and how people take part.”- Arish

Sachdev, 10R