Gradually, over a twelve-week period, the daily tasks of work management, house management, family management, life management, self-management, other management, pet management takes its toll.
It takes an awful lot of willpower to keep various aspects of our lives going. Like a muscle, willpower can get tired from its continual use. The need to take so many decisions, to self-check our decisions, to learn from our decisions saps strength.
Our brain consumes the most energy of all our organs as thinking takes a lot of fuel. After a long school term, there are few who have been able to maintain consistency of sleep, diet and healthy eating to operate at the peak performance we felt in January. Where we may have typically responded with patience, kindness and reasonable acceptance to life’s challenges; this can be replaced with frustration, chiding or isolation. Add in social media and the ability to offer immediate response in the sea of opinion is an easy road to regret.
Humans are constantly making sense of their world, navigating their differences of language, clothing, food and religion; it also takes thinking time and experience to appreciate there are different beliefs, opinions and perspectives which are all as valid as our own. Life is both beautiful and challenging because we have these differences. These differences are also our assets as a community. Being able to recognise points of difference and appreciate what they can teach us about ourselves and each other is the hidden curriculum in an international school. These are the moments which help shape truly unique and inspiring places of learning such as ours. This is what global citizenship is about and this is why our children continue to be so successful as they move forward in life. The five Ps are an essential toolkit for all global citizens and these actions take time to master before they become second nature.
• Presume positive intent
• Pause
• Position curiously
• Put ideas on the table
• Pay attention to self and others
New things happen around us all the time, some of which will be new or unexpected. Everyone who is in our community wakes up each morning wanting to give their best. Presume their positive intent.
Life throws up new things continually and the speed of the day means we often react automatically. Benefit from taking a pause in your thinking.
When there is misunderstanding, frame your thoughts curiously so others feel heard and seen. “I’m curious to understand more about……” has less judgement than “why?”.
Invite yourself to put ideas on the table. It is natural to downplay a part of ourselves to be accepted, instead, offering ideas can enable others to understand what our needs and values are.
Finally, paying attention to self and others means deliberately checking that messages are received with the intention they are sent.
Restore yourselves, your energy and your balance this Songkran. You have all worked hard this term and achieved greatly. The pages that follow and the upcoming Term 2 Magazine are packed with our communities’ stories, thank you to the communications and marketing team for capturing the narrative with care. Thank you also for the commitment and effort that everybody has shown to Bangkok Patana School and a special mention to both Year 11 and 13 who have our fullest support as they begin thinking about their final examination preparation.
Happy Songkran!
Presume positive intent, Pause, Position curiously, Put ideas on the table, Pay attention to self and others
Weare delighted to share the exciting news of our recent victory at the SEASAC Softball Championship which also marks a great end to our last Softball season at Bangkok Patana. Looking back on our journey from playing Under13 Softball in Year 7 to competing for the Varsity Girls, we realise how profoundly it has shaped our school experience. The friendships formed through shared defeats, victories and hours of training have been incredibly meaningful. Participating in sporting events like SEASAC, where we get the privilege to travel overseas for competitions, offers experiences that you’re unlikely to have anywhere else beyond high school. Throughout this journey, our team mates and coaches have been pillars of support, offering encouragement, guidance, and unforgettable memories that have strengthened our bond as a team.
Heading into this year’s SEASAC final, undefeated throughout the whole season, was reminiscent of the previous year’s final. The stakes were high, yet we approached the game with composure and a new found collective mental strength. We faced initial challenges, struggling to establish a lead in runs, however, our strong fielding ef-
forts maintained a tied score. Mila’s home run provided a crucial boost to our confidence. As the game progressed to its final inning, every play gained significance. Lian’s hit, bringing Monika home, gave us the one run lead we needed. Then, in our last inning on the field, the pressure was on and it was crucial to prevent any further homes. The final pitch, landed perfectly on the mat, sealing our victory. It was an incredibly intense game, but through teamwork and determination, we emerged as SEASAC champions with a score of 8-7 against UWC East.
As Co-Captains, leading such an exceptional group alongside our incredible coach, Ms Dale has been immensely fulfilling. During the tense moments of the final game, we maintained our composure, channelling our combined focus (as a result of our pre-match team ‘meditation’ and TikToks!) to secure the victory.
Our success at SEASAC underscores the importance of teamwork and dedication. We are so grateful for this experience and will cherish the memories made throughout our Softball experience at Bangkok Patana School.
The Gymnastics Academy are excited to announce that we have not one, but two fantastic GB and Olympic Athletes coming to spend two weeks with us at Bangkok Patana! For now, save the dates for the GB Gymnastics Masterclass with Kelly Simm and Claudia Fragapane! These will be happening between Saturday 17th and Tuesday 20th August.
These professional athletes have many phenomenal achievements between them including; Team GB Commonwealth Champions, English Champion’s, British Champion’s, and Team GB Olympic 5th to name a few. Claudia has also starred as a dancer on the very popular UK TV series, Strictly Come Dancing!
A huge amount of work has been going on behind the scenes and there will be more information to follow after Sonkran. We hope you are as excited as us! What an incredible opportunity for not only the BPS Gymnastics Academy, but also the wider school community in which these athletes will be involved.
“Never doubt that a small, committed group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Why? Because it’s the only thing that ever has”- Margaret Mead
This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Sarah McCormack, Primary Principal, to dive into the intriguing new initiative known as ‘Take 10’. Developed by the Primary Leadership Team for the duration of Term 2, ‘Take 10’ aims to strengthen communication and the connection between the teachers and students regarding their learning experiences.
In a bustling school environment like ours, it is all too easy for senior leaders to lose touch with the pulse of student life. Since joining Patana, I have made it a personal commitment to join the children daily at lunchtime in the Primary Canteen. It is remarkable what insights can stem from these casual interactions and over a bowl of noodles. However, wishing to delve deeper into the students’ perspectives on their learning journey, we introduced ‘Take 10’. It’s a straightforward invitation for students to engage in dialogue with the Primary Leadership Team about their educational experiences.
Every Wednesday afternoon at 2.00pm, representatives from each class, spanning from Year 3 to Year 6, are given the opportunity to voice their thoughts on their learning. We have structured our discussions around four broad yet pivotal questions:
What standout moments have you experienced in your learning this year?
What obstacles or challenges have you encountered in your learning journey?
What do you need to get better at?
How can we enhance and enrich your overall learning experience?
The primary objective is to directly solicit feedback from our students regarding their educational endeavours. This invaluable feedback not only informs key Development Plan projects, such as our ongoing curriculum review, but also aligns seamlessly with our current Primary strategic goals to empower student voice within our educational
So far, we have unearthed a treasure trove of positive feedback!
Our students express genuine enthusiasm for our engaging approach to lessons and hold a deep appreciation for their teachers. They value the autonomy afforded to them and relish the hands-on learning experiences, such as those offered during Science Week. Our Year 6 students are really enjoying their new weekly Drama lessons and cannot wait for the upcoming end of year musical in May.
Absolutely! We are diligently compiling their suggestions for actionable steps to be taken in the upcoming
term. The eagerness with which they share their perspectives is a testament to our commitment to fostering open communication and nurturing critical thinking skills among our student body.
Undoubtedly, this initiative has proven to be a remarkable avenue for our leadership team to forge deeper connections with our students, and vice versa. Not only have we gleaned invaluable insights, but we have also been challenged by some interesting questions posed by our students. My favourite one so far is ‘Why is the cross campus called the cross campus?” “Is it a bit like a crossroad?”
It is incredible what you can learn from children, of all ages. I’ve found that during my last two decades in education, it is often the children, and not the teachers and leaders, who have the best questions and answers. It is our job just to allow them the space and opportunities to explore them.
Overthe weekend, the Tigers were represented across Asia in a Super SEASAC weekend of sport. Our Gymnasts embarked on a trip to Jakarta, Indonesia, to compete with the very best from Singapore in particular. A 29-strong group performed exceptionally well with a number of medallists across the weekend. Patana was on the podium 34 times across Team, Individual Apparatus and All Round Events. After a lot of challenges in the build up to the event, the whole competition ran extremely smoothly and students got the chance to embrace being a part of SEASAC alongside their peers from around the region. It was a very special last SEASAC for Keira, Paengrum and Ari, who leave us as Year 13’s and have been in the team almost their entire lives! Look out for the full write up in the next Patana News.
Singapore was the venue for our Badminton teams as both Boys and Girls Varsity teams made the short trip south to compete. The Boys were keen to gain promotion to Division 1, with a young and ambitious squad, improving rapidly this season.
As the games, sets and tournament progressed, the Boys really stepped up and dug deep in the semi-final to defeat a strong KLASS team and advance to the promotion match.
Unfortunately, some really close games went by and the boys settled for a well-earned Silver in Division 2. This team will return next year, aiming to get back to the top table.
The Girls arrived at UWC-East in the always competitive Division 1 tournament. Day 1 was tough for them, after three losses which set up a difficult Day 2 opening fixture against position 1 from Group B. The Girls played a lot better on Day 2, narrowly losing their first game against a very strong NIST team. Taking confidence from their much-improved performance, the Girls had their most important game of the weekend against GIS. They held their nerve to secure a 3-2 win ensuring they kept themselves in the mix and away from relegation territory. The weekend ended in the 5th/6th game against RIS, who had a 2 - 1 victory-to-loss ratio against BPS this season. The Girls beat RIS 3-2 to secure 5th place and tie their season record with RIS. The whole squad will be available to return next year to try and move into those medal matches.
Finally in Bangkok, the Tigers had both Varsity and JV Softball teams in action. With 22 teams at the Sports Complex, an electric atmosphere was guaranteed. Both JV teams, using this as a learning experience and stepping stone, won multiple matches and ended up winning their
respective plate tournaments, against a number of Varsity squads.
The Varsity Boys were keen to avenge a frustrating 4th place last year. They shook off a shaky first day to storm through to the 3rd/4th game on Sunday. In a nail biting overtime inning, the boys kept their cool to get across the line 16:15, against a strong SAIS team.
The Varsity Girls were a force to be reckoned with this year. Finishing their group stage in dominant fashion with a +100 run differential they faced last year’s champions (UWC-Dover) in the final pool match, which acted as a semi final. Our Girls were fierce yet composed and played textbook Softball to secure a comfortable win and head into the final with UWC-East.
Emotions and adrenaline always run high in SEASAC finals. UWC-East got off to a flying start, jumping to a 4:0 lead early on. Our Girls handled the pressure and patiently waited for their chances. In the 5th inning, the girls loaded two bases before Year 9 Mila found the home run to pull the girls into the lead. UWC-East fought back and levelled the score in the 7th inning to take it right down to the wire. In a nail biting over time inning, Pearl and Lian batted to bring Monika home and claim back the lead. Followed by some unbelievably composed pitching under huge pressure, from Amelia, to take the win. SEASAC Champions 2024 for the girls and a fantastic finish to the weekend.
A big thank you to all the coaches and staff who have made such a busy weekend of sport possible. With Athletics on as well, there were more than 150 students on Tigers duty over the weekend.
Your monthly round up of reading recommendations. This month’s theme… Relationships
1. What is one of your fondest or most favourite reading memories?
One of my fondest reading memories thus far has to be reading non-fiction books, like American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. The reason I seem to gravitate towards reading non-fiction books and think of reading them as my fondest reading memories is because I like the fact that I get to experience the life of someone from their own perspective and what positive or negative effects they had to go through in their life. An example of this is all the complex thoughts Oppenheimer had to go through in the book after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki e.g. what was going to happen after the war? Or what if other countries got a hold of this nuclear weapon capable of mass genocide?
Sacha (FS2O) and Bex Seddon (Parent)
Pip and Posy and the Super Scooter by Axel Scheffler
This book is a fab one when dealing with complications in friendships. Pip and Posy fall out over a scooter, but can still care for each other and apologise. They make good choices in the end, to make everyone happy.
How Can you Lose an Elephant? by Jan Fearnley
This book sends a great message about not arguing over silly things, and how you can regret losing your temper with your friends.
The Fox who Stole the Moon by N. G. K
This is a story about wanting to be kind to your friend, but maybe not choosing the best gift. It is good, because the friends realise how lucky they are to find each other!
2. Which fictional character would most like/least like to meet in real life and why?
As I don’t read much fiction, I thought more about which real life person I would like to meet, which is J. Robert Oppenheimer. I would like to meet him the most in real life, because there weren’t many people to appreciate all the efforts he had to put in to control the amount of atomic weapons worldwide, or just him being the director of the Manhattan Project. Once I saw him, I would definitely say that I really thought he did a great job for his country and it was too bad the country didn’t appreciate him, after he contributed so much towards the war effort. In addition, I would ask him how he felt knowing that he had blood on his hands after the bombing, because it was probably very difficult for him to know that he invented the weapon that could destroy the Earth itself.
3. What does the theme of ‘Relationships’, or the word ‘Relationships’, mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this theme?
Relationships, to me, can be positive and negative - they can affect everyone in so many different ways. A book that is related to this theme that I would mention is The Agony And The Ecstasy. This book follows the life of the Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. The book goes into detail of his relationships and how they affected him, and his work. Examples of this include the relationship between him and his father. His father was never really proud of him for choosing to be an artist and wanted him to have a job that would make the family more money, since The Buonarrotis (Michelangelo’s family) were very poor. Even after he started making more money, he still gave his father a lot of the money that he earned. This was really heart-warming, as even though his father never really believed in him, he still went out of his way and struggled to provide for the whole family. The reason is because he cared about them so much, which shows the very deep and sacred relationship that Michelangelo had with his family.
Mrs Hayley Hatfield (Year 4 Class Teacher)
When the Mountains Roared by Jess Butterworth
When Ruby’s dad uproots her from Australia to set up a hotel in the mountains of India, Ruby is devastated. Not only are they living in a run-down building in the middle of the wilderness surrounded by scorpions, bears and leopards, but Ruby is sure that India will never truly feel like home – not without her mum there. This is a beautiful story which explores connections and relationships between Ruby and her Dad, as they navigate the loss of her Mum. It also shows a real love for the world around us and encourages us to examine our own relationships with Nature.
The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook
Set in Sri Lanka, this debut novel follows Chaya, who has a habit of stealing to help those in need. However, taking the queen’s jewels and the royal elephant means that she’s now a target and she must escape into the jungle. Chaya recruits others to help in her quest, and swiftly discovers the many different ways in which friends can have their relationships put to the test.
Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt
Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighbourhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. Filled with colourful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity, while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. In 4A, we really enjoyed reading this book and exploring how we can be compassionate and empathetic towards others.
Curious if we have any of these books available in our libraries? Come and Visit us
Ying Ying Han and Natalie Xin Qiao Thai (7R)
‘Keeper Of The Lost Cities’ by Shannon Messenger
This is our favourite book series, and it is one which delves into complicated and multi-layered relationships. We love these books, because they take you through a roller coaster of emotions. One of our favourite character relationships is between Sophie and Keefe, also known as Team Foster-Keefe. They have an especially unique bond, and they support and comfort each other throughout the series. They also trust one another immensely, as they both can relate to each other, providing an inspiring model of friendship and healthy inter-dependency. We highly recommend this series, because of its very relatable characters and the problems they overcome. Not only are the relationships between characters intricate, but the plot is riveting!
Mae Meyer (9U)
‘The Daughter Of Auschwitz’ by Tova Friedman
One of my most vivid memories related to reading occurred recently, when I finished this book, which will always remain unforgettable to me. I really enjoyed reading it, because it forced me to comprehend the complex story and emotional perspective of a Holocaust survivor. The story is like a passport to explore the Holocaust experiences, and how some of its victims endured their disturbing, torturous lives with commendable bravery. Tova Freidman, the author, wrote the book, because she felt the need to share her traumatising story with the rest of the world and raise awareness of the cruelty humans can inflict upon each other, in a bid to prevent history from repeating itself. One of the most intriguing aspects is the role reversal between the mother and daughter, where the once strong and resilient mother becomes demoralised, requiring care and support from her daughter. This reversal adds depth to their relationship, showcasing the daughter’s journey from a dependent to a caretaker role, as she grows up in the shadow of the chaos of her imprisonment. As the daughter navigates the challenges of caring for her mother, we are drawn into a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience, in the face of one of the greatest horrors to have ever been committed.
Amy Brettell (12S)Wind
This is one of the most inspiring and heartwarming books I have ever read. It is a memoir that chronicles Bowen’s journey of redemption and self-discovery, through his bond with a stray ginger cat, named Bob. The unlikely friendship between the smart feline and James, a recovering drug addict and musician, motivates readers to rekindle their will for self-improvement and offers an uplifting message of hope and resilience. There are challenges that every individual has to face, and this story shows that with the right ambition and incentive, these challenges can, and will be, overcome. The relationship between James and Bob resonates with our relationships with our pets. Through Bob, James learns valuable life lessons of responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of second chances. And I believe that we, too, can learn the same lessons from this uplifting tale.
Sasha Prachaseri (12R)
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book is about the entirety of Hugo’s life and revolves around the circumstances of each of her marriages. I believe this book represents this theme, because the whole book is about how she used each of her relationships to benefit herself and her career. Each relationship of hers was for a different reason; I think her life ultimately centres completely around the connections and interactions she had. I would recommend this book, because I found it unpredictable and to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
This is a classic children’s novel about a mole, a rat, a badger, and a toad. Each animal has their own characteristics and flaws, they tackle challenges in life, whilst assembling together to support one another. The story explores friendship and companionship. It teaches readers how a strong relationship and platonic love between friends is important, especially when having to overcome any obstacle that lays in one’s path.
KS4 & KS5 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Valerie Luedi (10S)
A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen
AtBangkok Patana School, our commitment to unleashing student potential is reinforced by the ongoing evolution of our teaching and learning practices, grounded in evidence-based research conducted by prominent scholars and educationalists. Driven by the abundance of research into the significant role play has on the development of young learners, we are actively exploring opportunities for child-led learning alongside the innovative direct instruction and playful learning taking place within our Key Stage1Curriculum.
Research into the impact of child-led play on development has been ongoing for decades. Pioneering research by influential figures in the fields of psychology and education, such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, laid the foundation for understanding the intricate connections between play and cognitive, social and emotional growth. Their work emphasised the pivotal role of play in fostering creativity, enhancing cognitive development and developing a deeper understanding of their social environment.
Today, at the University of Cambridge, developmental psychologists working with the centre for research on play in education, development and learning (PEDAL), have determined that self-directed play supports the development of executive functioning (learning-tolearn) skills crucial for academic success. Play develops skills such as working memory, cognitive flexibility and impulse control which are essential for effective learning in a traditional classroom environment. Research has also
shown that child-led play provides the highest incidences of self-regulatory and metacognitive behaviours for young learners. This aligns with the research of wellknown scholar Julie Fisher, a professor of Early Childhood Education at Oxford University, who strongly advocates for the inclusion of play or the ‘child’s curriculum’ within Key Stage1and beyond.
Alongside enhancing cognitive development, research has shown that child-led play is central to a child’s social and emotional growth. The autonomy of selfinitiated learning heightens engagement and intrinsic motivation whilst allowing children to develop their ability to collaborate, communicate and navigate social situations independently. Moreover, as children engage in self-initiated play scenarios, they naturally navigate complex emotional experiences, learning to express themselves, understand others’ perspectives, and regulate their emotions. Child-led play not only nurtures creativity but also serves as a dynamic arena for the acquisition of essential life skills, laying the foundation for healthy social and emotional development.
In Key Stage 1 at Patana, children regularly engage in self-initiated, child-led play alongside more formal classroom learning. This takes place outside the classroom during breaks and inside within our shared areas. Opportunities provided in child-led play are progressive to ensure children are continuously challenged. Our shared areas are expertly planned and carefully resourced play environments responsive to the social, emotional and cognitive needs of the children. Within play, adults engage the children in high-quality interactions that deepen learning, facilitate connections and enhance communication.
Assessment of the Characteristics of Effective Learning alongside observations of executive functioning skills are proactively used to support development and build upon curriculum objectives.
A wealth of evidence-based research underscores the vital importance of child-led play in fostering both enhanced cognitive development and profound social and emotional growth in young learners. At Bangkok Patana, we recognise its power to equip students with the essential skills for success. By prioritising the ‘child’s curriculum’, we are empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering creativity and a lifelong love for exploration and discovery. This deliberate commitment to holistic education not only primes students for academic triumphs but also forges resilient, empathetic individuals equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Smile Club, a student-driven Community Engagement club, is dedicated to raising funds for surgeries aimed at correcting facial deformities in children, primarily focusing on cleft lips or cleft palates. Our work alongside the Operation Smile organisation enables us to make a life-changing impact for these deserving children, which they carry with throughout their entire lives. Our mission is to fund a minimum of two surgeries annually, recognising that each operation costs approximately 30,000 baht. Apart from raising money, we make it a point to spread awareness about cleft lips within our school community. This not only helps students become aware of and appreciate what they have in their daily lives but also ensures they understand why their contributions matter and how they make a tangible difference in a child’s life. With our initiatives, we’re working towards building a caring and knowledgeable community that enthusiastically helps out with the cause. (Aroosha Asim from 12O who is Smile Club’s recently appointed President)
This year, raising 200,000 Baht for Operation Smile Club has been a truly extraordinary experience, made possible by the incredible contribution and support from the parents, students, and teachers in the Bangkok Patana community. Events such as the dunk tank, numerous bake sales and Smile Day played a crucial role in reaching this milestone. After each donation, it felt like a step closer to bringing a smile to a child’s face who may not have the privilege to fund their healthcare and would be facing the challenges of having a cleft lip palate at such a young and vulnerable age. This achievement is not just about the number itself but about the lives it has touched and transformed, getting us closer to helping every child in need to receive the care they deserve. Through engaging activities like bake sales and DIY marshmallow stations, our club efficiently managed our time and resources, developing teamwork skills and a strong team dynamic. Our hard work and effort resulted in a significant contribution to Operation Smile.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of travelling to Seoul, South Korea to visit some of that country’s most prestigious universities. I had the chance learn more about how to better support our Korean and non-Korean students who may be interested in exploring their post-secondary education at one of these top universities.
Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Chung Ang and Sungkyunkwan University were all impressive in a variety of ways. From Sungkyunkwan’s historic campus in old-town Seoul, founded in 1398, to Yonsei’s vibrant student life and bustling campus not far from Seoul’s central business district, each university offers our students a launching pad for success. Each of the universities I visited had a building or even a whole college named after companies like Samsung, LG or Hyundai. I even witnessed on-site interviews by these companies targeting graduates. Seoul National University’s level of academics was seemingly unmatched as I heard students discuss the competitiveness inside and outside of the classroom which drives them to live up to their expectations of becoming some of Korea’s top businesspeople and politicians. I can’t say enough about how impressed I was by the services, facilities and teaching offered to their students!
appreciation for international and Korean student interest in their universities. Teacher recommendations and personal statements are no longer allowed to be included in applications due to recent policy changes at the Korean Ministry of Education, which means more emphasis is being placed on student performance in the IB (often requiring 38+ points in the IB) and community leadership and engagement. Interviews are sometimes required to measure Korean and/or English fluency (depending on the desired program) and some interviews (Chung Ang) will even measure your existing knowledge about the subject of your choice. The IB students that I met with found themselves to be more prepared than their peers for the intense research and discussion-based learning that they encountered and the university admission officers clearly respected the IB, encouraging students to focus on their over-all IB scores rather than trying to supplement it with SAT or AP scores, as they recommend for students studying other curricula.
While a majority of the degree programmes at these universities require fluency in Korean, each of them also offer fully-English degree courses in subjects like International Studies (Korea University), Global Business Administration (Sungkyunkwan) or the all-English liberal arts college, Underwood College at Yonsei University offering 15+ majors in humanities and STEM fields. All of these programs, for domestic and international students are on offer for less than $10,000 USD; and financial aid is available! I found each of these institutions to be a potentially strong fit for any of our students hoping to study in a well-resourced, cutting-edge environment with a diverse student body.
Admission for Korean students to these universities is notoriously challenging, with a significant amount of documentation required, even down to notarised school reports! Now, the Patana Careers team has an even better understanding of what the university admission officers are looking for when they ask for things like academic and personal growth on applications and how students have fully engaged in their school’s community. The Dean of Admission at both Yonsei and Seoul National University met with me to discuss their admission process and their
South Korean universities should definitely be on the radar of not only our Korean students, but for all students who are looking to study in English at highly regarded universities within the region. Students have the opportunity to study closer to home and access resources which rival their counterparts in the United States or United Kingdom at a far lower price. If you’re interested in learning more about studying in Korea, please reach out to one of our university counsellors to learn more!
Inthe hallowed halls of Bangkok Patana School, where academic achievements are celebrated and sports victories echo through the corridors, there exists a quieter yet equally profound realm – the world of art. As a younger Art student, walking through the Year13 Art Exhibition is like entering a sacred space where emotions, experiences, and reflections intertwine on canvas, paper, and sculpture. Each piece speaks volumes, not only of the artists’ journeys but also of the human experience itself.
The IB Visual Arts Show 2024 comprises of artworks by Amy Burrell, Demi Chaitavatputtiporn, Tisha Hannaford, Siya Italia, Natalie James, Seal, Khemkhon, Mahi Lodha, Niamh Sehmar, Jiya Singh, Tina Stor, Taey Traisorat, Yiming Wang, Lenny Wenk, Zoe Worrall and Freya Yao. All these students are from Ms Redman and Ms Marcovici’s classes and both Art teachers shared that, “The Art Department feel very proud to celebrate the hard work of our students in Year 13 and the opening night saw an excellent turnout on the part of students, staff and parents who, as usual, were blown away by the beautiful and thought-provoking pieces, as well as the stu-
dents’ ability to conceptualise maturely and verbally present their work to the assembled audience.” Attendees remarked that it was a particularly strong year for diversity in technique and many guests particularly enjoyed interacting with the artworks in new and exciting ways. We have put together a beautiful full colour Exhibition catalogue and you will be able to read all about the students’ artworks and enjoy the exhibition for yourself in the Exhibition Hall until 24th April.’ As described in the Exhibition catalogue, ‘This year’s exhibition presents a varied, bold, and reflective array of artworks, delving into an array of themes, ideas and mediums that promises to captivate and inspire you’ and this is certainly experienced when hearing from some of the artists describing their artistic intentions.
“My inspiration for my collection was from the things I’ve seen and heard of as a child growing up in a province outside of Bangkok,” said Tina Stor. When viewing her work it is clear to me that Tina’s artistic journey delves into the heart of Thai culture, finding inspiration in her childhood experiences outside and the stories passed down through generations, as she explores the delicate balance between the physical and
spiritual realms that define it.
Whilst Niamh Sehmar, continues the theme of personal identity, seen through the struggle of coping in today’s convoluted and social media driven society, creating striking works of art from charcoal to terracotta clay. “The constraints related to physical appearance and of constantly presenting ourselves in a certain way and the harsh reality of being a young female confronted with the norms of patriarchal society is something that I have experienced and I wanted to capture in my work,” she said.
Jiya Singh navigates the delicate balance between two worlds, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and displacement. From the suffocating weight of societal expectations to the quest for self-discovery and acceptance, Jiya’s art captures the essence of a journey filled with both pain and growth.
Lenny Wenk’s collection bravely confronts the shadows of depression. Through a haunting blend of striking colours and textures, Lenny lays bare the raw emotions and inner turmoil that accompany mental illness. His work serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength found within the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.
Through her collection Demi Shaitavatpuuiporn investigates identity pertaining to memories and emotions. Demi says, “In
my opinion, memories and emotions change who we are and influence the person we become.”
Escapism is the central theme in Taey Traisorat’s collection. “I grew up amid the bustling city of Bangkok, enclosed by a concrete jungle that is thickening by the day, where everything around me is constantly shifting and changing. Naturally, I was drawn to the notion of escape,” he said.
Amidst the myriad styles and mediums, there is a common thread that binds the exhibition together – the theme of identity. Each artwork offers a unique perspective, a glimpse into the artist’s inner world, and a reflection of the human condition. Vivid contrasts emerge through the individual narratives, highlighting the universality of human experiences despite the diversity of backgrounds and circumstances.
As the opening night concluded, visitors lingered in the gallery, reluctant to part ways with the profound emotions and insights that had inspired them. In the quiet moments of reflection, amidst the vibrant colours and captivating imagery, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the journey to self-discovery is a never-ending odyssey, but one that is made infinitely richer by the shared experiences and stories of those around us. In a school as diverse as ours this gives us an opportunity to celebrate everyone’s individual differences and things that unite us at the same time.
As a Year 12 IB Visual Arts student, this exciting and empowering event awaits me next year. As I reflect on my own journey as an artist, I am reminded of the transformative power of Art – to illuminate, to provoke, and to connect. The Year13 Art Exhibition serves not only as a showcase of talent but also as a testament to the heartfelt impact of creativity on our understanding of self and society. It’s a reminder that Art has the power to transcend boundaries, to challenge perceptions, and to spark conversations that linger long after the exhibition lights have dimmed.
In the end, the Year13 Art Exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art in shaping our
understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through the lens of identity, these young artists invite us to embark on a journey of self-exploration and empathy, reminding us that true beauty lies in the unapologetic embrace of our authentic selves. The exhibition is more than just a collection of artworks; it’s a celebration of individuality in all its complexity and beauty. Through the eyes of my elder peers, I glimpse the infinite possibilities of artistic expression we are given the opportunity of exploring, and I am inspired to embark on my own journey of self-discovery through art.
I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of creativity.
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 Closing apps on your phone to improve battery life is a myth
How to Fix iOS 17.4 Battery Drain - Geeky Gadgets (geeky-gadgets.com)
0:57 #2 How to subscribe to the Patana calendar on your laptop
1:51 #3 Checking phones whilst doing homework (deep work) causes resumption lag & anxiety
Screenagers Bites - Checking Phones During Homework: A Vicious Cycle | Larry Rosen, PhD
Have a great weekend.
Brian Taylor
Assistant Principal, Technology for Learning
OnSunday, December 3rd, 2023, a cohort of 22 students embarked on the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Cycling Expedition, assembled at Suvarnabhumi Airport, eagerly anticipating their flight to Chiang Mai to complete their last DofE expedition. Following the practice journey to Khao Yai in October, a few of our group members were nervous and filled with anxiety due to the challenges that lay ahead. Nevertheless, with a strong mindset, we arrived in Chiang Mai after a brief flight. We settled into our hotel for the first night, preparing for our bus journey to the starting point scheduled for the following morning. With our hotel being conveniently located next to a mall, we loaded up on cooking supplies and ingredients that we’d use to cook with for the next three days.
All of us felt a little weary from the flight but we also felt excited for the trip and the experiences it would bring. Despite the initial jitters and concerns, we felt energised and more at ease by the thought of being able to do this expedition with our friends. After stocking up on supplies at the supermarket, we felt more confident about our food and cooking arrangements. With a long day ahead, we opted for an early night’s rest to ensure we were fully prepared.
Since it was the first day, exhaustion settled in pretty quickly, prompting numerous breaks to accommodate everyone’s pace and ensure we stayed together as a group. The terrain was also challenging with constant uphill and downhill stretches, particularly in the first few kilometres. However, the scenery of the rice paddy fields and mountains were beautiful, which helped us keep going. With lessons learned from our exhausting first day, we aimed to constantly stay hydrated throughout the day and take electrolytes to prevent potential cramping.
Overall, Day 2 proved to be more manageable, thanks to our experience from day 1. Despite encountering offroad terrain, the majority of it was flat with only a few obstacles. A significant portion of the ride today was the uphill into Pha Chor National Park where a mesmerising rock formation stands. As a break from cycling, we walked down to see the site and it was truly a sight to behold. Arriving at our campsite for the night, we found that it was very nice and quiet, which allowed us to rest properly for another long day ahead. We prioritised stretching at every break and our goals for the following day were to
minimise injuries and be more careful going downhill.
Day 3 was our longest day yet, with a staggering 50 km journey. Venturing deeper into the forest, we navigated through a lot of rocky paths with a gradual uphill. Despite the lengthy journey, all of us feel that this day was arguably the best day because the ride had been smooth for the majority of the trip, with minimal injuries and cramps. However, towards the final stretch of the journey for Day 3 leading into Ob Khan National Park, where our campsite was situated, the challenging uphill roads physically drained us completely.
As it was our final day cycling, we were all eager and motivated to finish smoothly and swiftly. Despite the many uphills faced on this day, we persevered. While some of us managed to cycle all the way up without getting off, the rest of us slowly pushed our bikes uphill. Throughout this journey, our sense of teamwork and cooperation only grew stronger with each passing day. We realised that the
importance did not lie in how quickly we reached our destination, but in the camaraderie and support we offered one another along the way.
Our guides and our teachers were very helpful and supportive throughout the entire expedition. Not only did the fantastic staff from the bike company have many water stops to ensure hydration, but they also provided us with refreshing coconuts! We looked forward to having them at every rest stop, which kept us going in a way too.
Ultimately, this expedition not only exposed us to the breathtaking scenery of Chiang Mai but more importantly, also instilled in us invaluable lessons of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. Navigating the uphill terrain and pushing through physical exertion mirrored life’s obstacles, reminding us of our ability to overcome adversity with determination and strength. This journey was not just about reaching the destination but also about the personal growth and resilience gained along the way. Overall, this expedition instilled within us an immense sense of accomplishment and pride.
Last Sunday, 24 March marked JCA Chess Academy’s Shrewsbury International School Chess Championship held at the Shrewsbury Riverside Campus. The event drew 253 students from 20 schools across Thailand. Those participating included: Aiden Choi Year 5, Evie Choi Year 4, Isaac Choi Year 5, Milo Huang Year 4, Ronan Huang Year 2, Caden Kong Year 3, Rourou Leng Year 2, Leah Leung Year 6, Leslie Li Year1, Levi Ross Year 3, Nicky Srikhuekul Year1, Cassie Tan Year1, Panuphon Tangburanakij Year 5, Ellie Verma Year 2 and Tony Wei Year 7.
Trophy winners included Leah Leung (Winner G12), Evie Choi (2nd runner up G10), and Levi Ross (1st Runner Up U08). Our Patana chess team also fought hard to secure the 1st runner up spot in the best performing school category. Congratulations and a job well done to all our exceptional students that participated!
