Patana News Volume 27 Issue 18 by Bangkok Patana School

Circa 2018 - Reusable straws and bio-degradable smoothie cups. WasteLess Week

Circa 2017 - Launch of new recycling containers. WasteLess Week #2

Waste Less Week #10: CeLebrating a DeCaDe of aCtion for a greener future

Cindy Adair, Cross Campus Principal

FEBRUARY 3 - 7

As Bangkok Patana School celebrates the 10th annual Waste Less Week, we reflect on a decade of inspiring eco-stories and significant milestones that are shaping the sustainability landscape. These stories showcase innovative solutions and demonstrate the power of individuals, communities and nations to effect change.

My own journey with environmental advocacy began in 1995 when I travelled to Japan to participate in the UNEP Youth Summit, representing New Zealand. The summit brought together 160 youth delegates from around the world, each passionate about addressing environmental challenges. Even back then we were discussing ways to reduce our environmental impact and we toured Japan’s first paper recycling plant. Participating in this forum gave me immense motivation and hope, the same motivation and hope I see in the eyes

of our students, who give so much of their time and energy to various causes related to the environment.

Many teens and tweens express concern for the planet they are inheriting, and a small number may even

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

-Dr Robert Swan

experience what has been termed ‘climate anxiety’. Research shows the most effective anecdote to climate anxiety is direct action in your local community. As the Antarctic explorer and friend of Patana, Dr Robert Swan says, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

Here are ten highlights from around

the world, paired with global achievements over the past ten years, that remind us of the incredible impact we can achieve together:

1. PLASTIC BAG BANS SWEEP THE GLOBE

From Kenya’s landmark 2017 ban on single-use plastic bags, with heavy penalties for violators, to the European Union’s legislation mandating drastic reductions in plastic consumption, governments worldwide have made bold commitments to reducing plastic waste. These policies have inspired grassroots campaigns, encouraging reusable alternatives in households and schools alike.

Key Milestone: By 2021, over 60 countries had introduced plastic bag bans or levies, with a significant reduction in waste and pollution.

At Patana: Our school shop vendors wrap uniforms in brown paper packaging and our snacks bars have drastically reduced single-use plastic

Circa 2018, Recycling plastic bottles. WasteLess Week #3

2. THE RISE OF OCEAN CLEANUP PROJECTS

The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch non-profit, has made remarkable progress in removing plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. In 2022, they announced the removal of over 100,000 kilograms of plastic, a powerful symbol of how technology can tackle environmental challenges.

Key Milestone: Increased public awareness has led to a surge in volunteer-led beach clean-ups globally, with millions participating annually.

At Patana: Our Patana Marine Conservation Group regularly participate in beach and reef clean ups, and have also been active in funding and installing artificial reefs to rebuild marine eco-systems. During our Residentials students also participate in various activities related to coastal conservation.

3. EDIBLE WATER PODS REVOLUTIONISING EVENTS

Marathons and festivals have embraced seaweed-based water pods, reducing the reliance on plastic bottles. These innovative, edible pods debuted at the 2019 London Marathon and have since become a sustainable staple at global events.

Key Milestone: This shift is part of a broader movement towards biodegradable and reusable packaging, with cities like San Francisco setting zero-waste targets.

At Patana: Our sports events are becoming greener every year with medals and trophies made of upcycled plastic, a move away from single use merchandise and no single use plastic water bottles.

4. RENEWABLE ENERGY OVERTAKES COAL

The last decade has seen renewable energy flourish, with wind and solar capacity doubling. In 2020, renewable energy surpassed coal in the U.S. energy mix for the first time, a

lage movement has expanded, offering blueprints for sustainable urban planning worldwide.

At Patana: We continue to incorporate green technologies into our new builds and maintain our fully off-grid Outdoor Classroom.

6. REWILDING PROJECTS RESTORE BIODIVERSITY

Rewilding Europe’s efforts have brought back species like bison and lynx to their natural habitats. In Yellowstone National Park, the reintroduction of wolves has restored balance to the ecosystem, underscoring the importance of biodiversity.

Key Milestone: Over the past decade, rewilding initiatives have restored millions of hectares of degraded land.

trend mirrored in several nations.

Key Milestone: As of 2023, over 30% of global electricity is generated from renewable sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly.

At Patana: Our rooftop solar array continues to provide over a third of all our energy needs (season and weather permitting).

5. ECO-VILLAGES LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Communities like Findhorn in Scotland and Auroville in India are setting the standard for sustainable living. These eco-villages integrate renewable energy, organic farming, and circular economies, demonstrating how small communities can make a big impact.

Key Milestone: The global eco-vil-

At Patana: We continue to maintain and nurture our vast green campus, taking care to ensure native trees, birds and wildlife are protected.

7. YOUTH MOVEMENTS DRIVING CHANGE

Young activists, led by figures like Greta Thunberg, have catalysed a global conversation on climate change. School strikes and social media campaigns have amplified youth voices, holding leaders accountable for environmental action.

Key Milestone: The 2019 Climate Strikes mobilised over 7 million participants globally, marking a historic moment in climate advocacy.

At Patana: There are 10 different student-led clubs and projects underway that are tackling the climate crisis from various angles. From promoting insects as a sustainable food to partnering with remote villagers to install solar power, our students are indeed

Circa 2018 - Water Bottle Wednesdays. WasteLess Week #3

change-makers!

8. URBAN FARMING FLOURISHES

Cities are transforming rooftops and vacant lots into urban farms, producing fresh, local food while reducing carbon footprints. Singapore’s rooftop farms, for example, supply significant amounts of vegetables to local markets.

Key Milestone: Urban agriculture initiatives have scaled up, with vertical farming predicted to be a $10 billion industry by 2025.

At Patana: Our food services continue to expand their range of locally sourced fresh food choices, including plant based and vegan options. The new acai bowls are a huge hit! Did you know there is a rooftop garden above Year 2, where our youngest learners can try their hand at gardening and composting?

9. CIRCULAR FASHION GAINS MOMENTUM

Brands are embracing sustainable fashion, creating clothing from recycled materials and promoting repair

At Bangkok Patana, Waste Less Week has inspired students and staff to adopt eco-friendly habits. What will the next decade bring?

and resale. Initiatives like Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme and the rise of thrifting have shifted consumer habits towards mindful consumption.

Key Milestone: The global second-hand market is set to double by 2030, reducing textile waste significantly.

At Patana: The PTG and our student-led groups run ongoing campaigns to collect lightly used 2nd hand clothing, to wash and deliver to those in need. Our Tiger Shop now includes a 2nd Hand Uniform section and the United Wardrobe Project runs a thrift shop at many community events. Thank you to everyone who

has contributed to this circular economy this year.

10. PARIS AGREEMENT UNITES THE WORLD

Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement marked a pivotal moment in global climate cooperation. Despite challenges, nations continue to set ambitious targets, striving for a net-zero future.

Key Milestone: Over 190 countries have committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C, with progress monitored through annual COP meetings.

At Patana: We are proud signatories of The Alliance for Sustainable Schools charter. This membership connects us to like-minded schools so we can share ideas and resources to keep developing our sustainable approach to school food, school transport, school uniforms and school buildings.

At Bangkok Patana, Waste Less Week has inspired students and staff to adopt eco-friendly habits. What will the next decade bring?

sChooL announCements

transport upDate

Exciting Update: Shuttle Bus Service!

Dear Parents and Students,

Starting 17th February 2025 (after the half-term break), our shuttle bus service will be available for all Secondary students in Years 7–13. For students in Years 7, 8 and 9, there’s no need to enrol termly—just book and ride!

The booking system will open on 31st January for rides starting 17th February. Stay tuned for details about our new online booking system in next week’s Patana News!

To ensure you are fully prepared, CLICK HERE for more information and watch the VIDEO for a step-by-step guide on how to use the shuttle bus booking system.

seCurity upDate: proper use of the patana CarD

We would like to remind all parents about the proper use of the Patana Card to ensure the safety and security of our school community.

For any inquiries or support, please reach out to the Transport Office: Phone: +66 (0) 2785 2470 (direct line)

Email: transport@patana.ac.th

Line Official: Scan the QR code

• Patana Cards are non-transferable. Please do not use another individual’s card or lend your card to others.

• Each card is registered to a specific person and must only be used by the assigned cardholder.

• Unauthorized use of another person’s Patana Card may result in security concerns and access restrictions.

We appreciate your cooperation in following these guidelines to maintain a safe and secure environment for all.

Patana PAge-Turners

INTERVIEW:

MURRAY SUTCLIFFE, TOK CURRICULUM LEADER AND ENGLISH TEACHER

What is one of your fondest or favourite non-fiction reading memories?

Your monthly round up of reading recommendations. This month’s theme is Non-fiction

The best non-fiction books, I find, are those with ideas that come at the right moment in your life and prompt you to reflect on your current worldviews. One book that falls into this category for me is ‘Range’ by David Epstein. The author challenges the common belief that early specialization is the key to success. Instead, Epstein argues that generalists, who explore a wide range of interests and skills, often excel in various fields, especially those fields that are more unpredictable and are more susceptible to technological change. This idea stuck with me because it made me reflect on what I teach, as well as what we as teachers need to be doing to ensure that students are ready for the constantly changing world that awaits them.

Which non-fiction author would you most like to meet in real life and why?

Alain de Botton is the writer and creator of ‘The School of Life’. I find him to be someone that is incredibly intelligent and full of wisdom that is most pertinent for our day and age. In his books, he draws on inspiration from philosophers past and present, to provide readers with some suggestions on how to navigate our own emotions, have meaningful relationships and ultimately lead a fulfilled life. I would love to sit down with him over a glass of wine and pick his brain on the many issues currently facing humanity! I would highly recommend his books for readers of any ages, but particularly young readers who might be struggling with their own mental wellbeing, as he gives invaluable insights on how to navigate the struggles that we all are faced with at some point in our lives. Why is it so important that we not only read fiction, but non-fiction too?

What I appreciate about non-fiction is that the ideas or lessons that come from non-fiction books may not always be the most profound, but they are often framed in a way that allow the reader to easily digest them. The books are not as gripping as a piece of fiction and more rarely do I come across a ‘page-turner’, but the feeling of engaging with the big ideas of the worlds best thinkers in various fields, makes me feel like I am constantly learning. I can find myself on the BTS, listening to an audiobook about Mountaineering, Neuroscience, Virtue ethics, or even how to Breathe and I can get off the train feeling more enlightened than when I stepped on it. There are so many ideas about the world that I know so little about, and a good Non-fiction book gives me a chance to learn just a little bit more about what I don’t know.

FOUNDATION STAGE AND KEY STAGE 1 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Tracey

Barton – Primary Librarian

Very Important Myths and Legends by DK

Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just someone with a keen interest in mythology, this book serves as a valuable resource for learning about the mythological heritage of different societies. Myths and legends can resonate with all readers. Beautifully illustrated with eye catching pages and accessible text make this an ideal book for our younger readers

Fly Guy by Ted Arnold

We love this book for its mixture of text, photos and illustrations, it will keep young readers engaged and helps them retain lots of facts in an engaging way. Its funny and still manages to present scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand and interesting.

Our Underwater World by Sue Lowell Gallian and Lisk Feng

This is my favourite. It’s a hardback book which transforms into a globe when you open the book. With colourful and informative illustrations, you can submerge yourself amongst rivers lakes and oceans. Discover the significance of mangroves and coral reefs and understand their crucial role in our world.

KEY STAGE 2 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Hannah (En-En) Lim, 6T

Chemical Chaos by Nick Arnold

An attractive and enthusiastic book filled with facts about science. This is a fun way to learn a bit of chemistry, but be aware...only read at your own risk. Before reading this book, I was not that inter ested in Science but reading it made me more interested and I never looked at Science in the same way again. In some parts it is gruesome, such as when it mentions fat being used to make expensive soap, but this encouraged me to read more.

Kenna McEwing, 6T

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

A super fun book with lots of pictures that help people understand the book better. It is also a great way learn about the past. It is interesting finding out about human history through a graphic novel (even though there is a text-only version in our classroom too). I like the way it makes it seems like you are the main character watching a show about past humans. Not only is it interesting, it is also quite funny and it makes complex things easy to understand. It is written in a way that children will understand without some of the difficult words you would expect in a book about history.

KEY STAGE 3 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Hrehaan Pillay (8W)

What if? By Randall

Munroe

The book addresses theoretical questions with scientific accuracy, such as “What would happen if absolutely everyone jumped at the same time?” and “What if a baseball were thrown at light speed?” This book is for those who ponder “what if” and believe in using scientific evidence to find the answers.

Thomas Wadsworth (8W)

Concorde by Mike Bannister

This book is written by British Airways’ chief Concorde pilot. It provides insight into Mike’s life, details about how the Concorde worked, and discusses the errors that contributed to the crash. The book also examines the actions taken by the French authorities in the aftermath of the crash. I recommend this book because I find the topic fascinating and it kept me hooked throughout.

Jonah Ebrahim (8W)

Open by Andre Agassi

This is a detailed autobiography of the tennis player’s life, from his strict upbringing and grueling training under his father to becoming a world champion. Agassi reveals his love-hate relationship with tennis, struggling with the pressures of fame, injuries and personal turmoil, including a failed marriage to Brooke Shields. He also opens about his battles and the inner conflicts that shaped his career. The book highlights his eventual redemption, finding purpose through philanthropy and love with his wife, Steffi Graf. It’s an inspiring journey of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing life’s challenges.

KEY STAGE 4 AND 5 BOOK

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Katie Sloane: Head of Faculty, English Wifedom by Anna Funder

tion of nature as she reclaims control of her life, assuaging trauma with learning the interconnectedness between language and landscape in her native Irish tongue. Her beautiful, almost visceral descriptions of these liminal ‘thin’ places allow for reflection, healing and renewal.

If, like me, you are a huge Orwell fan, you will love Funder’s evocation of Orwell’s wife, Eileen Blair, who, until now, has been written out of history – most startlingly, by Orwell himself. Funder’s writing is tender and poignant, as she weaves excerpts from Eileen’s letters, interviews with the Blairs’ close friends and biographies of Orwell to piece together a narrative that not just acknowledges but highlights the pivotal role Eileen played in inspiring, contributing and physically writing many of Orwell’s seminal works (Animal Farm being one). Funder tries to reconcile her own adoration for an author she admires with the revelations she uncovers as she tracks Eileen’s unending support of her husband’s literary success to the detriment of her own, and her health. If you love Orwell, you need to read this: as it opens your eyes, it will break your heart.

Thin Places – Kerr Ni Dochartaigh

I picked this gem of a book up from a small independent bookshop in my hometown as it was endorsed by two non-fiction writers I greatly admire: Amy Liptrot (author of The Outrun) and Robert MacFarlane. In part hard going, devastating memoir charting Dochartaigh’s childhood experiences in Derry during the Troubles, it is, at heart, a celebra-

hoW far Can We go? the use of Drama in year 3

Diana Jones, Year 3 Leader, Pastoral

Wehear a lot about the importance of play in the development of a child, especially in the Early years and Key Stage 1. As an educator, this notion of ‘play’ can become problematic as the child moves into Key Stage 2, where increasing academic stamina and attainment (reading,writing and maths) become more prominent, so how can we balance the children’s personal and social needs with academic needs?

Well, that is where playful learning/Drama comes into its own! Drama, whilst sometimes overlooked, aids the development of a child’s creativity, self-confidence and so-

cial skills as well as also being a lot of fun! Which reflects perfectly, the ethos of our Positive behaviour expectations.

Drama builds confidence, creativity, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, empathy, concentration, teamwork, and collaboration.

So let me explain what Drama looks like in Year Three and how we implement it into our lessons.

Our expedition to Antarctica was launched in an assembly, with the children finding out Sir Ernest Shackleton was going on an imaginary journey to Antarctica but he needed a crew. Would they be able to help? The children were very excited by this idea and came back to class buzzing with excitement about which role they would like to play.

To bring the Drama to life, the Year 3 teaching team then built the Endurance (Shackleton’s ship) out of sofas, hessian and a lot of imagination!

In the following lessons, the class teacher in the role of Shackleton, explained they needed to complete an application form detailing their strengths and reasons for want-

ing to go on this adventure. The level of engagement for writing was impressive, as were their persuasive skills!

We used a technique called ‘Role on the wall’ which gives the children a good insight into the types of personal characteristics needed to be an explorer and really gets them thinking about how they will act in character.

Following their successful applications, the children then embarked on a journey of discovery. The children love being in role, each becoming a different member of the

crew. We have a navigator, meteorologist, scientists, dog handlers, able seaman, engineers, carpenters, and officers. The officers especially enjoy giving orders!

So they don’t forget their character, they all have their crew photo and name on their cubbies so they see them all the time. Each crew member has different jobs to do and has to enact these whilst on our ship!

During the Drama, we stop and thought-track to see how that crew member is feeling at that time, collecting these adjectives to add into our writing later on. This gives an opportunity to up-level vocabulary; for example, “scared” becomes “terrified,” “worried” becomes “anxious,” and so on.

Interspersed with the Drama are lessons focussing on the grammatical aspects of writing including similes, show not tell, and personification, which are then used in their diary writing, as all good explorers have to keep an account of their adventures!

From the children’s perspective, every morning the teachers are greeted by “Are we going on the ship today?” Revealing pieces of the story as we go along, helps keep the students engaged and motivated.

When asked about their Drama learning, the children were very positive:

“It makes it feel real.” Matthew

“It’s Exciting!’ Ocean

“It’s fun because I get to play with my friends and my teacher and pretend to be a different character” Alina M

“It is interesting and exciting!” Emma

From a teacher’s perspective, it is a win- win as the students are engaged with their learning and their stamina for writing is increasing dramatically. To be honest I think the teachers enjoy this unit of learning just as much as the students!

fobisia seConDary maths Competition 2025

Earlierin January, we participated in the FOBISIA Secondary Maths Competition 2025. This was a memorable experience for us with four from Year 7 and four from Year 8 competing as two mixed teams which allowed us to have unique team dynamics with the Year 7s bringing freshness and the Year 8s providing experience and leadership. This year’s competition held in Garden International School Kuala Lumpur saw the brightest minds in the region (26 schools, 176 students) coming together. For us as Bangkok Patana, this was not only a maths competition but an opportunity to collaborate with not only our team but also with students of other schools and to grow as individuals.

The first day started as we took off from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the air mixed with anticipation and anxiety. Upon arriving at Garden International School, we engaged in an icebreaker where we met students

from other schools. This was a great opportunity for us to interact, make new connections and to get to know each other. Afterwards, we received a briefing on the events lined up for the days ahead, building our excitement for what was to come.

The first day of the maths competition kicked off with an intense morning of problem-solving and teamwork. The day began with Round 1, which was an individual round where everyone had to take a paper with questions designed to make you think. After that, Round 2 started, which was the first Team Round of the competition where each team collaborated to solve a variety of challenging questions designed to test our mathematical reasoning and speed. Then for the final round of the morning we had the Codebreaker Round, where we had to solve and decipher different codes of different levels of difficulty as a team.

After lunch, everyone was introduced to a new round, called the Poster Round which focused more on creativity and presentation than actually solving the maths problems. Teams had a choice between three mathematical topics to design visually appealing and informative posters on. After completing the posters, everyone had the chance to hang out with students from different schools and countries during a visit to Superpark, a place filled with fun activities, and it also provided a break from the competition.

The second day began with a renewed sense of enthusiasm as teams participated in Round 5 which was a round involving a little bit of the history of maths and famous mathematicians. Following this, we had the Carousel Round, a round where each team rotated through a series of ten stations, each presenting a unique mathematical challenge and collecting points throughout the way.

Ying Ying Han 8R, Sia Lee, 7S and Ritsu Kurita, 7B

In the afternoon of the second day, the final rounds of the competition started. Round 7, the Crossnumber Round, was a round with a puzzle designed like a crossword, but instead with numbers. Teams had to split in two, half of them given the sets of clues for the down numbers, and half of them given the sets of clues for the across numbers. Without communicating with the other half, we had to solve the entire crossnumber. The excitement peaked in the final round of the competition, Dragon Maths, a thrilling and high-energy round where one person ran to get the questions and give the teachers the answers that the other three had answered. Quick thinking was important in this round, because the goal was to answer as many questions as possible.

After the intense rounds, everyone enjoyed some well-deserved downtime while getting ready for the closing ceremony and gala. Many students made new friends during this time whilst playing basketball or football, or simply talking and exchanging numbers when playing board games

together.

After the relaxing downtime, where we made lots of new friends, the Closing Ceremony/Award handout and the Gala dinner started. We got to try different Malaysian cultural street food during the Gala dinner which was very appetizing. We all waited excitedly for the announcement for the winners of the 2025 FOBISIA Secondary Maths Competition.

In the Individual round, Takuto (Taku) Hirono, 8A was placed second and it was a very memorable achievement for him. Later on Bangkok Patana team A was placed 3rd for the Team round 1 and team B came 2nd for the Crossword challenge and 3rd for the Poster round. Sadly, we didn’t get to be on the podium for the Overall Winning Team. Still it was a very culturally, socially, mathematically enriching experience for all of us.

In conclusion, we all enjoyed solving different styles of mathematical problems. During the competitions not only did we work on maths problems, but we collaborated and communi-

cated with people with whom we’ve never worked. We thought that it was a great experience where we learnt many things that will be useful for our future. Below are some quotes from the students and teachers:

“I enjoyed math-ing!” Kevin Keiser, 7A

“I enjoyed the sudoku in the Carousel round.” Ritsu Kurita, 7B

“The FOBISIA Maths Competition in Malaysia was a great experience for me. I enjoyed solving problems with my team and learning new things along the way.” Takuto (Taku) Hirono, 8A

“I found the FOBISIA Maths Competition really exciting, I had a lot of fun and overall it was an amazing experience!” Ying Ying Han, 8R

“After the FOBISIA Maths Competition, I gained valuable insights and realized just how much more there is to learn.” Sia Lee, 7S

“I enjoyed the pizza!!” Mr Simon Jones

#291 TAylor’s TeChnology TiPs – how is FAmily liFe Being ‘PlATFormized’ And why does iT mATTer?

Excerpt: “From parenting with baby apps to coordinating dinner plans via WhatsApp, families are increasingly living their lives through digital platforms. But this is not just about convenience, it is also about power. Platforms shape family life, often invisibly, by setting the rules, gathering data, and influencing behaviours. For https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/, Kate Mannell outlines key arguments from the new open-access book by a group of researchers across Europe and Australia. She shows how these everyday interactions — so often overlooked — are transforming family relationships and asks what this means for the future of family life in a platformized world.

You can read more by clicking on the image below and downloading a copy of the book.

A new way of asking an old question

In many ways, these are new versions of an old question: to what extent are people’s lives determined by the systems in which they live and to what extent do they have autonomy to resist, co-opt, adapt, and leverage these systems to their own ends? This is a question that scholars have been asking for decades and one that – while impossible to answer –remains crucial to keep posing.

Yet, despite the long history, asking this question in the context of platformization raises unique theoretical and methodological challenges. In the book, [they] recommend methods that might help capture the rich, personal, everyday lives of families and offer a theoretical lens for bridging between the macro scale of societal platformization and the microcontexts of everyday family life. [Their] hope is that these inspire new projects, and new insights, into the changing experiences of family life.”

Have a great weekend.

Brian Taylor

Vice Principal, Technology for Learning

ACADEMIES AT PATANA

January tennis frenzy

Ahl, Head of Tennis

January has seen a hive of activity at the tennis courts with both JV and Varsity invitational singles events taking place, plus a Varsity invitational team event and even a Sunday morning match with ISB.

These three weekends of events have seen 250 students from international schools competing and with all events run using the UTR platform, it has seen many matches added to the system which in turn has seen many ratings improve.

These matches as ever also provide fantastic opportunities for students to develop tactically and compete at a level which is challenging and rewarding.

From the coaches view it is also an important time of year as with SEASAC around the corner, final selections are made and doubles pairings tinkered with to enable both boys’ and girls’ Varsity teams to be on top form.

Daniel

primary reCorD breakers event 2025

Zoe Edmunds, Primary PE Curriculum Co-ordinator

Bangkok

Patana held the annual Primary Record Breakers event on Saturday, 11th January, and it truly lived up to its name with a record-breaking number of athletes in attendance! Over 120 enthusiastic students from Years 4, 5, and 6 gathered on the Primary Back Field at 7 am, ready to run, jump, and throw their way through a variety of athletic events. With the goal of surpassing their personal best scores for the new year, the excitement and determination were palpable from the very start.

The event kicked off with the Girls’ 800m run, followed by exhilarating 60m sprint heats, while the Boys rotated through the field events during the morning session. As the day progressed, several questions lingered in everyone’s minds: Would they achieve their personal best times? Would they outpace their competitors? Most importantly, would anyone break the long-standing school records? The anticipation only added to the atmosphere on the field.

Thanks to their dedicated PE lessons and previous experience from Sports Days, every athlete came well-prepared and eager to give their best performance. The

competition delivered outstanding moments, including a thrilling final jump in the Year 5 Boys’ High Jump event, a razor-close finish in the 60m sprint races, and a remarkable showcase of grit and determination from the 600m and 800m middle-distance runners. It was truly a morning filled with exceptional sportsmanship and the undeniable Patana Tiger spirit.

A huge congratulations to all the athletes who contributed to making the event a memorable success. The highlight of the day came with the thrilling news that a recent school record for the 200m, set in 2023, was broken! Congratulations to Morris Freiburg, who proved to be a rising star on the athletics field and a name to watch in the future.

Well done to all participants for their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. Here’s to another year of breaking records and achieving new personal bests! Meanwhile have a look at the previous Record Breakers and their personal best here

movement in primary

Jayne Jauncey, Leader of Primary Physical Education

Reflecting on my childhood, I fondly remember countless summer days spent outdoors riding my bike, hosting family Olympics with my brother in the garden, or climbing trees in the field behind our house. While my parents often spent evenings and weekends driving me to organised sports activities, it was the unstructured playtime with friends outside that had the greatest influence on my love of sport and movement. With no distractions from the internet, online gaming, or social media, free time naturally became an opportunity for outdoor exploration and play purely for enjoyment, rather than competition.

In stark contrast, a 2022 study by Save the Children revealed that only 27% of children now play outside regularly, compared to 67% of their grandparents. Today’s children face increasing pressures, including more

structured competitive sports, higher academic demands, long school commutes and the daily use of modern technology. Many students now prefer connecting with friends online rather than meeting them outside for active play.

This decline in outdoor activity has contributed to the global reduction in children’s fundamental movement skills (FMS), such as running, throwing, and striking. These skills are vital not just for sports and recreation but for daily tasks and future work.

As a school, we are dedicated to reversing the decline in movement by fostering a culture where physical activity is a natural part of everyday life. While PE lessons, extracurricular activities and sports academies are essential, we aim to go further by encouraging teachers, parents, and

caregivers to integrate movement into their daily routines and conversations. For instance, discussing activities like, “It was such a beautiful weekend, so I went for a bike ride,” helps normalise the conversation around movement.

We want all members of our community to serve as role models to our students, demonstrating that movement, in any form, is valuable— whether it’s taking the dog for a walk, dancing at home, or kicking a ball in the garden with children. Movement doesn’t have to come solely from structured sports or fitness activities.

To further support our commitment to fostering a culture of movement, we have introduced our Movement Monthly initiative. On the last Wednesday of each month, all students are encouraged to engage in fun, active sessions. This month’s

launch included a fitness video featuring our Primary PE team and a dance party organised by our brilliant dance teachers, led by Sarah Dallaghan, Head of Dance. Sarah shared, “Students and coaches alike had so much fun at the lunchtime dance party, enjoying its relaxed, fun atmosphere. The simple, easy-to-follow moves encouraged everyone to join in (teachers, too!), with no pressure to perform. Participation was optional and everyone could move at their own pace, giving as much or as little energy as they felt comfortable with. By the end, everyone was smiling with a joyful, energized buzz.”

Next month, our Gymnastics Academy will host a lunchtime strength and conditioning session open to all students from Year 1 to Year 6. Additionally, Year 5 and 6 students will have the exciting opportunity to participate in a lunchtime aquathlon session (more details on this to follow).

We encourage parents to support this initiative by fostering active habits at home, encouraging outdoor play, and making movement part of everyday family conversations. Together, we can nurture a generation of children who are active, sociable, and thrive through meaningful connections and movement.

MOVEMENT MONTHLY DATES

• 26th February 2025

• 26th March 2025

• 30th April 2025

• 28th May 2025

• 25th June 2025

Comments from Staff:

“I have always enjoyed playing sport and being active with a very different set of opportunities available to me growing up in Cornwall. Freedom to spend time with friends and create our own games and rules was a bonus that perhaps our current crop of students don’t get as much with their time planned out to the final minutes before bed. Rugby attracted me early as I loved the contact and the mud! I am lucky to still play and enjoy the camaraderie of sport with my friends alongside other social sports with staff football and golf to keep me active.” Mr Tatam.

“Sport has played a crucial role in my life, offering both physical and mental benefits. As I grow older, I continue to enjoy cycling and tennis which keep me active and energized. In my younger years, basketball and squash were my passions, teaching me discipline and resilience. Beyond fitness, sport has enriched my life socially, fostering friendships and shared

experiences. It has been a source of joy, connection, and self-challenge. Regardless of your skill level, there are no barriers to staying active and engaged.” Mr Chris

“When I was in primary school in Scotland, my year group had just six students, so I didn’t have many opportunities to play competitive sports until I reached secondary school. At first, learning new sports felt a bit intimidating, but I soon found myself enjoying the challenge. Being part of the school’s cross-country and athletics teams not only helped me stay fit but also gave me a great way to make new friends. As I got older, I realized how much I loved trying new activities, especially those that got me outdoors and closer to nature. Today, some of my favorite things to do include walking my dog, horse riding, surfing, snowboarding, muay thai boxing, and latin dancing—none of which were taught at my school! I believe it’s so important to try as many activities as you can, even if they seem unfamiliar or outside your comfort zone. You never know what you might end up loving until you give it a go. Don’t focus on being the best; focus on enjoying what you do and sticking with the things that make you happy!” Miss Zoe

Ms Zoe

Ms Blundell

Mr Tatam

Mr Chris

Tristan

teaChers as arts praCtitioners (taps) proJeCt: artist spotLight

I’mexcited to announce the launch of the inaugural Patana Canvases exhibition, marking the culmination of the TAPs CPL programme. The theme reflects our school’s potential, diversity, and creativity, showcased through a range of artistic approaches, mediums, and subject matter.

Join us today (Friday, 31st January) from 3 pm to 6 pm in the Theatre, Arts Centre, for an exciting line-up of live performances by staff followed by exhibition viewing. The exhibition will be open until Friday, 7th February 2025, at the Exhibition Hall; come and witness the talent and dedication on display—there is something for everyone to be inspired by!

Among the works is Senior Librarian Duangporn Turongratanachai, whose playful crochet creations reflect her journey into a newfound love for amigurumi. A passionate musician, Duang discovered crochet as a calming creative outlet, overcoming creative challenges and finding joy in gifting her creations. Her journey embodies the essence of TAPs: stepping into our students’ shoes through learning, risk-taking, experimentation, and the joy of creativity.

INTERVIEW WITH DUANGPORN TURONGRATANACHAI

ROLE: SENIOR LIBRARIAN, MEDIA LIBRARY

1. What inspired you to start crocheting?

Initially, I thought TAPs would be an opportunity to learn how to make some art or crafts. However, it turned out to be completely different from what I had expected. I then started thinking about what I could create, apart from playing musical instruments, and the idea of crocheting came to me. It was something I had always wanted to try since I was young but had never succeeded at.

2. Can you tell us more about your journey with crochet and the challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

So, I started from scratch by borrowing a beginner’s crochet book from our library and tried it for the first time. It was so frustrating, and I nearly gave up. Then I asked myself, “What would I like to be: a fixed mindset or a growth mindset person? The answer was a growth mindset, which motivated me to continue learning. The more I tried, the more I grew to love crocheting.

3. How does crocheting compare to your love for playing music? What kind of characters have you created for the exhibition?

Crocheting helps me concentrate and keeps me calm in the same way as playing music does. I’m a media librarian at Bangkok Patana School, and my passion is music—I love playing musical instruments, especially the violin, viola, and guitar. My exhibition work is a collection

Purnima Ghogar, TAPs Project Lead | Secondary English Teacher

of crocheted amigurumi dolls. The title came to me when I issued View from the Bridge to a student, sparking the idea of recreating a book scene (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) with amigurumi. Discovering Delinlea’s crochet patterns, I began crafting the figures, learning step by step. With no prior crochet experience, I’ve gained skills and found joy in this process. Though my creations may seem small or childish, the experience has brought me peace and immense happiness, especially when gifting the dolls I’ve made to others. It’s been deeply fulfilling.

4. What has been the most rewarding part of crocheting for you? How have you used your crochet work to help others?

It brings a lot of smiles when I give people the dolls I have made. In the exhibition, I have displayed many examples of crochet works that I have planned to send to

taps artist spotLight

the ‘Rak Jai Thai’ (Healing Hearts) programme, which is a joint effort of the Bumrungrad Hospital Foundation and the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand to raise money to help.

5. How has being part of the TAPs Project influenced your creativity?

After joining the TAPs CPL programme, I started sharing my passion for crochet, particularly amigurumi. I began learning how to crochet in May 2024, and since then, I haven’t been able to stop. My journey truly embodies the philosophy that “Little things make big things happen,” showcasing the impact of creativity through the TAPs project.

behinD the sCenes: hosting ma Jor sports events at bangkok patana sChooL

Hosting large-scale sports events like FOBISIA, SEASAC, and our signature Invitationals like Feeding Frenzy and the Patana 7’s requires meticulous planning, exceptional teamwork, and a shared passion for creating memorable experiences. At Bangkok Patana School, these events showcase the Tigers’ spirit, foster friendships, and highlight the school’s commitment to excellence in sports, participation, and sustainability.

THE BLUEPRINT FOR HOSTING SUCCESS

Each event begins with a detailed roadmap:

• Planning and Scheduling: The journey starts months in advance with event calendars, venue bookings,

and coordination across departments to ensure everything aligns with the school’s dynamic schedule.

• Team Selection: Student-athletes train rigorously to represent their school, putting in the hours before and after school, all while remaining dedicated to their academics.

• Sustainability at the Core: Reducing waste is a priority, with measures like digital schedules, reusable decorations, and upcycled awards are planned for.

LOGISTICAL MASTERY

Behind every successful event lies a web of logistics:

• Transport: Coordinating airport

pickups, shuttle services, and daily transportation for visiting teams is a colossal task. Clear communication ensures every team reaches their venues smoothly.

• Accommodation: Hotels are carefully selected for proximity and comfort, offering visiting teams a welcoming base after intense competitions.

• Food and Nutrition: Catering includes considering the menu that cater to dietary needs while providing athletes with energy-rich meals.

• Match Equipment and Officials: Booking professional referees, judges or umpires ensures fair play, while careful procurement of match balls

Ana Bolakoso, Tigers Sports Council

and other equipment ensures every event runs smoothly.

• Awards and Recognition: Medals and trophies are thoughtfully designed, often featuring sustainable materials. These symbols of achievement are matched by moments of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

• Vendors and Banners: From professional banners and branded merchandise to local vendors offering refreshments, every detail reflects Bangkok Patana’s high standards.

• Recovery and Medical Support: Recovery stations are set up to help athletes perform at their peak. These include ice baths, hydration zones, and physiotherapy services. Medical teams are on standby to address any injuries, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

• Supporter Zones and Communication: Large events, means large numbers of parent supporters and we want to ensure they have a positive and comfortable experience. Ensuring there is shaded or indoor seating, food vendors and clear communications about security access to the campus and parking are a top priority.

• Live Streaming and Live Results: With student-athletes travelling to Patana from all over the region, LIVE streaming and LIVE results updates online is a service we aim to deliver for our larger events when feasible. Being able to watch your child play via YouTube from your office in Singapore, KL or Jakarta is a huge bonus.

• Gala Dinners: Special events like opening ceremonies or gala dinners bring everyone together, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural exchange. Allowing Patana’s Dance Academy artists and Musicians to also play a part in these events.

THE TIGERS’ LEGACY

For student-athletes, these events are about more than competition. They’re about growth, resilience, and creating unforgettable memories. The success of these events lies in their ability to unite communities, inspire athletes, and set benchmarks for excellence. Bangkok Patana School is a hub for world-class school sporting events.

Next time you cheer from the stands or see a volunteer in action, know that behind every event is a team dedicated to making magic happen for the Tigers and the International School community.

Let’s hear some reflections from some of our Head Coaches about their recent experience hosting large events at Patana:

JOE DENTON (HEAD COACH SWIMMING)

HOST: FEEDING FRENZY

2024

We focus on 2 different areas for us when hosting, athlete and spectator experience. For the athletes, this involves the best possible event schedule, schools attending for competitive racing, meet merchandise and areas to spectate (especially for visiting teams).

For spectators, it’s access to spectating and appropriate spacing, vendor village (for athletes too) and providing good quality products for them to purchase. Good quality racing is fun for the parents and athletes alongside those in the water getting the best from their racing, making friends from other schools around the region

GEORGINA

WRIGHT (HEAD COACH

GYMNASTICS)

HOST: FOBISIA GYMNASTICS 2025

Hosting a major sporting event such as SEASAC Gymnastics is an incred-

ible opportunity to showcase Bangkok Patana. We endeavour to uphold the utmost professionalism, working alongside multiple teams across the entire school from, marketing, accounts, sports and activities, building and grounds, and the PTG to name a few. We involve our Gymnasts by asking their opinions on certain aspects, making them feel a part of the decision making process. Welcoming other schools and clubs brings together diverse cultures and nationalities of Gymnasts, fostering unity and mutual respect through sport. We aim to provide a supportive environment, celebrating success in its different forms and welcoming learning opportunities not only about gymnastics, but also personal skills such as resilience, which are vital for everyday life.

ADAM CURRINGTON (HEAD COACH FOOTBALL)

HOST: PATANA 7’S 2025/ SEASAC 11’S FOOTBALL 2024

Hosting the Bangkok Patana International Football 7’s is a huge team effort that goes far beyond just scheduling games.

Our planning kicks off as early as August, with the team coordinating logistics for visiting teams, organising food and activity vendors, and preparing staff to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Every detail is carefully thought out to provide a seamless experience for players, coaches, and parents.

This event not only strengthens the sense of community with the Football Academy but also highlights the school’s commitment to sports, making the event a standout experience that everyone looks forward to. It’s truly an event on everyone’s calendar and one you won’t want to miss!

Theommunity engagement at bangkok patana

Charya Seneviratne and Mahi Italiya, Year 12

THE GIVING TREE

aim of the Giving Tree has remained the same since it was started in Bangkok Patana in 2023, the project helps the Karen Children who are living in the secluded mountain regions that shape the border between Burma and Thailand. These kids struggle due to the disassociation with the rest of the fast-changing and developing world, our mission is to simply to bridge the gap between their world and ours bit by bit, hopefully bringing smiles to their faces along the way. We do this by providing both funding and supplies to their distant and barren villages through gift bags filled with essentials such as clothes, toys, shoes and hygiene products. By bringing them essential supplies we can slowly try to give these young children the childhoods they deserve, hopefully giving them some comfort in order for them to have the confidence to create a future for themselves.

As mentioned above, we provide the Karen children with a variety of necessities aimed at increasing their wellbeing and overall quality of life. Living in the high mountains, however, creates problems especially logistically, in trying to transport simple goods for general survival let alone the toys, clothing and other before mentioned products the team collected. However, with the support of the wide range of volunteers across Thailand and those that work for the Giving Tree, we organise trucks to transport

the goods to the base of the mountain range where the donations are brought up to the village on foot. The goods are picked specifically for each child we support and so we can only achieve such a feat through extensive communication with the hilltribe community.

Although the Giving Tree has only been run at Bangkok Patana for a year and a half now, the organisation as a whole has been run for a while longer, allowing the Patana branch to make large strides to aid those in need in a relatively short amount of time. Our team has grown both in numbers and ability to raise awareness and funding which has been shown in the drastic improvements from the previous year, surpassing our own expectations as well as our superiors. One of our biggest achievements this year was our Christmas project. We collected funding in the form of donations and stored it over the course of 2024 in order to purchase and package a large number of gifts for the children. The gifts were all wrapped in proper Christmas fashion to try to give the children an experience they will not forget. Working overtime both inside and out of school, we were able to prepare a record 52 gift packages (each containing multiple gifts for the child and others), much larger than our first year of operation. All gifts were delivered from Bangkok Patana to the base of the mountain and then to the Karen children by foot.

Moving into 2025, the group has plans to grow and push for further records by scaling up the existing projects as well as discussing the creation of new projects. Most of the senior members are now in year 12 and therefore have some allocated time in school to engage in community engagement teams and CAS projects. This extended period of time allows for the streamlining of tasks and generally the vast improvement in efficiency which has led to improved results this year. In terms of funding

this year the Giving Tree plans to keep participating in all school supported fund raising projects in order to raise as much funding for the annual Christmas projects as well as expanding to the creation of newer projects. Hopefully in the process we can support more of the children and families located in the Karen Village and beyond. With our passionate team of philanthropists, we only see a brighter future for the Karen Children and the Giving Tree team as a whole.