By Matt Seddon
Source: GPT Image Generator
Personal Pathways for future success
As the world rapidly evolves, driven by shifting global landscapes and technological advances, schools are required to look at things differently, and prepare students for a future that looks very different from today. At Bangkok Patana School, we take pride in providing our students with a rigorous education, grounded in the British curriculum and building towards celebrated qualifications such as the (I)GCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). These qualifications have long been recognised for their quality and are rightly valued for the solid foundation they provide for our children’s future. However, in a forward-looking world, the opportunity also exists to equip our students with future-ready skills alongside these traditional pillars of academic excellence.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: THE HUMAN ELEMENT
One of the most exciting developments in the world of education is the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI our students are accessing today is the worst version they will ever encounter; it is evolving rapidly and will only become more powerful and brilliant as a tool for learning. At Bangkok Patana, our approach is to prepare our students not only to interact with AI but to harness its potential as a means of enhancing creativity, problem-solving, and personalised learning.
While AI offers exciting possibilities, we also recognise that the human element in education is irreplaceable. The COVID years, when students were learning from home, revealed more than ever how crucial the special interpersonal relationships between teachers and students truly are. Those times underscored the power of connection, and at Patana, we are committed to ensuring that our approach balances the innovative capabilities of technology such as AI with the personal engagement that a worldclass education provides. AI is a tool to enhance learning, not replace the relationships and insights that make education so meaningful. By blending technology with the human touch, we ensure that our students receive a holistic education grounded in both cutting-edge tools and the irreplaceable value of human interaction.
CONCEPT-BASED LEARNING
A key philosophy embedded in the International Baccalaureate is its focus on concept-based learning. Unlike traditional knowledge-based education, concept-based
learning allows students to develop a deeper understanding by exploring ideas and relationships. This model empowers students to think critically, engage with complex issues, and apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts.
As we continue to evolve the Patana curriculum, we keep moving towards a deeper engagement with the ‘why’ behind knowledge. In doing so, we are developing learners who are adaptable and capable of critical, future-focused thinking—essential traits in an unpredictable world.
IBCP (INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME )
The introduction of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) as a complementary programme to the IBDP in Senior Studies represents an exciting opportunity for students who wish to specialise Art and Design. This is just the beginning of our plans for the IBCP. In the future, we aspire to provide opportunities in fields such as business, marketing, and other creative or career-focused sectors. Although the IBCP is likely to appeal to a smaller number of specialists compared to those who seek the broader curriculum of the IBDP, its links to industry and emphasis on future-ready skills make it a tremendous asset that could be leveraged for all our students, not just those in Years 12 and 13.
We see the introduction of the IBCP as an opportunity to identify and further develop the key skills and qualities needed for tomorrow’s world across the entire school curriculum. Whether students eventually follow the well-established route of the IBDP or the more specialised route of the IBCP, they must all be equipped with the mindset and abilities necessary to excel in the future with critical thinking, collaboration, leadership and communication. These diverse pathways demands that our curriculum supports students with different strengths and recognises that every learner has a unique journey. This is a great opportunity for us.
MICRO-QUALIFICATIONS
And why not take these ideas even further? I like to imagine a future where Patana students can explore and develop a personalised portfolio of micro-qualifications alongside a traditional academic journey. These qualifications could focus on practical, future-ready skills such
Matt Seddon, Secondary Principal
Careers Day at Bangkok Patana, 5th May 2024
as public speaking, debating, financial literacy, and leadership. This opportunity is one that could transform how we approach education at Bangkok Patana.
What could our school look like if we embedded micro-qualifications throughout our curriculum? Picture a school where students, from Primary to Secondary, are given the opportunities to pursue qualifications based around the skills they are passionate about, whilst building a personal portfolio that reflects their individual strengths and interests. These qualifications could be integrated alongside the IBDP or IBCP and (I)GCSEs, complementing traditional assessments while offering new ways to evaluate collaboration, communication, and problem-solving—skills essential for the modern world, ensuring that our students leave with an irresistible profile.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE
Patana holds a privileged position within the Bangkok and wider Thai community. As part of our forward-looking vision, we are committed to continue building upon our relationships and working with our wider-community
and alumni to create strong partnerships with universities, industry leaders, and professional bodies. These partnerships will provide our students with real-world experiences, internships, and mentorship opportunities that help them apply their learning in practical contexts. By connecting students to the world beyond the classroom, we are ensuring that they graduate with the confidence and skill set needed to succeed in the global economy.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
We are deeply committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly changing world they will inherit. From the evolving role of AI in education to the introduction of the IBCP and the exciting potential of micro-qualifications, our holistic approach will ensure that every student is prepared for life beyond the classroom. Considering the future of our curriculum in this way opens countless possibilities for innovation. As we explore these opportunities, we envision a future for Patana that remains at the forefront of educational excellence, continually adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow’s world.
whisPers of the rainforest and nature
Purnima Ghogar, Secondary English Teacher
As a performance poet and English teacher, I recently had the pleasure of leading an assembly for the Year 5 students titled ‘Whispers of the Rainforest and Nature: Discovering the Magic of Poetry’. This assembly was designed to ignite their interest in poetry while introducing them to the beauty of the rainforest, which ties into their cross-curricular studies.
I began the session by performing some of my own nature-themed poems. The students were taken on an adventure through poetry forms, sharing my love for nature and the power of words to inspire positive change. The lively performance encouraged students to see poetry as an exciting, creative outlet.
We began with a fun poem illustrating a playful take on what poetry means — how words can ‘wiggle and play, paint pictures, hop, trip, and zigzag.’ Students were encouraged to see poetry not just as ‘old books’ by classic poets but as a dynamic art form also written by diverse modern poets, full of possibilities and relevant to the modern world.
Students explored different poetry styles, from acrostics,
haikus and haigas to odes and ekphrastic poems. By performed my own nature-themed pieces, like an ekphrastic poem inspired by photographs of the Australian bush after wildfires and an ode to a butterfly, the students were made to understand that poetry can be used to raise awareness of issues like environmental protection.
Students learned that poetry can be inspired by anything — from the smallest insect in the rainforest to global issues and challenges. They were introduced to fun ways to collect inspiration, such as scrapbooks, journals, memory jars, and digital inspiration boards.
The session left everyone buzzing with enthusiasm and inspiration. Year 5 students were challenged to use what they had learned to write their own poems, capturing the magic of the rainforest in their unique voices. Who knows? Perhaps the next great poet is right here in Year 5!
This assembly reminded us all that poetry is a powerful way to see, feel, and understand the world — and that anyone can be a poet with the right tools and inspiration.
#283 Patana PtG tech tiPs: andrew huberman on oPtimal Protocols for studyinG & learninG
Here is the direct link to the Huberman Labs episode on learning: Optimal Protocols for Studying & LearningHuberman Lab.
If you have any areas of technology you would like me to talk about in these videos then please add a comment in the video or contact me directly on brta@patana.ac.th.
Have a great weekend.
Brian Taylor Vice Principal, Technology
for Learning
what is thomas house?
Eoin Bevan, Assistant Leader of Primary EAL
Thomas House is a small, specialised school for children with special educational needs located in Tha Ton, north of Chiang Mai. It provides a vital service to a rural area with very few options for children with special needs. Before Thomas House, children were either sent to schools that were ill-equipped and untrained to cater to their needs, or they did not attend school at all.
With construction completed in November 2017, this November marks the seven year anniversary of Thomas House. The school can accommodate up to 24 students and offers a range of activities suited to all the children to enjoy as well as more skilled learning opportunities for young adults. Thomas House also offers placements for specialist volunteers and work experience opportunities for trainees in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) field.
Thomas House is part of a registered charity which in-
corporates three projects: ‘Thomas House’; the ‘Continuing Education Project’ which supports students through secondary and tertiary education; and the ‘Community Building Project, part of the visiting schools programme to improve conditions in local schools.
WHY DOES IT NEED OUR HELP?
Funding for Thomas House is solely reliant on the support of the MRV (business) Project and charitable donations from visiting schools, hotel guests and others. Due to the pandemic, these sources of income were severely impacted, and Thomas House was forced to close. However, the children were lucky to receive regular home visits from the aptly named, Kru Joy. Thankfully, Thomas House was able to open again in June, 2022. At present, seventeen children and young adults now regularly attend.
HOW HAS BANGKOK PATANA
SUPPORTED IT
IN THE PAST?
For many years, Bangkok Patana has been sending groups of students to the Maekok River Village centre for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Geography and community service trips. When Thomas House was first set up, a large quantity of recently-replaced Primary furniture was donated to Thomas House, saving significant funds.
Last year, Year 3 supported Thomas House in three main ways. Through our Christmas donation drive, we collected sports equipment, stationery and paint supplies. We also held two fundraising events during the year - a Christmas card sale and our annual Timestable-athon - raising over
150,000ThB. With this money, we increased the number of students we sponsor to four, we bought a colour printer and new outdoor play equipment for Thomas House and bought new shoes and school bags for students in the north of Thailand.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Beespoke Christmas cards, bracelets and hair accessories made by students at Thomas House will go on sale before Christmas with proceeds going towards Thomas House. Check the Patana Newsletter for more information on where to purchase. Donations are also very welcome. You can contact Rosie and Bryan, who run Thomas House, at rosie@mrv-educationservices.com
Patana ParticiPateS!
Achievements from Our Community
Megumi Endo, Parent
Jun, 7B achieved 2nd place in the Pony II category at the recent Thailand Championships. demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. Competing against talented riders, she showcased her mastery of horsemanship, earning a well-deserved spot on the podium. Her achievement highlights her passion and hard work in equestrian sports, marking a memorable milestone in her journey.
community
BOOK DONATIONS WELCOME
Moving or wanting to free up some space on your bookshelves? We’re on the lookout for book donations to enrich our book sales even further. From classic novels, thrillers, children’s books, biographies, history books, art books, travel guides... every book is welcome.
Drop off your preloved books at the Neilson Hays Library any day between 9:30 to 16:30 (except Monday).
Let your books find a new home where they will be cherished and enjoyed for generations to come!
