TransiTions
Lorna Conroy, Vice Principal, Student Welfare
It
is just over a month ago we welcomed 176 students into the Secondary School. I remember the first morning so well, as I am sure those of you who are parents of Year 7 do too. They all gathered as new tutor groups in the Theatre, eager to meet their new tutor as well as their classmates. There was an atmosphere of excitement, tinged with a little apprehension. Moving from Primary School, whether from Patana or elsewhere, into the Secondary School is a big step for our young people. Gone is the familiarity of a single classroom base, gone is the Year 6 teacher they got to know so well, gone are the students younger than them. Instead the ‘semi’ unknown of the Secondary section. New teachers, multiple classrooms, older students, more independence alongside more responsibility, and not forgetting the ability to buy ice creams. Their school world as they knew it had changed forever.
However, in the space of just a few weeks they have learnt their way around (mostly); mastered the padlocks on the lockers (again mostly); made new friends, began building relationships with their tutor, support tutor and
subject teachers; eaten in the canteen, noodle bar and snack bar; and of course eaten a lot of ice creams. They have also taken their first steps along their Secondary academic learning journey.
In English they have been investigating perspective and representation using different texts. In Maths they have begun their journey looking at the concept of number as the building blocks of mathematics. In Science they have been focusing on ecosystems and exploring how organisms interact with each other. In Art they have begun the interdisciplinary project focusing on life under water. In Computing they are developing their skills around spreadsheets, in D+T they are making a desk tidy, in Drama they are creating and becoming their own fictional character, in Geography they are investigating a range of awe inspiring locations around the world, in History they have been introduced to the concept of globalistion and what it means in a historical context, and in Music they have been introduced to their instrument and are learning how to play it. They have also started in the Languages classes, build-
ing on previous knowledge or starting a new language. In between all this classroom based learning they have been exploring their own unique characteristics and celebrating those of others as part of the diversity project, and enjoying physical activity in their PE lessons.
The Year 7s are not the only Year group to have experienced a significant transition. Back in August we also welcomed 148 students into Senior Studies. Once again they faced a considerable change to their ‘school world’. Gone was the school uniform, phones were allowed (in the Seniors Studies building), they have ‘study’ periods on their timetable (‘free periods’ as they are known by the students), they are amongst the oldest students in the school. Alongside that comes increased responsibility and the challenges of the IB. They too have made a very positive start both in subjects they are familiar with as well as those
new to them such as TOK and CAS.
As a school and as parents we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of these transitions. In their future lives they will experience multiple transitions, where their ‘world’ as they know it will change. Some transitions they will choose and others will be forced upon them. It is important that we support our young people to develop the skills needed to successfully navigate change in their lives. To be excited by change, to rise to the challenge and be resilient to the difficulties. We hope that our support of the students through these transitions as Patana not only helps them now but also empowers them to manage changes in the future.
Over the past two weeks students in Years 7 and 12 have been asked to complete a survey reflecting on their recent transition. Here is a sample of the results:
Year 7 Responses
Year 12 Responses
How did you feel about moving from Primary School to Secondary School when you were in Year 6? How
Fun Run 2024
Teaching Key STage1 STudenTS abouT SafeTy
Michael Dolan, Year 1 Pastoral Lead
TEACHING KEY STAGE 1 STUDENTS ABOUT SAFETY WITH NSPCC’S PANTOSAURUS REX
Recently, we’ve gone absolutely pants for PANTS in Key Stage1! Pantosaurus has been roaring through our classrooms, helping our children understand that privates are private and empowering them to shout ‘No!’ when something doesn’t feel right. With plenty of giggles and some serious superhero pants power, we’re making sure every child learns how to stay safe in a fun and friendly way.
Since 2013, the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign has helped over six million parents start conversations with their children about keeping safe from abuse. Developed with input from parents, carers, children and teachers, Talk PANTS provides simple, age-appropriate guidance to help children understand that their bodies belong to them. The campaign encourages children to talk to a trusted adult if anything makes them feel uncomfortable or upset.
The central message is reinforced through the PANTS acronym:
• Privates are private
• Always remember your body belongs to you
• No means no
• Talk about secrets that upset you
• Speak up, someone can help
In Key Stage1, we met Pantosaurus and learned his catchy song, which helped children engage with the PANTS principles in a fun way. We explored the five key rules, emphasising the importance of keeping privates private and reinforcing the idea that children’s bodies belong to them. As part of the learning, we read a fun storybook about PANTS by Nick Sharratt and the children designed their own funky, creative underwear to display in the class-
room or at home, reminding them of the PANTS rules in a playful and personal way.
Starting a conversation with your child about PANTS can be easy and natural. There are plenty of moments throughout the day where you can introduce the topic. After school, for instance, is an excellent time to ask your child what they learned during the day, especially if they’ve had a lesson on personal safety. Bathtime is another great opportunity to gently discuss the PANTS principles, as you help your child get dressed or ready for bed.
Long car journeys provide a perfect chance for more in-depth conversations. Your child can ask questions, and you’ll have time to explain things clearly. Reading the PANTS storybook together is another way to encourage a conversation in a relaxed setting. Plus, singing along with the Pantosaurus song can make it even more enjoyable!
During swimming, use swimwear as a way to explain that what’s covered by a swimsuit is private. Similarly, walking home from school or taking a weekend stroll offers a relaxed environment where children may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Even while watching TV, if a show touches on sensitive topics, it’s an opportunity to encourage your child to express any concerns. By normalising these conversations, you help your child feel supported and understood in all situations.
For more information, please visit the NSPCC Talk PANTS page. And remember, when it comes to safety –we’ve got it covered!
#285: new ParentaL ControLs in Fortnite: time Limits & time rePorts
You can now manage the amount of time your child spends in Fortnite and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) using our new Time Limit Controls. You will now see an option to set up time limits for your child’s account in the Parental Controls section in the Fortnite main menu, or on the Epic Account Portal on the web. If you choose to enable this parental control, you can:
•Limit the total amount of time your child can play per day.
•Choose specific time windows when your child can play each day, and set time limits within that window.
•Choose whether to allow your child to request more time as they approach the end of their time limit.
From Epic’s Account Portal, parents/guardians can sign into their child’s account to set up time windows and a total time limit. If you set up a time limit, your child will begin seeing in-game notifications when they have 30 minutes left in Fortnite and UEFN. Once your child reaches their limit, they will not be able to use Fortnite or UEFN until the next day or until a new window begins.
If you have allowed your child to request more time, and they have 30 minutes or less left in their window, your child can request more time from within Fortnite. Their request will send you an email with a link where you can add more time for that day if you choose. You can also add more time, even if you haven’t enabled requests for more time, from inside Fortnite by going to the Time Limits and Reports Sidebar and selecting ‘Add More Time’. Once you input your Parental Controls PIN code, you can select the desired increment of time to add. Time granted will be effective immediately.
Your child can request more time by going to the main menu in Fortnite, selecting ‘View Time Limits,’ then choosing ‘Ask for More Time’ if you have this setting turned On. Time Limit Controls work across consoles and devices. As long as your child is using the same account across devices, the limit you set will be in effect for Fortnite and UEFN no
matter where they play or create.
You can turn on Time Reports within the Parental Controls section in the Fortnite main menu, or on the Epic Account Portal on the web. If you’ve opted into Time Reports, you can view the total time your child has spent in Fortnite and UEFN that week. You will also have access to a dashboard located in the Account Portal, which provides a daily breakdown of time spent in Fortnite and UEFN and indicates when you have granted extra time for your child. Whenever you go back to the Account Portal, you will be able to see up to four weeks of activity (or less if you haven’t had Time Reports enabled for that long).
Parents will continue to have the option to receive weekly Time Reports emails. These emails include a summary of the amount of time your child spends in Fortnite and UEFN and are sent to the parent or guardian linked to the child’s account. To view and manage your child’s Parental Controls, sign in to your child’s Epic Games account on the web or within Fortnite and go to Parental Controls.
For information about Epic’s Parental Controls, visit the Safety and Security Center.
Brian Taylor
Vice Principal, Technology for Learning
Solo FeStival 2024
Amusical
highlight of the year, the annual Cross Campus Solo Festival took place last Saturday, showcasing over 150 solo performers across five venues. This event provides an opportunity for anyone learning an instrument or studying vocals. What makes it truly special is its inclusivity, welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels—from our youngest Key Stage 1 students to accomplished young professionals at the (I)GCSE and IB levels.
The morning was filled with spine-tingling moments as audiences enjoyed remarkable performances whilst performers created lasting memories. Playing solo not only builds confidence in our student musicians but also offers
them a platform to celebrate their musical achievements in life so far.
Our visiting adjudicators, music teachers from a network of international schools in Bangkok, were visibly impressed by the preparation and quality of the performances. Their feedback reinforced the exceptional music-making on display while offering valuable suggestions for further improving each performer’s skills and musicality.
The morning was, above all, a celebration of the vast range of musicianship, talent and dedication of each performer to their music practice with wonderful outcomes enjoyed by all.
Lisa Mallett, Primary Music Teacher
SEC LaunChES MonthLy ECo hEroES awardS
Ana Bolakoso,10V; SEC Co President
This year the Secondary Student Environmental Committee has launched a monthly Eco Heroes Award. The group will be on the lookout to spot fantastic sustainability initiatives in our community!
Our September Award winners are… drumroll please…. The Transport Team!
Last month the Transport department launched two
e-Vans, powered by electricity. These vehicles offer a shuttle service to the BTS and MRT to encourage public transport usage in the community – double win! A big first step for eVehicles at Patana!
Here is the Transport Manager Khun Jaeb and the team receiving their award.
Who will be the October winner?
Let’s Go FLy a PLane... the MesserschMitt BF-109
Joseph Szabo, Year 9Y
Iama huge fan of military history and a big fan of model aeroplanes. When watching YouTube one day I saw that I could purchase a model version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and through an online purchase I was able to have one delivered to my door. However, this posed a problem in that I had nowhere to fly it because I had limited access to open spaces and Thailand laws do not allow for the flying of drones etc in parks. This is when Mr Fieldhouse came to the rescue and gave me permission to fly it in school one lunch time. I was able to take a school friend (Ishi) to fly the plane on the school playing fields.
The start of the flight was quite difficult and challenging with several crash landings where the plane would only fly for limited seconds. After time and practise we managed to take full control of the plane and fly it smoothly and fast with it reaching heights of over 30 metres and for periods of several minutes. Unfortunately on the final flight we struggled to pull the plane up as it was heading towards the ground and the resultant crash caused the propeller to break in two. This was okay because it created a new DT challenge for me to repair later that evening!
The Messerschmitt Bf 109, often regarded as one of the most iconic fighter aircrafts of World War II, holds a signif-
icant place in aviation history. Designed in the mid-1930s by Willy Messerschmitt, the Bf 109 was developed for the German Luftwaffe as a response to the rapidly evolving demands of aerial warfare. Its sleek, streamlined design and advanced aerodynamics made it one of the most formidable fighters of its era.
When the Bf 109 first took flight in 1935, it was groundbreaking in several ways. It featured a fully enclosed cockpit, retractable landing gear, and an all-metal monocoque structure, which was considered revolutionary for the time. Equipped with a powerful Daimler-Benz engine, it could achieve speeds of up to 350 mph, giving it a distinct advantage in dogfights. Throughout WWII, the Bf 109 served in various roles, from air superiority fighter to ground-attack aircraft, and even as a bomber escort. The Bf 109 was often flown by some of the war’s most renowned fighter aces, including Erich Hartmann, who holds the record for the highest number of aerial victories in history.
However, the Bf 109 was not without its flaws. Its narrow landing gear made it challenging to handle during takeoff and landing, particularly for less experienced pilots. As the war progressed and new aircraft like the Supermarine
Spitfire and North American P-51 Mustang entered service, the Bf 109 began to face increasingly stiff competition.
In many ways, the Messerschmitt Bf 109 embodied the technological innovations and strategic priorities of the Axis powers during WWII. Its legacy as a potent symbol of aerial combat continues to fascinate historians and aviation enthusiasts alike, standing as a testament to the dramatic evolution of military aviation during one of the
most intense periods in history.
It was a great experience to fly the plane and something I would look forward to doing again. I found this a great way to combine two interests of mine in respect of aviation and WW2 history and I am delighted to have had this opportunity to share this experience and knowledge with the wider school community in this magazine.
Children of The foresT
Children of the Forest Charity was established in 2005 and is a registered non-profit foundation based in Sangkhlaburi, an area close to the Thai – Myanmar border, east of Bangkok. They are nestled amongst a community of approximately 150,000 stateless refugees who have escaped from years of oppression in Myanmar. Significant numbers in the community were born in Thailand but being denied Thai citizenship means their access to education, legal support and healthcare is denied. This makes the community highly vulnerable to all forms of exploitation, and children are an especially vulnerable group.
Children of the Forest supports families (particularly children and mothers) to break the repeating cycle of poverty. Their ‘Free School’ offers kindergarten and elementary
programmes for up to 250 children – resourcing them with educational supplies and a daily breakfast and lunch. Their preparatory education programmes enable children to eventually transition into the Thai education system. Additionally, Children of the Forest provide a child protection centre for abandoned, abused or orphaned children. They also provide a mother’s refuge and healthcare clinic providing free healthcare treatment for families.
Empowering children with an education gives them the vital opportunity to progress to local Thai Government high schools and in some cases university, which in turn gives them the right to Thai citizenship. Hence, Children of the Forest are a vital foundation in breaking the repeating cycle of poverty that families find themselves born into. Touchingly, many students who have been in the charity’s
Dan Morrison, Year 2 CAT Lead and Class Teacher
care return as qualified teachers after graduating from university or colleges in Thailand.
Children of the Forest has provided education, healthcare, and residence to over 5,000 children in the last ten years alone. Without these vital safety-nets in place, a significant number of these children would risk human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation.
Bangkok Patana School has proudly supported Children of the Forest for over 10 years and continues to do so this academic year. We aim to provide not only financial support during our regular fundraising events, but support through appeals such as our Shoe Box Appeal at Christmas time, which has been a particular success and will be repeated again this year.
Please make contact with Children of the Forest and support them if you can.
Website: https://childrenoftheforest.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childrenoftheforest/posts/3683010281721821
Email: info@childrenoftheforest.org
Phone: +66 081 017 0014
TeaChers Vs sTudenTs
OnSeptember 25th 2024, the Student vs. Teacher football match kicked off, drawing enthusiastic supporters from both sides. The game began with a clear student dominance, passing the ball with quick and skilled movements.
Just a few minutes into the game, the students attempted their first shot, upping the ante; however, the teachers quickly responded, scoring the opening goal from a well-executed corner taken by Mr Owen. Mr Stuart headed the ball into the net, giving the teachers a 1-0 lead.
As the match progressed, possession remained fairly even. The students continued to press forward, and after about five minutes, Nicolas delivered a clean long-range shot from just after the half-way line that found the back of the net, equalising the score at 1-1.
The match continued, Guichai followed suit with a longrange effort that found the back of the net, showcasing the students’ growing confidence and lead. However, Mr. Stuart soon answered with a well-placed shot, following multiple attempts from Mr Owen, none successful, bringing the teachers back into the game at 2-2.
As the half progressed, the students continued to challenge the teachers. Oisin’s excellent tackle and Xander’s impressive saves kept the scoreline level. Despite Karan
and Maya’s attempts to convert their chances into goals, their shots slightly missed or were plain unlucky, leaving the score at 2-2 as the whistle blew for halftime.
The second half began with renewed aggression from both sides, upping the offence. Coach Brandon quickly added to the teachers’ tally with a close-range finish, extending their lead. In response, Karan struck back almost immediately, firing a stunning long shot that found it’s way past the teacher’s goalkeeper, Mr Stewart, making it 3-3.
Both teams showcased their skills with Aya nearly finding the net with a well-placed shot, while the teachers demonstrated impressive teamwork with a corner that resulted in Coach Adam scoring a relaxed goal. Despite Nicolas’s powerful attempts and Mr Stuart’s close efforts being thwarted by Xander’s consistent goalkeeping, the balance of play remained even.
The excitement peaked around the 22-minute mark when Mr. Haughton delivered a precise cross that was deftly headed in by Mr Owen, increasing the teachers’ lead to 5-3. However, the students refused to back down, with Aaku and Chanya attempting long balls and making strategic plays.
In a thrilling moment, Maya finally broke through the teachers’ defences, scoring a well-deserved goal that
Misha Parker, Sports Council
upped the score and wowed students and teachers alike, making the score 5-4. Chanya’s crucial block earlier had showcased the students’ drive, but as the match neared its conclusion, both teams continued to battle fiercely.
As the final whistle blew, the match ended with the teach-
ers narrowly defeating the students 5-4.
Commentary by Isaac and Campbell added to the excitement, capturing every key moment and keeping spectators engaged throughout the match.
CHAPTER BOOKS AND COMIC BOOKS
CHAPTER BOOKS
COMIC BOOKS
FICTION
NON-FICTION
FICTION
NON-FICTION
FICTION
SENIOR FICTION
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
GRAPHIC NOVELS
NON-FICTION
HOME LANGUAGES
a susTainable inTernaTional day
This International Day, keeping up to our sustainable values at Bangkok Patana, the International Day team has teamed up with Go Eco Thailand - a company that takes pride in turning waste into value by crafting products from sugarcane fiber residue, bringing new life into what would otherwise be discarded after juice extraction. This pulp is transformed into biodegradable tableware that upholds the highest global quality standards
compostable within just 45 days, ensuring no harmful footprint is left behind. Rahul and Natchanikar Chanda y, owners of the company say they have a vision where their collective efforts create a cleaner, healthier planet— one that our children will gaze upon with pride, saying, “Our parents had the choice to leave, but they chose to act.” Thank you to Go Eco Thailand for providing us with plates for the Food Hall!
Bharati Lachmandas, International Day Coordinator
Patana PartiCiPates!
Achievements from Our Community
Alice Curwood, Cross Campus Vice Principal Extra-Curricular Activities and Sport
On September 5th 2024, Year 12 student Ethan White competed in the IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) Sub-Junior/Junior worlds in St Pauls Bay, Malta. He competed in the Sub-Junior U93kg weight class and placed 9th out of 24 competitors; placing 5th in the squat and 6th in the deadlift event.
Congratulations Ethan on all your hard work in the build up to the event and for competing on an international stage, we are excited to see your future progress with your powerlifting!
Parin recently competed in the Tennis 10s Junior Circuit Thailand National Championships 2024, held on October 28-29. In a highly competitive Under 6 Mixed (Boys-Girls) category, which saw participation from over 40 talented young players from across the country, Parin emerged as a proud finalist.
Songwut Puapatanakajorn Parent
