The Phuket News 24 May 2019 wrap

What’s next for HeadStart?

An Education Hub We have spent the last 10 years successfully building our facilities, academic team and programmes, and we are now ready to take on the next challenge. We are in the planning stages of expanding HeadStart from a single school into an education hub with two satellite schools.

The hub will consist of the existing school site, together with a brand new college. The two satellite schools, catering for students from 2-8 years of age, will be located in the areas of Rawai/Nai Harn and Cherng Talay, thus allowing closer proximity for families with young children in those communities. Once these students are old enough, they will then commute to the current school site, which will become the HeadStart Hub. Although there are some good international schools across Phuket, there is still a need for better and broader educational opportunities and experiences for students from 14-18 years of age. We are launching BTEC courses and qualifications this August, and this is the beginning of our development of a dedicated college facility for Phuket. The college will be built near the current school site and will enable us to greatly expand and improve the range and quality of courses currently available in Phuket.

HeadStart North Heroine’s Monument Cherng Talay

Phuket

HeadStart Main Campus

In addition to our ongoing commitment to ensure that all of our students excel in their academic studies and achieve the highest possible grades, we have also launched U-Prep. This new service aims to provide university preparation, counseling and placement for all Phuket students and families.

The U-Prep programme focuses on evaluating students’ individual strengths, needs and career goals. Through regular group meetings, presentations and private counseling sessions, our dedicated team offer advice and an invaluable service to help parents and students navigate the important pathway to university.

Phuket Town

HeadStart College Nai Harn

Rawai

HeadStart South

We are excited to announce the August launch of our BTEC Qualification Pathway for students aged 16-18 years old. Developed and managed by Pearson Education, BTEC courses and qualifications are accepted by 95% of universities in the UK, and recognised worldwide. This will be the first time an internationally-recognised alternative to A Levels and the International Baccalaureate is available to students in Phuket.

BTEC courses offer students an alternative pathway to university with a focus on practical and flexible learning and independence. We will begin by offering BTEC Level 3 in Business, Sport, Travel and Tourism and Creative Media Production.

Inspiring a love of learning

thephuketnews thephuketnews1 thephuketnews.com Friday, May 24 – Thursday, May 30, 2019

Since 2011 / Volume IX / No. 21

20 Baht

Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards Highest Score In Thailand

Maeva Lubrani

2019

Founders of HeadStart International School, Phuket (L-R) Mr. Jazon Edouard, Mrs. Collette Edouard, Dr. Parimon Phaisamran, Ms. Anisa Van Der Laan 10th year anniversary as an International School Launch of BTEC programme First school in Thailand to convert to solar power

760

2018

students

Expansion of main building to accommodate up to 1,000 students 1st place in Phuket and 6th in Thailand for Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards

620

2017

students

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presides over Grand Opening of new campus Awarded Silver Standard accreditation

by Education Development Trust UK

590

2015

students

Completed construction and moved to a new purpose-built campus

Filippo Gramaglia

Paola Stoffel

Eve Whittaker

Sasiporn Kiatmontri

41% of students achieved A*-A at IGCSE 94% of IGCSE grades A*-C

2014 2011

We believe that language study is an important part of a child’s education and a critical aspect in the development of their character and personal identity. As such, we have recently expanded our Language Faculty and programme, and now offer students in Years 1 to 9 the opportunity to study five hours per week of first language Thai, French, Mandarin or Russian as part of the core curriculum, as well as several second language options both during school and as an important part of the After School Programme.

Our Sport and Music Academies, as well as the 100+ extra-curricular activities we run, enrich the learning experience of our students. These academies and clubs offer a wide range of sports, arts, music, dance, culture and academic support. They also provide opportunities for students to participate in both local and international competitions.

The focus of our academies is to bring out the best in each student, and allow them to benefit from attributes such as teamwork, perseverance and self-discipline, which can be gained from participating in sports at a competitive level.

Striving for Excellence

Nurturing Imagination

In 2017 HeadStart was awarded Silver accreditation by the Education Development Trust (EDT). Rated as ‘outstanding’ in students’ personal development and our partnerships with parents and the community, we are now working hard in every aspect of school life to ensure that we achieve our Gold accreditation in the near future.

High standards of academic achievement and good behaviour are set throughout the school, and an atmosphere of kindness and respect is encouraged both inside and outside the classroom.

These attributes help students gain a positive outlook on life and a genuine sense of self-confidence, which provides a strong foundation for their future.

Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) is the beating heart of our school. Students have the opportunity to take part in outstanding performances throughout the year, and excel in subjects such as Drama, Music and Art. Our state-of-the-art Design & Technology suites and annual art and design displays give our students the opportunity to grow as young entrepreneurs, designers and artists, and showcase the incredible talent we nurture here. Wander around the school and you will see students engaged in active learning, choirs, instrumental groups, wind ensembles, bands and our ever growing dance academy.

2018 HeadStart IGCSE Results vs Worldwide Grades 100 90 80

HeadStart

70

World

60 50

Mathematics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Business Studies

ICT

Our Mission Our mission is to build and support a dedicated team of professional educators who work together to provide quality teaching and learning environment for Phuket's international and culturally diverse community.

students

Awarded Bronze Standard accreditation

by Education Development Trust UK

420 Registered as a Cambridge International School

Education in Motion

94% Pass rate at A Level 100% of HeadStart graduates accepted into universities or a pre-university gap year

550

students

Languages First

What HeadStart Parents Say

360

2010

students

Awarded International School license by the Thai Ministry of Education

240

2009

students

Expansion and move to 5 rai facility opposite Makro

65

2006

students

Licensed as a Day Care Center

40

2005

students

Founded as a Homeschool Center

19

students

Mr. and Mrs. Holmes

Mr. and Mrs. Frederiksen

It’s such a pleasure to see our children wake up happy and excited to go to school everyday!

In our experience, we’ve always found HeadStart to be a safe, loving and welcoming environment that provides students with inspiration and guidance. The communication between administration, teachers and parents is excellent and serves both parents and students effectively. It’s comforting to know that our children are safe and in good hands.

Our kids have the opportunity to take part in many different activities through the excellent After School Programme, as well as participate in a variety of organised activities such as class field trips and the Saturday Thai Culture Club.

Our son is in his sixth year at HeadStart and has grown into a confident young man who works hard and enjoys his studies. Our daughters also started last year and they too are thoroughly enjoying each day. We are proud to be part of the HeadStart family, and look forward to its continued growth and academic success.

Having been with HeadStart International School since the very beginning, the fact the both of my children have developed into well rounded, young adults is in itself a testament to the great success and incremental development of the school.

HeadStart is a place where the students are challenged; they have the opportunity to learn and grow in so many ways which gives us a great sense of pride and appreciation.

As a parent, I can see that my children handle themselves confidently and are ready to face to world, along with the challenge of moving to university, with the ballast that HeadStart has given them.

It's a place my children have made lifelong friends and memories and have learned invaluable lessons that will stay with them forever.

Environmental Commitment In 2018, HeadStart made local history by installing the largest solar power system in Phuket. Our stunning 550 kWp photovoltaic solar system means that 80% of the school’s total consumption comes from green, renewable and sustainable energy and it is the largest solar powered installation of any school in Thailand. 55% of the solar modules are installed on the roof of the main building, while the remaining 45% has been intelligently designed to provide shading for the car park, adding an extra benefit for parents.

We promote reducing single-use plastic by encouraging our school community to use HeadStart’s range of reusable bottles and bags. Students and staff participate in regular beach cleaning activities and our school actively supports and works with organisations such as Oceans for All and Trash Hero Phuket.