By ChriS SammonS
The Challenge of Shared humaniTy in a digiTal World
Chris Sammons, Head of School
The idea of being a ‘global citizen’ is infused with international education due to our locations, curriculum and diverse stakeholders. In this age of rapidly changing tech, however, it is no longer enough. Accreditation partners are asking their communities to reframe approaches we take to emphasise the action of ‘socially responsible leadership’.
The good news is that Bangkok Patana children, parents, staff, alumni and partners are no strangers. The IB world conference held in Singapore was opened last week by Paul Lee of Plastify (Grad ‘12), Sri Hollema (Grad ‘18) is visiting us in May to talk with us about Mat Zero and Yoochan Hwang (Grad ’26) has led the only project in Thailand to be featured on UNEP Zero Waste Day Global Map in 2025.
IT BEGS THE QUESTION WHY THE WORLD OUT THERE FEELS LESS HUMANE?
Our next generation of socially responsible leaders will be like our alumni, created in the family home and shaped in our school. There is, however, a further call for action to guard against the potential effects of tech and media which left unchecked can get in the way of social responsibility.
Media is bombarding society in more ways than we are capable of consuming. Increasingly, channels have to fight for attention and so permit unfiltered content under the label of free speech. Strong emotion —especially anger or outrage which divides is necessary for tech firms to keep people coming back.
HOW DO CHILDREN EXPERIENCE THIS CHALLENGE?
Infants as young as two can interpret background content on monitors and screens to spot environmental patterns.
Our Primary school children often see things in polar opposites—right or wrong, good or bad. Online media can simplify complex issues into short posts or videos and reinforce harmful ways of thinking.
Older teenagers are at a stage where they are forming their identities and trying things out to see what feels like a fit.
Online spaces can offer a sense of community and experimentation, but they can also be dark places which pressure teens to take positions without exploring consequences.
HOW DO ADULTS EXPERIENCE THIS CHALLENGE?
The algorithm of news and speedy media feeds through the tech in our hands to amplify noise with the impact that we believe loud voices represent the majority, or that a different thinker is an enemy.
Adults have biases that gets them caught up in online arguments just as easily as children. They can post extreme opinions which fail to see the irony of their own strongly held thinking. They can earn notoriety from division that is much easier to receive than the hard work of building consensus.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Teaching critical thinking is increasingly complex when our
children can access a wider range of unfiltered and unchecked sources which are not grounded in the same beliefs about shared humanity. Never confuse free speech with hate speech.
The thought manifests as the word, The word manifests as the deed, The deed develops into habit, And the habit hardens into character. So watch the thought and its way with care,
And let it spring from love
Born out of concern for all beings.
- Buddhist Proverb
At home, take a check on the information sources available to your children through your routers or the data package you pay for. Have they been approved by you, are they well balanced, and do they undermine your own beliefs about tolerance and humanity.
Model the power of pause
Whether you’re a child reading a comment online or a parent watching the news, take a moment before you speak out loud or respond. Always ask: Is this the full picture? Could there be another side to this story? Is it necessary or kind?
Recognise that nothing is neutral. Algorithms show us content that keeps us engaged, not necessarily content that is balanced. Question what you think you know.
Talk about emotions. Strong feelings like anger, frustration, or even excitement can make it harder to think clearly. Practice responding and not
reacting by slowing down emotion, then asking questions like what makes it feel that way for myself and others around me?
Look for common values. Even when we disagree, we often care about similar things — fairness, kindness, family, and safety. Find the common elements to being human and direct your attention to the positives in that.
Being a socially responsible leader can be about the big projects we are driven to such as those led by our graduates: the money they raise and the lives they influence are really important. Heroes also attend
to being socially responsible minute to minute through awareness of their own thinking and how this drives beliefs, attention and actions.
Thank you for an amazing Term, for the many large and small acts of kindness you show each other in community. You deserve to be recognised for all that you bring to our school and the rest of a media free Songkran which is richly deserved. Happy holidays to you all.
P.S. Best of luck to our Year 11 and Year 13 students who begin their exams next term. Each one of you is worthy of the success that awaits you.
Image source: USA Today
admiSSionS reminder for leaving familieS
Rachel Jones, Head of Admissions
Dear Families,
Withdrawal Reminder: As the end of the academic year approaches, we’d like to remind you that if your child(ren) will be leaving Bangkok Patana, please make sure to submit a withdrawal form to the Admissions Office. This will allow us to support their transition smoothly.
Questions & Support: We understand that moving can be a challenging time for families, and we are here to help. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at rajo@patana. ac.th
Withdrawal Deadline: The final date to submit the withdrawal form is Monday, 21st April 2025.
Transfer Certificates: For any families relocating to countries that require a Transfer Certificate (such as the United Arab Emirates, Panama and Argentina), please note that this must be certified by the Thai Ministry of Education, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the respective country’s Embassy in Bangkok. This certification process can take up to 3 months, so we strongly recommend initiating the request as early as possible here to ensure a seamless transition.
Leavers Workshop: We extend our sincere thanks to the families who have already been in touch with Admissions and wish all the best to those who will be moving on from Bangkok Patana this year. If you would like to join our workshop for leaving parents at 8.00am on Wednesday 14th May please sign up here.
foBiSia maThemaTiCS Challenge
Ricky 6T, Aiden 6S, Rosie 6M, Mia 6M, Eunu 6M, Ronan 6M, Hannah 6T and Sophia 6F
Earlier in March, the Primary FOBISIA Maths Challenge was hosted by the British School of Jakarta. Eight students from Year 6 travelled to Jakarta, and represented Bangkok Patana in two teams of four, competing amongst 128 students from 32 schools. Tasked with different team challenges that required teamwork, resilience and collaboration, as well as individual tasks that needed flexible mathematical abilities, students immersed themselves in two full days of Maths. Overall, the teams came in 4th and 20th place and special mention goes to Ricky and Aiden who received Silver Awards in the Individual Test.
Rosie: My favourite event during the FOBISIA Maths was the Tangrams challenge in the campus chase. Examining the chosen image, in our teams of four, we had to carefully shift each wooden shape into its place whilst maintaining the intricate design.
Sophia: The Speed Round Buzzer Game was all about mental maths agility. A teacher read out a word problem and we had to solve it quickly and press the buzzer. I was the only one from Patana to survive the first round. However, I lost by a millisecond (maybe) in the second round.
Hannah: I loved my team’s support for each other - it was so simple but it made a great impact. In the Split Relay, we would cheer each other on, or encourage each other to move on, even when things didn’t go as we thought they would. We worked as a team, split up tasks according to our strengths and supported each other.
SONGS
Aiden and Mia: A favourite event was memorising 100 digits of pi during the campus chase and writing them down within 12 minutes. Luckily some of the team had already memorised pi from a song. As the timer started, we recited the song and in no time we correctly wrote down the first 100 digits of pi and even had enough time to check the digits a few times before we handed in the paper. Why don’t you see how many digits you can memorise? The Pi Song (Memorize 100 Digits Of π) | SCIENCE
Ronan and Ricky: One of the most enjoyable tasks of FOBISIA Maths was the factor game where we competed one on one against the opposing schools. The way the game worked was that we had a 100 square and the starting player placed a token on one of the numbers then the second player had to place their token on a factor or multiple of the number. The game would end when there were no more numbers to use. This was a favourite activity because the teams were very successful.
Eunu: In the competition, we learned about ‘Mathematics’ in many languages, ‘shùxué’ means ‘mathematics’ in Chinese and we also learned about Indonesian culture. We did lots of different activities and had fun, but it wasn’t always easy. One of my proudest achievements was teamwork. This was the result of countless hours of hard work, collaboration with peers, and the support of teachers who believed in my potential. Along the way, I learned that FOBISIA Maths is not just about solving equations; it’s about uncovering truths and connecting ideas. FOBISIA maths has not only enriched my understanding of the world but also strengthened my resilience, problem solving and creativity.
Patana Page-Turners
INTERVIEW: MRS CHERYL REGO
What is one of your fondest or favourite reading memories?
I remember as a child being so thrilled to have my own library card, and then being allowed to walk down to the library on my own and spend ages choosing books. I still love just browsing book shelves. Libraries are such an important part of our communities. Ten years ago people kept telling me that libraries were going to fade away, but the libraries I know are more dynamic than they ever were! Top tip: check out the Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok, and our Patana Libraries are a highlight of our campus.
Which female fictional character would you most like/least like to meet in real life and why?
I would love to spend a day with Iona Iverson from The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley. She seems like she could be any one of us travelling to work on the train, making humorous assumptions about all the people around us - but as the book progresses the depth of her understanding of other people is highlighted, along with the growing community within the rest of the characters. I enjoyed her candid reflections; I also just wanted to jump on the train with all of them! (And secretly I kept thinking the author had modeled Iona on Ms Carol Battram!)
What does Women’s History Month mean to you? Do you have any book suggestions for this month?
We don’t celebrate the role of women enough in the development of our societies. Did you know that Kevlar, cataract treatment, stem cell isolation, the car heater were all invented by women in the 1960s? There have been so many influential women in government and politics. And that is a nice segue into my book recommendation. I love the writing of Madeline Albright who was the first female US Secretary of State, and I recommend her books Madame Secretary and Hell and Other Destinations.
FOUNDATION STAGE AND KEY STAGE 1 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
the Witch – Valerie Thomas, Illustrated by Gorky Paul Winnie the Witch lives in her black house with her cat, Wilbur. He was black too, and that is how the trouble began. Everything in Winnie’s house is black - the carpet, the chairs, the bed and the sheets, the pictures on the walls, and even the bathtub! And of course, her cat, Wilbur, is black too - all except for his bright-green eyes. Whenever poor Wilbur closes his eyes and tries to take a catnap, Winnie stumbles right over him, or accidentally sits on top of him. Until one day, when Winnie has a brilliant idea. What if Wilbur were a different colour? Winnie uses her magic to solve her problems.
KEY STAGE 2 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Katie Chatterton
Auntie Medusa and Me by Marie Basting
Auntie Medusa and Me is a wildly fun adventure about Silvia, a regular girl who suddenly finds out her aunt is, well… a literal snakehaired legend. Between dodging petrifying glares and figuring out if turning your enemies to stone is technically a crime, Silvia’s life takes a turn for the mythological. As she bonds with Auntie Medusa (who is way more fun than the history books suggest), she learns that being different isn’t a curse—it’s an absolute superpower. Packed with humour, heart, and just the right amount of snake-related chaos, this book is a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt a little out of place. Bonus: it also proves that having weird relatives isn’t just normal—it’s epic.
Alice Lesley
Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
Set in the depths of the wintery Russian woods where Feodora lives with her mother, a wolf wilder, and she is a wilder in training. The women work to make the wolves wild again, following their captivity in aristocratic Russian homes. After they are threatened and Feodora’s mother is captured by the Russian army, Feo leads the wolves and a motley army she has gathered to the capital to set her mother free. Feodora in The Wolf Wilder is a strong female character because she demonstrates resilience and bravery, refusing to conform to societal expectations and fighting fiercely to protect the wolves she loves. Despite facing immense danger, she remains determined and resourceful, leading a rebellion against injustice with unwavering courage.
When she was a child Malala used to dream about a magic pencil, she could use to solve problems like the smell of the rubbish dump near her home and to make her family happy. But as she grew older, she saw a world that needed fixing – and as Malala began to wish for a better world, she realised that even if she never found a magic pencil, she could still work every day to make her wishes come true. Malala is an inspiration to girls and women around the world and in this picture book she brings her story of empowerment and hope to a younger audience.
KEY STAGE 3 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Sihoom (Liam) Lee, Year 8
Percy Jackson And The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is one of my all time favourite book series, featuring the exciting adventures involving Greek mythology. Percy Jackson, a regular troublemaking teenager, finds his whole life suddenly changing. He starts as a normal teenager, going to school, playing basketball to a powerful demigod constantly fighting for his life. Although Percy Jackson is the main character,
Jane Verde, Nursery Class Teacher (LITR)
Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai, Illustrated by Kerascoet
Winnie
he isn’t the only one who gets the spotlight. In this book, one of my favorite characters is Clarisse. Clarisse is a powerful and tough demigod, the daughter of Ares. She is introduced early in the books as sort of a bully, but don’t let her tough exterior fool you. What really makes Clarisse one of my favourite characters is her development throughout the series. As you progress through, not only can you see her extreme bravery, going on quests that were said to be almost impossible, but you can see how even she has a soft spot. I would definitely recommend this book to people who love mythology, adventure and battles that will get you on the edge of your seat.
Lulu Easson, Year 8
A Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett
The story is a murder mystery, set in Ankhmorpork, that keeps you guessing till the very end. The murders are being investigated by the City Watch who are also investigating why the mayor of the city is getting poisoned even though he has isolated himself in his rooms. My favourite character is Angua; she is a strong female character and she is also a werewolf. Because of her initial appearance, people think she is just a little girl, but she is one of the most physically formidable characters in the story. Criminals in the story often make this mistake with hilarious consequences. Werewolves in the story have a very bad reputation so Angua must hide her real identity from most people. Despite being a werewolf Angua has a strong moral compass and uses her werewolf powers to protect the weak. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves plot twists and murder mysteries.
KEY STAGE 4 AND 5 BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Clara Dulyapraphant, Year 12
Almond by Won-pyung Sohn
I’d like to recommend Almond by female author, Won-pyung Sohn, that tells the story of a boy, Yunjae, who has a brain condition called Alexithymia, which makes it difficult for him to feel emotions, especially stronger ones like fear or anger. Told from his perspective, the book details his experiences of traumatic situations and conflicts within key relationships, as he attempts to develop an understanding of what emotions truly are. The text itself is a short, easy read and very engaging, as being able to witness largely disturbing events through the eyes of someone who struggles with emotion offers a unique perspective. Sohn’s clever use of this perspective prompts readers to reflect on empathy as a concept, as the story contrasts how many different people process feelings, emotions and trauma.
Bruce Boonvisut, Year 12
The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy’s The World’s Wife is a bold and witty poetry collection that reimagines famous myths, legends, and historical figures from the perspective of the women behind the men. From Mrs. Midas to Queen Herod, these poems challenge traditional narratives with humor, feminism, and sharp social commentary. Duffy’s language is accessible yet powerful, making this collection perfect for students exploring modern poetry. With its mix of clever wordplay, emotional depth, and feminist insight, The World’s Wife is a must-read
for anyone who loves poetry that questions, provokes, and entertains. Perfect for those who enjoy literature that challenges conventions and sparks discussion!
#296: ParenTS’ guide To adoleSCenCe & SiniSTer emojiS
There has been a lot of discussion throughout our community regarding the recent four-part NETFLIX drama called Adolescence. If you’ve not managed to watch it yet, then I highly recommend reading the reviews from parents and kids in advance here: Adolescence TV Review | Common Sense Media
In addition to the reviews, the section on what to ‘Talk to Your Kids About...’ is particularly useful.
The issues raised in this series are often part of our Pastoral and Well-Being programs, and the Social and Emotional Counselling workshops. If you have any questions or need advice, then do please reach out to the relevant Secondary Head of Year or Primary Pastoral Leader.
In response to the drama there is a useful parent guide to some of the more sinister emojis that are used in digital chats created by Amit Singh Kalley. I have blurred out the items below for this publication; clicking on the image will take you to the original post in LinkedIn once you have signed in.
Brian Taylor Vice Principal, Technology for Learning
Image Courtesy of (35) Post | Feed | LinkedIn
danCe aCademy SuCCeSS aT aTod inTernaTional danCe ComPeTiTion
Sarah Dullagan, Head of Dance
This past weekend, our Secondary dance teams, Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity, took the stage at the highly anticipated 2025 ATOD International Dance Competition, hosted by the Australian Teachers of Dancing Thailand. After weeks of intense preparation, refining choreography, and perfecting their performance quality, both teams delivered electrifying routines on the night. Their dedication paid off in spectacular fashion – JV claimed an impressive 2nd place, while Varsity secured a well-deserved Gold.
JUNIOR VARSITY: A NEW LEVEL OF ENERGY!
Junior Varsity is a dynamic team, but their performance at ATOD showcased an energy like never before! From the moment they stepped on stage, their presence was electric. Their choreography, created by Coach Boat, was a brilliant blend of power and expression. The routine’s mashup of different tracks created shifting moods and a mix of dynamics that enthralled the audience. The team’s smooth transitions mixed with how they attacked their
brightly as their gold, shimmering outfits! Their routine was a stunning showcase of performance quality and technical precision, reaching a level of execution comparable to some professional dancers. Under the creative direction of Coach Aum, their choreography featured bold musicality, dynamic formations, and a compelling mix of music tracks that brought an intensity to their performance. Each movement was performed with exacting detail, from the sharpest isolations to the most fluid transitions. The audience was riveted, and the judges recognised the team’s mastery with the highest honour.
actions demonstrated just how much they are growing as dancers. Their 2nd place finish is a testament to their dedication.
VARSITY: A GOLD-WORTHY PERFORMANCE
Not only did Varsity win Gold – they shone on stage as
Congratulations to Junior Varsity and Varsity for their fantastic achievements! Your hard work, passion and artistry did the Dance Academy – and school – proud. We can’t wait to see it all again in next week’s Tiger Team Showcase!
firST aid To The reSCue!
A STU DENT PUTS HIS SKILLS AND PATANA VALUES INTO ACTION
Craig Anderton, First Aid Advisor
AtBangkok Patana we do not aim just to help students succeed at academic subjects, though we do recognise its importance. We also, in all that we do, help our students be well-rounded individuals who will be respected in their community. Today I would like to recognise and celebrate one such student, who used his learned knowledge and skills to help another of our Patana family outside of school.
Last Friday, 21st March, two parents decided to watch their son play in a football game at the Sports Complex. Taking the opportunity for a little exercise, they opted to ride their bicycles to the match. Unfortunately, a mishap occurred about 100 meters before the school. The combination of debris in the mother’s eye and a pothole in the road led to a bloody face, panic and shouting.
Nobody was to blame, just bad luck. The difficulty of language interpretation made the situation worse and finiding help was difficult. Then along came a Bangkok Patana student, as it turns out, one of our best. As the parent wrote to tell us, ”He asked if he could help, said that he had studied first aid at school, he knew where to call, he knew a good hospital near the school. He handled the situation exemplarily.”
The student acted as an interpreter between the casualty and a helpful local who had come to help with a first aid kit. Importantly, he called for help and reassured the casualty and her worried partner that all was in hand and help was on its way.
Following his training, he stayed at the scene and used his language skills to pass information quickly to the non-English speaking crew. He even stayed after the ambulance left to look after the casualty’s shocked partner.
The student, Dan Baker in Year 11, had been taught first aid by his father and also during every year in the Secondary tutorial programme, where alongside practical training, right from Year 7, we ensure every student has the knowledge and confidence to care, knowing that a timely phone call to the right numbers and some reassurance has a major impact on outcomes in first aid situations. We all hope that the skills our teachers and students are taught are never needed, but in a school the size of Patana, it is inevitable that incidents do occur.
The family involved had nothing but praise for Dan and
for the school. I would like to add to that praise. Well done, Dan, well done his dad, and well done all those who take on board the life skills we all try to pass on.
Below is an overview of the EFR Tutorial Programme at Bangkok Patana:
YEAR 7
Can I provide basic help in an emergency?
• I can explain the role of a first aider.
• I know who and how to call for help using my phone.
• I can assist casualties using the recovery position and basic bandaging.
YEAR 8
Can I provide first aid in a life-threatening situation?
• I can treat a non-breathing casualty.
• I can treat a casualty for shock.
• I know when to suspect a spinal injury.
YEAR 9
Can I provide first aid further life-threatening situations?
• I can treat a non-breathing casualty.
• I know what to do when someone is choking.
• I can recognise the signs and symptoms of people suffering from asthma, epilepsy or diabetes and I am able to assist them if necessary.
YEAR 10:
Can I provide first aid in various life-threatening or serious situations?
• I know how to use the chain of survival and ABCABS procedures.
• I can treat serious bleeding.
• I can demonstrate a pressure immobilisation bandage.
• I know how to make and use splints to help with fractures.
• I can describe the procedure for treating a burns victim.
YEAR 11:
Can I provide first aid independently in multiple life-threatening situations?
• I can remember and use my accumulated first aid knowledge from Years 7 to 10.
• I can decide who to prioritise in an emergency.
• I have developed my practice in multiple ‘real-life’ styled scenarios.
• I am able to decide on my own which techniques are appropriate for the situation.
Empower Yourself with Life-Saving Skills
Join Our Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR Training Session!
Bangkok Hospital is supporting us by organizing a Basic Life Support (BLS) & CPR training session in English for parents at Bangkok Patana School.
Date: 30th April 2025
Time: 09:00 - 12:00 PM
Location: Primary Hall
Scan the QR Code or click the registration link to secure your place!
Limited to 1 person per family 50 participants only!
Hasan Ghazi, Business Studies and Economics Teacher
This year at THAIMUN XII, over 500 delegates from 79 schools across the region came together to engage in high-level diplomatic discussions, representing nations and working toward solutions for some of the world’s most pressing global issues.
Patana delegates stood out among the competition, winning a total of seven awards, likely making us the most awarded school at the conference! Our students excelled in committees ranging from cybersecurity and bioterrorism to human rights and historical crises, showcasing exceptional leadership, negotiation and diplomacy.
BANGKOK PATANA’S AWARD-WINNING DELEGATES:
Best Delegate Awards:
1. Chongrong Wang – DISEC (Disarmament and International Security Committee)
• Debated critical global security threats, including cyber mercenaries and bioterrorism.
2. Dashiell (Dash) Larmer-Beech – ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council)
• Tackled key global economic challenges and sustainable development goals.
Honorable Mentions:
3. Arevik Khanyan – NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
• Engaged in high-level defense and security discus-
sions affecting global stability.
4. Gunn (Bobby) Benhar – HSOC (Historical Security Council)
• Addressed historical crises and their implications on modern geopolitics.
5. Utkarsh Bagaria – USCC (United States Constitutional Convention)
• Debated pivotal decisions in American history and their impact today.
6. Ruoshan Xu – HCC (Historical Crisis Committee)
• Participated in simulated historical events with real-time crisis resolution.
7. Kimi (Zhewen Cao) – UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
• Focused on international crime prevention and law enforcement cooperation.
THAIMUN XII provided an incredible platform for students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, negotiate, and innovate on real-world issues. The rigorous debates, critical thinking and diplomatic skills demonstrated by Patana’s delegates exemplify the spirit of global citizenship and leadership.
Bangkok Patana’s performance at this year’s conference was exceptional, and our students have once again proven their diplomatic excellence on an international stage.
d e S igning for C hange :
John Clare, Design + Technology Teacher
Overthe course of Year 12 and 13, our Design Technology students have taken multiple trips to The Village International Education Centre as part of their Internal Assessment and undertaken their own design project, focusing on socially responsible design. We take four visits to The Village throughout the project, with each visit demonstrating the fantastic work our students have done here at Patana, developing their investigation and initial ideas to fully functioning working prototypes.
SYBILLE THEAUD
Sybille approached this project with care and empathy, working with a client from The Village Education Centre in Bangkok to develop an educational tool for students with cognitive and physical challenges. Her prototype effectively combines teaching cause and effect with activities that promote strength and muscle tone. By collaborating closely with students and staff, Sybille gathered valuable feedback to refine her design. The result is an accessible, engaging, and intuitive tool that supports both learning and physical development.
SYBILLE’S REFLECTION:
During this project, I worked with a client from The Village Education Centre in Bangkok. The goal of this project was to conceptualize and design an educational tool, with the purpose of supporting the learning needs of students with cognitive and physical challenges.
My objective was to design a prototype that taught students cause and effect, as well as provide users with elements of physical exercise to develop their strength and
muscle tone. Through collaborating closely with students and staff at the school, I was able to gather feedback, test multiple designs, and evaluate the success of my prototype.
My prototype teaches both educational concepts and vital physical movement that will be essential for their daily lives. The prototype offers students an educational tool that is accessible, intuitive and engaging to use.
D+T sTuDenTs showcase Their Designs
SANAE (SANA) TOHI
Sanae approached this project with care and focus, working with a client and young users from The Village International Education Centre to design a prototype tailored to their needs. Her project focused on creating a sensory garden tool that helps students with Autism Spectrum Disorder calm down through water control. The design not only supports motor skill development but also provides visual, auditory and sensory stimulation. Sanae’s thoughtful approach resulted in an engaging and effective learning tool for her users.
SANAE’S REFLECTION:
Throughout this project, I worked with a client and a group of young users from The Village International Education Centre, who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The goal of this project was to design and create prototypes that are specific to a user in order to aid and support the students with their respective needs.
My project aimed to create a prototype, for use in a
sensory garden, that aids their process of calming down when overstimulated by their surroundings, through the use of controlling water. The aim of this prototype is to assist in the watering of plants, as the young students can find it difficult to control their motor skills. Through this goal, the prototype creates visual, auditory and sensory stimuli, thus appealing to the users and enabling them to learn about cause and effect as well as improving their motor skills.
year 13 fundraiSer
Karnpichcha (Ada) Chanyarakskul, Year 13
Aspart of our Grad ‘25 fundraising initiative, we wanted to create an event that would bring people together, not just to support a cause, but to celebrate the spirit of our final year as a class. After much thought (and a few debates), we landed on an idea that felt both meaningful and fun: a student-parent pickleball tournament.
With over 80 participants made up of Grad ‘25 students and their parents, the tournament was filled with energy from the very first serve. Courts buzzed with friendly competition, laughter echoed across the sidelines, and matches were played with enthusiasm, teamwork and lots of school spirit.
Our goal was to make it a memorable event for everyone but also make a difference. Through
entry fees, donations and additional fundraising on the day, we raised THB 67,230. Every baht went directly to the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation, a Thai-based organisation that provides life-saving surgeries to children with congenital heart conditions. With immense pride and gratitude, we learned that the funds we raised were enough to fully sponsor one pediatric heart surgery.
To think that one afternoon of pickleball could change the course of a child’s life was both humbling and inspiring. For many of us, this was the first time we’d seen the impact of our efforts unfold so tangibly. It taught us that giving back doesn’t have to be grand or complicated, it can begin with a shared idea, a group of motivated individuals and a community willing to show up.
The event also became a meaningful way for students and parents to bond during our final year and added one more memory to a chapter that’s quickly coming to a close. Seeing parents team up with their children, cheer each other on, and embrace the friendly (and at times surprisingly competitive) spirit of the day made it all the more special.
We’re so incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this event, from those who played, donated, or helped behind the scenes, to our teachers and staff who encouraged us every step of the way. Even as one chapter closes, the impact we’ve made together will carry on far beyond our graduation, as we want to be remembered as the graduating Class of 2025 that gives to great causes, leaving a legacy of kindness, generosity and community spirit.
golf uPdaTeS - Term 2
Oliver Blundell, Head of Faculty, Physical Education
Building on the success of Term 1, our dedicated golfers continued to show tremendous growth and achievement throughout Term 2, with both our competitive team and development squad demonstrating their skills at various prestigious events.
EVENTS
FOBISIA 2025
March brought the prestigious FOBISIA 2025 tournament, hosted by Wellington Bangkok. Eight of our golfers participated in this challenging three-day event played across three of Thailand’s top golf courses: Thai Country Club, Amata Spring and Ballyshear. The tournament kicked off with a welcome event at Top Golf, setting the stage for what would be an exceptional test of skill and character.
Our Boys’ captain, Year 12 student Paul, delivered a standout performance, securing 3rd place Gross finish, just 3 strokes behind 2nd place. The tournament provided not only a genuine test of ability but also a valuable opportunity for our students to forge friendships with fellow golfers from across Asia.
We extend our sincere thanks to all our dedicated coaching staff who supported our students throughout this prestigious event.
The ISGT events continued to be highlights of our competitive calendar. In February, we participated in the Main and Development Tour STA event at Amata Spring. Year 6 student Dalila impressed with a 3rd place finish in her flight main draw, while in Development, Hei Hei secured 2nd place, demonstrating the depth of talent in our program.
Bangkok Patana Invitational
A major highlight of Term 2 was hosting our own Bangkok Patana Invitational at Thana City Golf Course on Tuesday, 18th March 2025. We proudly entered 16 golfers from our squad, showcasing the breadth and depth of our program. The day proved to be a tremendous success with multiple standout performances.
Claire in Year 9 won her nett competition with an impressive 40 points, while Shane in Year 8 mirrored Claire’s result in her flight, also collecting the girls overall nett prize in a countback from Claire. Our consistent performer Dalila in Year 6 added another third place finish to her growing collection of golf accolades.
The team effort culminated in Bangkok Patana collecting the Nett team winners trophy with a combined team score of 166 points – a proud moment for all our golfers and coaches!
International Schools Golf Tour (ISGT)
Special thanks to Khun King for his exceptional photography skills capturing the day’s highlights, and to our Head of Sport, Mr. Osborne, for his invaluable support throughout the event.
Hole in One! (12,500/1 Accomplishment)
The most extraordinary moment of Term 2 – and perhaps in Bangkok Patana golf history – came when Seyeon in Year 8 achieved the golfer’s dream: a hole in one on the 16th at Thana City during our Invitational! This incredibly rare 12,500/1 accomplishment capped a truly memorable day with a moment he’ll never forget. Special thanks to Thana City Golf Club for presenting Seyeon with golf gifts and his scorecard framed to commemorate this remarkable achievement.
Community Events
We have continued our community engagement through collaborative events with Tom Dingwall Golf Academy. The most recent event was held at The Royal Golf & Country Club on Sunday 2nd February. This inclusive competition featured student teams, parent teams, and staff teams coming together for a day of friendly competition and community building. We encourage everyone to look out for future events and enter a team in our fun, community-friendly competitions.
Looking Forward
The upcoming final ISGT event of our calendar will be hosted by Wellington College at Amata Spring on Tuesday 6th May. This will be both a main and development tour event, providing one last opportunity this year for our golfers to showcase their skills.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish farewell and good luck to Shirley in Year 13. Although only joining our school in Year 12, Shirley has been instrumental in the success of our Girls’ team at SEASAC over the previous two years, culminating in winning this year’s individual competition. Shirley will be continuing her golf journey at Sacred Heart University in NCAA Division I. Congratulations Shirley! We will be following your golf career with great interest and pride.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who continuously support their children’s golf development by taking them to events and supporting their training. Your dedication and encouragement play a crucial role in the success of our golf program and the individual growth of each young golfer.
Hole in One!
more SChoolS, greaTer imPaCT
Yoochan Hwang 12F, President of BPS Economist Club
THE UNITED WARDROBE PROJECT’S VISION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The United Wardrobe Project continues to grow as more international schools join our mission to combat fast fashion and promote sustainability. Recently, Wells International School, Hua Hin International School, and KIS International School Reignwood Park have joined the initiative, each bringing unique efforts to encourage responsible consumption and clothing donations in their communities.
Wells International School, Project Leader: Seeun Gu, G12
Wells International School partnered with the United Wardrobe Project to promote sustainability and social responsibility. Our goal is to reduce clothing waste, encourage students to make thoughtful fashion choices, and support those in need through donations.
So far, we have collected and donated hundreds of clothing items, preventing them from going to waste and giving them a second life. Students have also led donation drives and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of sustainable fashion.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our efforts by collaborating with more organizations and reaching more students. Our goal is to keep making a positive impact and inspire more people to consider the environmental effects of their choices.
Hua Hin International School, Project Leader: Xander van Pelt, Y12
Hua Hin International School joined the project to provide students and staff with a reliable and accessible way to donate clothes while encouraging the school community to be mindful of waste, purchasing habits, and environmental impact.
Since installing the donation box and announcing the initiative, we are still in the early stages and have yet to collect a significant number of donations.
For the future, we aim to involve even more schools in our area and connect with more charities. We are currently
looking to collaborate with Jungle Aid.
KIS International School Reignwood Park, Jiyu Lee, G9
KIS International School Reignwood Park joined the initiative to emphasise the environmental impact of clothing and highlight its potential beyond fashion. This project encourages people to recognise how clothing donations can make a positive difference. By participating, our students and teachers are actively reducing inequality while promoting sustainability.
So far, we have introduced the donation box to our school community through morning announcements, slides, and presentations during assemblies. As a result, people are beginning to take notice and donate clothing.
To further boost donations, a group of student volunteers has taken on key roles in the project. They are designing promotional posters in both digital and print formats. These will be shared on our school’s official channels to encourage parents to get involved. Moving forward, we plan to expand our impact by reaching out to more schools in the area and exploring additional donation opportunities with local charities such as Jungle Aid.
Looking Ahead
The United Wardrobe Project is expanding rapidly. Two schools in New Delhi, India, are preparing to install United Wardrobe donation boxes, and more schools are expressing interest in joining. Additionally, the project has been recognized as a successful case study at Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar International School in Malaysia, inspiring other institutions to participate.
Beyond expanding to new schools, we are also working on maximizing the impact of donated clothing. We are currently collaborating with a sustainable fashion company to explore upcycling some of the collected clothing. This exciting partnership could transform fashion waste into something meaningful, and we look forward to seeing what new ideas emerge.
Heartfelt thank you to parents, students, teachers, and staff for your support.
Patana ParTiciPaTes!
Achievements from Our Community
Sorachon and Thitinan, Parent
Over the weekend of March 22-23, Tonsol, showcased his skills at the Future Junior Golf Thailand (FJGT) competition, held at Lotus Valley Golf Club. Competing in the Boys’ Class C category, Tonsol delivered an impressive performance, scoring 80 on the first day and 77 on the second day. His consistent play secured him the 1st runner-up position in his category, marking a strong achievement in the tournament.
ptgchair@patana.ac.th
