THAILAND ECONOMICS COMPETITION Helen Berghuis, Head of Secondary Humanities
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ast week, 60 Bangkok Patana students from Years 10 - 13 attended the first ever Thailand Economics Competition to win 15,000 baht worth of cash prizes. The competition itself was 30-minute multiple choice exam that tested the participant’s knowledge of current and past Economic affairs in Thailand. The competition was a personal project for one of our very own passionate Year 12 Economics students, Chawin Asavasaetakul. Driven by the desire to improve students’ awareness of Thailand’s Economics current issues, Chawin dedicated countless hours to researching current issues and developing a range of questions that would challenge our most enthusiastic Business and Economics students. He also sought sponsorship for the prize money and was successful in securing 15,000 baht cash from Singha Water. Chawin created a website to support the marketing of the competition (https://www.tec2018. org/). This very professionally designed site contains important information about the competition and resources to support students in their preparation for the event. After the competition, Chawin had the opportunity to talk to some of the participants. Initially, he believed that the prize money was the primary motivator for student participation, however was delighted to hear many say that they got involved because it was fun. He found it incredibly heartwarming to see such enthusiasm from the participants, as many zealously compared their answers with each other as they left the exam hall. The eagerly awaited results of competition will be
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announced at the Secondary Awards Assembly on the last day of term. All participants did very well in a very challenging test paper and all will receive either a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate. The first, second and third place getters will of course walk away with the 10,000, 3,500 and 1,500 baht cash prizes. Many thanks go to Chawin for his tremendous enthusiasm and efforts in providing such an exciting opportunity for our students. Thank you also to Singha Water for their generosity in providing such attractive cash prizes. Be sure to stay tuned for information on next year’s competition. “Chawin has exemplified Bangkok Patana school values through and through. His whole approach to the competition, as well as the resourcefulness he demonstrated throughout the process, is an example of why we teachers and leaders love our job here. There was real excitement for the Economics competition amongst the students; they were highly animated and were debating long after the exam had finished – so much so, that I had to usher them along the corridors so they made it on time to their afternoon lesson! Chawin showed great ambition and passion, not only for the subject, but also to find ways in which students can further challenge themselves. We will no doubt hear more for Chawin in the future.” Suzanne Lindley, Secondary Assistant Principal
Bangkok Patana School News
07/12/2018