Being AdAptive: A Mindset for LeArning And LeAdership At pAtAnA
Luke Jones, Vice Principal, Curriculum and Assessment
WhenI was a child, we didn’t have the internet. If I wanted to learn something new, I had to head to the library, flip through encyclopedias, and ask a teacher or someone who knew more than I did. Life moved at a slower pace, and change often arrived in neat, manageable steps.
Fast forward to today, and the world feels completely different; faster, more connected, more unpredictable. The only constant is change itself.
That’s made me think a lot about what it really means to be adaptive. It’s not about knowing everything or racing to keep up with the latest trends. It’s about how we approach the challenges and opportunities that come our way, being open, curious, and willing to learn.
And that’s exactly the mindset I see all around me at Bangkok Patana.
If there’s one thing the past few years have taught us, it’s that certainty is a rare luxury. Whether it’s changes in curriculum, the way we use technology, or the challenges of living and learning in a global community, we know that the world will keep shifting, and we have to be ready to shift with it.
You only have to look at the world of business to see how crucial adaptability is. Netflix started as a DVD rental company, yet pivoted to streaming and is now a global leader in entertainment. Apple transformed from a computer company into an innovation powerhouse, driving the smartphone revolution. Meanwhile, Kodak, once the king of film photography, failed to adapt to digital cameras, and Blockbuster famously underestimated the streaming market and was left behind. These examples remind us that adaptability isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the difference between thriving and becoming irrelevant.
At Bangkok Patana, we’re learning that being adaptive isn’t just something we do when we have to; it’s the way we grow stronger together. As leaders, we’re learning to pause, listen, and stay open to new ideas, even when the path ahead isn’t
clear. We know the best solutions come when we create space for others to share their perspectives and co-create the way forward. That takes humility, patience, and a fair bit of courage, but it’s what helps us move from good intentions to real change.
For our students, developing an adaptive mindset is part of their daily experience. Whether it’s exploring new learning through project-based work, embracing more dynamic approaches to tracking their progress, or using feedback to refine their skills, they’re not just preparing for exams. They’re preparing for a future that will ask them to think flexibly, keep learning, and navigate the unexpected with confidence.
Certainty is a rare luxury. Whether it’s changes in curriculum, the way we use technology, or the challenges of living and learning in a global community, we know that the world will keep shifting, and we have to be ready to shift with it.
As we look ahead, our journey isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about leaning into the challenges, the opportunities, and the questions we haven’t yet answered. We’ll keep asking: How can we stay responsive to the needs of our students? How can we model adaptability in our leadership? And how can we build a community where everyone feels safe to take risks, try something new, and grow from the experience?
So here’s my invitation: let’s all take a moment to reflect. What does being adaptive mean to you? How can each of us, whether as students, teachers, leaders, or parents, embrace the unknown, try something different, and learn as we go?
Being adaptive isn’t a destination we’ll ever fully reach; it’s a mindset we’ll carry with us, shaping how we lead, learn, and live together as a community at Patana.
“People often ask, ‘What will change over the next 10 years?’ A more powerful question is, ‘What will remain the same?’” – Jeff Bezos
SCHOOL SHOP AND POSTAL SERVICES – END-OF-YEAR SCHEDULE
The School Shop will provide its last day of service on 27th June 2025 and will reopen on 4th August 2025 for the new academic year. Postal Services will also provide their last day of service on 27th June 2025 and will reopen on 1st September 2025.
froM the office of the foundAtion BoArd
JOHN THOMPSON – A LEGACY OF SERVICE TO BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL
John Thompson has been a dedicated and valued member of the Bangkok Patana School community for decades — first as a student from 1967 to 1974, and later as a committed parent and committee member within the Bangkok Patana School Foundation Board. Over the past 15 years, he has served with distinction on both the Finance Sub-committee and the Steering Committee, contributing significantly to the school’s financial oversight, governance and strategic development.
The Thompson family shares a deep and enduring connection with the school. All four of John’s children Melina, Mimi, Lucy and Max graduated from Bangkok Patana in 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2025, respectively. His wife, Alison Thompson has served as a Supply Teacher since 2012.
This multi-generational commitment reflects the family’s strong belief in the school’s mission and values.
John’s leadership, insights, and steady presence in committee work have left a lasting impact on our community. His thoughtful participation in key decision-making processes has helped strengthen the school’s financial resilience and long-term vision.
On behalf of the Foundation Board and the entire school community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to John for his many years of dedicated service. His contributions, as an alumnus, parent and committee member, have bridged generations and helped shape the future of Bangkok Patana School.
We wish John and his family continued success, happiness and fulfilment in all their future endeavours.
our coMMunity: incLusion And BeLonging
Junior Student Representative Council (JSRC)
THIS WEEK’S INTERVIEW SPOTLIGHT: MEET OUR SCHOOL SHOP ASSISTANTS!
Last week, we had a fascinating chat with our school nurse, and it sparked some great conversations around campus. This week, we’re turning our attention to two familiar faces who help keep our school shop running smoothly every day. Join us as we interview our amazing shop assistants to find out what it’s like behind the counter, what their favorite part of the job is, and…… if you enjoyed last week’s nurse’s interview, you won’t want to miss this one! - Sirianong (Plearn) Devakula Na Ayudhya, 8A
Name: Sirirat Limsangsri (Tye)
Job Title: School Shopkeeper
Name: Cathriya Lohajaroen (Cath)
Job Title: School Shopkeeper
JSRC: What is your favourite dish?
Khun Tye: I like Hainanese Chicken Rice.
Khun Cath: I like Thai food generally.
JSRC: What do you do in your free time?
Khun Tye: I like to sleep!
Khun Cath: I like driving around Bangkok.
JSRC: How long have you worked at this school?
Khun Tye: I only just started, so less than a year.
Khun Cath: I have worked here for seven years
JSRC: What is your favourite part of the job?
Khun Cath: I like talking to the students and helping them.
JSRC: Can you describe your families?
Khun Tye: I have five siblings, I am the oldest. I also have five nephews. We are a big family.
Khun Cath: I have three siblings, I am also the oldest.
JSRC: Do you enjoy being the oldest?
Khun Cath: I do. I am really close with my younger
siblings.
Khun Tye: Same with me. Being oldest does have its pros and cons though.
JSRC: What TV series or movies do you like watching?
Khun Tye: To be honest I dont really enjoy watching TV, I prefer to read books… and sleep!
Khun Cath: I only watch the news.
JSRC: If you could have any superpower what would you want to have?
Khun Tye: I want to have a magic door where it can take me anywhere in the world.
Khun Cath: I want magic powers like a magician!
JSRC: Okay thank you.
JSRC
Natnaree (Suri) Tiraratanakul 9H
Sirianong (Plearn) Devakula Na Ayudhya 8A
Yu-ning (Emily) Wang 7C
Hrehaan Pillay 8W
Aviraj Sehgal 8R
Isabella Pitcher 8S
Nicole (Nikkie) Maria Araneta 9C
Areeya (Proud) Vijakkhana 7C
Sia Lee 7S
Sharyn Narula 8W
We are re-starting our long lost Desert Island Discs once again. It follows in the style of the famed BBC podcast which features a celebrity every week Here we feature our own Bangkok Patana celebrities!
“What eight songs, one luxury item and one book would you take with you if you were stuck on a desert island?”
IF YOU WERE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND WHAT EIGHT PIECES OF MUSIC WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?
Rock 'n' Roll Star - Oasis
Busy Earnin' - Jungle
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
I'll Get Along - Michael Kiwanuka
Grew Up At Midnight - The Maccabees
Mountain To Move - Nick Mulvey
Blackbird - The Beatles
If Only I Could Wait - Bon Iver and Danielle Haim
PICK ONE LUXURY ITEM YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU.
(This item must be inanimate and of no use in escaping the island or allowing communication from outside.)
Our wedding photo album and then a cricket 'incrediball' and cricket bat. I know that's three things, sorry! A snorkel? Is four too many...
WHICH BOOK WOULD YOU WANT TO HAVE WITH YOU?
If he doesn't finish it then
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistr y
A Song of Ice and Fire Series - by George R.R. Mar tin (but only if the author finishes it!)
Note:This is a supplementary device for Patana students, not a replacement of your
down the rABBit hoLe
Alexa Nicholson, Primary Drama Teacher
FOBISIA PRIMARY DRAMA FESTIVAL 2025
Whatdo you get when you mix over 200 enthusiastic students from across Southeast Asia, a curious girl called Alice, a few Mad Hatters, and a lot of imagination? An unforgettable adventure Down the Rabbit Hole at this year’s FOBISIA Primary Drama Festival, hosted at Bangkok Patana School.
Over two and a half days, students in Years 5 and 6 were immersed in the world of Alice in Wonderland through a jam-packed schedule of drama, music, movement and storytelling. From the very first moment when UK-based children’s theatre company Divergent Drama took to the stage with a high-energy reimagining of Alice’s journey, students were swept into a whirlwind of creativity and collaboration.
On the first full day, students worked in mixed-school companies and took part in five exciting workshops, developing key performance skills in acting, voice, movement, musical theatre and characterisation. There was laughter, learning, and lots of lovely nonsense. The focus was on exploration rather than perfection, and it was a joy to watch students grow in confidence, make new friends, and step into roles as queens, rabbits, cats and croquet mallets.
Day 2 shifted gears, giving each company the opportunity to devise and rehearse their own original scene inspired by Wonderland. Working alongside their assigned drama facilitators, students collaborated, problem-solved
and brought their ideas to life on stage.
Our evenings brought even more Wonderland magic. On Day 1, we gathered for a pizza and popcorn picnic before heading into the theatre for a shared screening of Alice in Wonderland. On Day 2, after a full day of rehearsals and creative discovery, we hosted a whimsical Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, complete with cakes, music, games and of course… silly hats.
The festival concluded with a collaborative performance where each company took to the stage to share the scene they had created. There was no audience beyond ourselves, just a community of young performers and passionate educators celebrating the journey. And what a journey it was.
This festival wasn’t about showstopping solos or polished perfection. It was about the process, the play, the risk-taking, the joy of stepping into a story together. It was a reminder of how powerful drama can be in developing empathy, expression and ensemble.
A huge thank you to all the schools who travelled to join us, to Divergent Drama for their infectious energy, and to the dedicated teachers who supported students every step of the way.
An inspiring few days that showed just how far curiosity and collaboration can take us.
foBisiA gAMes 2025
Jayne Jauncey, Leader of Primary PE
A WEEK TO REMEMBER!
The week of 26th May saw 40 students from Years 5 and 6 travel to Chonburi for an unforgettable five-day trip, including three action-packed days of intense sports competition. The Primary FOBISIA Games bring together schools from across Southeast Asia in a thrilling celebration of sport, with students competing in Athletics, Swimming, Tee Ball and Football.
In the lead up to the games, our students dedicated their lunchtimes and after school hours to preparing themselves for the competition. When the big day arrived, they were more than ready to unleash the Patana Tiger!
The event began on the track, where spectators were treated to dazzling displays of speed, strength, and skill in the jumps, throws, and runs. Bangkok Patana not only won the athletics competition, but several of our students also broke FOBISIA athletic records.
After lunch, it was a quick transition from track to pool. In the late afternoon heat, Patana athletes proved they were just as fast in water as they were on land. The Patana flag was proudly raised on the podium throughout the swimming events. Once again, records fell, and our swimmers secured first place overall. While the individual events highlighted each swimmer’s talent, it was the ever popular tyre relay that brought the biggest smiles of the day.
The next day brought the Tee Ball competition. Students were divided into four teams, each participating in its own tournament schedule. The teams worked incredibly well
together, showcasing the strategies and tactics they had focused on in training. Despite the intense heat and a long day of play, all four teams finished on the podium!
But the day didn’t end there—students capped it off with the high-energy shuttle relays. Fun, exciting, and fiercely competitive, the Tigers roared once again, winning all four races!
On the final day, with tired legs and full hearts, our athletes took to the pitch for the football competition. The long awaited rain finally arrived, but that didn’t dampen spirits—after all, who doesn’t love playing football in the rain? Patana students gave their all throughout the day, even through extra time. The Girls’ A team narrowly missed out on Gold after a tense penalty shootout. All four teams finished with the silver medal.
After Football, the students enjoyed some well earned rest and relaxation before the final gala dinner. Donning their Songkran shirts and best dance moves, it was an evening to celebrate, reflect, and socialise.
While we are incredibly proud of the students’ sporting success, it was their attitude off the field that truly stood out. Kind, caring and supportive, not only to each other but to competitors from other schools. Our Patana Tigers embodied everything we stand for.
We are so proud of this amazing group of students and can’t wait to do it all again next year. In fact, we’re already practising the Tyre Relay!
tigershArk updAtes
TheTigerSharks hosted their final invitational of the season with teams from Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Hong Kong present. The Summer Sizzler meet offers long course, Olympic pool size racing on the Saturday and then short course racing on the Sunday. A unique opportunity for swimmers to compete in the same event at the same weekend across both long course and short course racing. The medals are rewarded in a different system compared to the traditional placing of 1st, 2nd, 3rd. The world governing body of swimming (World Aquatics) has a points system, where the closer the swimmers time is to the world record, the more points they receive. We have then been able to create Gold, Silver and Bronze standard times to achieve a medal for each event in each age group, based on this points standard. This means despite the place they may come in their age group, they can still achieve a medal depending on the time they perform in that event.
Summer Sizzler provided a fantastic, competitive racing throughout with over 460 swimmers on Saturday
for long course and over 500 swimmers on Sunday for short course. Over 160 TigerSharks competed at Summer Sizzler achieved so many personal best performances, trying events for the first time and racing fast against visiting schools. It was great to see our youngest in TigerPrawns (Year 2) taking on a large scale meet for the first time, with all TigerSharks closing off their season racing alongside some alumni swimmers returning to be with their former teammates.
A huge thank you to our parent volunteers, helping with marshalling, security, baskets for belongings and running the medal table throughout a long weekend of racing. We sincerely appreciate your continued support of volunteering at our meets.
Another swim meet saw more school records for the TigerSharks broken! Emma E, Year 10 claimed her own 50m Butterfly and 100m Butterfly long course school records in the Girls’ 13-14 age group. Whilst Katie C, Year 8 continued her preparation for representing Thailand at SEA Age this month by breaking her own 50m Backstroke
Joseph Denton, Head Swim Coach
and 100m Backstroke short course school records in the Girls’ 11-12 age group.
A special race was conducted on Sunday afternoon in the Boys’ 50m Freestyle, which saw our graduating Year 13’s competing their final race as TigerSharks. The atmosphere was fantastic, in front of friends and family, a truly special moment for Elliot, Tiger, Taku and Leo to share their final race together after 42 years collectively with the TigerSharks.
Congratulations to all TigerSharks who attended and claimed new personal bests and medals throughout the weekend. That is a wrap on the season for the TigerSharks as we head into the summer break, ready to take on the 25/26 season!
first BuBBLes: yeAr 5 And 6
Last weekend, our latest group of Year 5 and 6 students visited the BB Marine Navatanee facility, where they participated in a try scuba diving session with instructors from the Thai Ocean Academy.
The session began with students learning essential scuba diving basics in a safe, controlled environment. Under careful supervision, they were taught fundamental skills including communication signals, equipment familiarisation, and safety protocols. As confidence grew, the real excitement began in the pool’s deep end, where students played underwater games, practiced the crucial skill of buoyancy control, and even posed for a group photo!
For many participants, this was their first experience of diving, and the enthusiasm was infectious with students expressing interest in future opportunities. Thai Ocean instructor Adam Stoddard said “This is the ideal age for children to learn to dive. They are so inquisitive and en-
thusiastic! BPS has developed some really exciting scuba diving opportunities for their students, and we are delighted to be working with the school to introduce children to this amazing hobby!”
Building on this success, we’re excited to announce expanded scuba diving programs for the upcoming academic year. Students will have the chance to pursue full certification, while aspiring marine biologists can join our Tiger Tails Marine Conservation ECA, running across all four ECA blocks. There will also be school-led trips down to Pattaya where qualified divers will be able to explore our local marine life with Thai Ocean Academy. More information will be shared with in August.
Parents interested in scuba diving opportunities for their children can contact Mr Dan at daha@patana.ac.th for more information.
Dan Hatfield, Year 3 Leader
#301: snApchAt on AppLe wAtch: whAt pArents need to know
Image courtesy of: https://newsroom.snap.com/apple-watch-watchos-app
NEW FEATURE:
Teens can now use Snapchat on their Apple Watch to preview messages and reply to friends.
CONCERNS FOR PARENTS:
Increased Screen Time: More check-ins and digital distractions.
Sleep Disruption: Notifications on the wrist can interrupt sleep.
Sneaky Access: Teens might bypass rules about being offline.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS:
Start a Conversation: Discuss the new feature with your child.
Check Settings: Review notification settings and set up “Downtime.”
Revisit Rules: Consider including the watch in overnight device restrictions.
OVERALL ADVICE:
Stay informed, involved, and connected with your teens to manage their digital habits effectively.
Read more about it in Wayne Denner’s post here.
Brian Taylor Vice Principal, Technology for Learning
oMMunity engAgeMent At BAngkok pAtAnA
Written by Jihyuk (Daniel) Jung and Krishna Kandlapelli, Year 12
DATA(Dementia Alzheimer’s Treatment and Advocacy) was founded on the belief that equitable healthcare regarding neuro-degeneracy begins with representation and advocacy. DATA is a student-led initiative determined to shed light on one of the most overlooked conditions in our society—dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. At DATA, we recognise that many still lack awareness about these neurodegenerative conditions, let alone understand the emotional weight of what it truly means to forget.
Alzheimer’s does not just affect the elderly, it affects families, caregivers and communities. As students, many of us have grandparents, relatives, or even parents who may one day face the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Our mission is to ensure that the next generation is not only informed but emotionally prepared and knowledgeable when it comes to supporting their loved ones.
Since our founding, DATA has always aimed to combine awareness-building campaigns with tangible impact. Over the past year, we are proud to have raised over THB 30,000 through creative initiatives including school bake sales and DATA’s signature Brawl Stars Tournament, our very own student-led eSports event that brought the whole school community together for a meaningful cause. These events not only generated funding but also helped spark conversations among students who may have previously known little about dementia and Alzhiemer’s.
Our fundraising target this year is to fund vital medical
equipment for Chulalongkorn Hospital, helping improve care for patients battling dementia. We strongly believe that even small-scale, student-led contributions such as from DATA, can have a meaningful impact on Thailand’s broader healthcare system.
To complement our fundraising efforts, awareness remains at the heart of what we do. At the 2025 Impact Fair, our team ran a memory game stall designed to simulate the mental strain of dementia. Being simple yet powerful, this activity helped students and teachers better understand the everyday struggles that patients face, conveying our cause. The reaction was genuine, and many participants walked away with a deeper appreciation for the challenges of dementia and the value of empathy.
As well as this, our Instagram page has grown into a powerful outreach platform. With over 25,000 views, our message has not only reached the Bangkok Patana School’s community but also supporters across the world. From informative infographics to our viral reels, we’ve embraced social media to make our advocacy more accessible, especially for younger audiences.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to pass the torch to the next generation of DATA leaders—students we have mentored to uphold the club’s values of integrity, empathy, and action. The future of DATA looks brighter than ever, and we’re confident these future leaders will drive even greater change in our cause.
oMMunity engAgeMent At BAngkok pAtAnA
Riko Ujita, Year12
Cancureis a student-led community engagement team dedicated to spreading awareness about breast cancer to our school community through education and outreach. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts to develop in the breast tissue. It is a serious disease and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In 2022, there were around 2.3 million new breast cancer cases, with 1 in 20 women diagnosed in their lifetime. Although rarer, breast cancer can also occur in men, with close to 1% of cases in men.
Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, therefore one of the main aims for our team is to work with a local hospital, the Queen Sirikit Hospital through monetary donations every academic year, as well as visits if possible. These donations can be used for equipment for diagnosis and treatment for the patients.
2024/25 ACHIEVEMENTS
This year, our greatest achievement was our 100k donation to the Queen Sirikit Hospital. We usually have a goal to donate 40k, however this year we were able to raise enough to donate 60k more than our goal. The money we were able to raise mostly came from our Pink Day that happened in October. Pink Day is a non-uniform day specifically dedicated to raising awareness for breast cancer in our school. We also had a bake sale during lunch where we sold goods such as cookies and brownies.
We also held a stall after school for a concert on the same day, and had a small presentation to introduce our
club to the audience. At the stall we continued to serve our baked goods but also received many kind donations. In total we were able to raise over 30k in this single day.
FUTURE PLANS AND NEXT STEPS
For our next academic year, we will continue what we have been doing so far, such as Pink Day, but also attempt to participate in more events to reach out to a wider audience. We are also planning on organising another hospital visit to meet patients in person, and donate items to them. These visits will deepen our understanding of how breast cancer can affect individuals from those with personal insight into the realities of having breast cancer. It will also be beneficial for us to see how much we are having an effect on the community. From listening to the stories of the patients experiencing this disease, we can learn how we can help them even further and more effectively.
Our club has a meeting almost weekly on Wednesdays, to plan and initiate new ideas or events we can implement in the future. We will continue to strive and bring new ways to present our purpose to appeal to both students and staff, younger and older. Ultimately, our goal remains to continue to bring attention to our cause and help support those affected by breast cancer in any way we can.
ceLeBrAting our visiting student teAchers: A turing scheMe pArtnership
Carly Peart, Cross Campus Vice Principal, Continued Professional Learning
The Turing Scheme, named after pioneering mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing, is a UK government initiative that provides funding for students to undertake study placements across the globe. Through this programme, we’ve recently had the pleasure of welcoming five undergraduate students from the University of Northampton to our Primary School.
Currently studying either a Bachelor of Education Studies or Primary Education with iQTS, these students have spent the past few weeks fully immersing themselves in the vibrant life of our international school. Based across a range of Key Stage 2 classes, they have observed high-quality teaching practice, supported small group learning, and led a variety of activities with enthusiasm and professionalism.
For many, this has been their first experience of an international school setting; markedly different from their previous placements in UK state schools. The diversity of our community, the scope of our curriculum, and the collaborative culture across year groups have all contributed to a rich and eye-opening professional experience.
Beyond the classroom, they’ve also taken every oppor -
tunity to get involved in wider school life. From attending assemblies and extra-curricular activities to supporting residential trips, their willingness to step in and contribute has been deeply appreciated. The students will also spend time with children at The Village School, supporting learners with special educational needs, a valuable and rewarding extension to their placement. In a wonderful full-circle moment, we also discovered that one of the student teachers has a family connection to the school: her father was a Patana student himself a number of years ago.
Several of the students are preparing to continue their academic journey with postgraduate studies in fields such as psychology. They’ve spoken positively about how their time at Patana has broadened their perspectives on education and deepened their understanding of teaching in a global context.
This placement has been invaluable in helping them grow in confidence, refine their classroom skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the complexities and joys of teaching. We wish them all the very best in their future studies and careers, and we hope to welcome future cohorts from the University of Northampton again soon.
chAMpions of chAnge: inspiring resiLience And hope
Purnima Ghogar, Secondary English Teacher and Spoken Word Poetry Showcase ECA Programme Facilitator
2025 SPOKEN WORD POETRY SHOWCASE AND ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH
Champions of Change: Inspiring Resilience and Hope’ marks the third year of the Spoken Word Poetry Showcase, an inspiring ECA programme that gives our young writers in Key Stage 3 a platform to use their voices for positive change and to empower confidence and creativity in public speaking, writing and publishing.
LIVE POETRY PERFORMANCES
Our Year 7–9 students participating in the ECA will perform their poems live in the Theatre on Thursday 26th June (10:40 am – 12:15 pm), celebrating the students’ learning journey and growth as published authors and performers of poetry, using words powerfully to respond to global challenges with empathy and courage.
THEME: CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
‘Champions of Change: Inspiring Resilience and Hope,’ highlights individuals who create positive change by showing resilience in adversity and encouraging perseverance towards global goals. Students reflected on historical and contemporary figures who shaped the world and its
values, exploring through poetry how these changemakers relate to their own identities and inspire strength. They asked themselves: What global message does your poetry collection convey, and how can it inspire others to make a positive difference?
A JOURNEY OF POETRY WITH PURPOSE
The journey began by exploring key terms — Changemaker, Trailblazer, Advocate, Global Citizen, Resilience — helping define the traits of changemakers. We created metaphor poems about what it means to be a changemaker — to express advocacy, courage, and hope — contributing powerful lines to a collaborative class poem, to be performed together to celebrate collective voice and vision.
To deepen their understanding, students explored values, beliefs and character traits by researching inspirational figures such as Malala Yousafzai, Martin Luther King Jr., and Greta Thunberg. They created fact files and examined how these changemakers overcame adversity. Guided by their findings, students planned and wrote poems connecting their figure’s values to global issues aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), crafting
activist poems that inspire action.
By analysing poetic forms, language and structure, and crafting powerful messages, students honed their writing, research, creativity, collaboration and public speaking skills. Inspired by influential activist voices — from Maya Angelou’s ‘Still I Rise’ and Amanda Gorman’s ‘The Hill We Climb’ to Emily Dickinson’s ‘Hope is the Thing with Feathers’ and William Ernest Henley’s ‘Invictus’ — they explored themes of resilience, activism and inclusion.
Passionate about their chosen global issues and changemakers, students refined their poems through peer review and rehearsals, learning spoken word techniques—projection, articulation, pace, emphasis, and gesture—to transform written words into powerful, purposeful performances. This year, returning participants from Year 8 (Forex Zhang, Annabelle Ng) and Year 9 (Tatsha Kuansongtham, Alice Wang) also mentored others, developing their coaching skills.
PUBLISHED ANTHOLOGY: YOUTH VOICES FOR GLOBAL GOALS
Each student created a personal poetry collection, thoughtfully designed with visuals, layout, and voice, reflecting both their own values and those of their chosen changemaker. From these, they selected one piece to perform and publish in an anthology that will be archived in the National Library of Thailand - a collection of youth perspectives on resilience, hope and global citizenship.
A CELEBRATION OF EMPOWERMENT THROUGH WORDS
As the founder and facilitator of this programme, I am deeply proud of what our students have accomplished. Each student has stepped into their role as a writer, reflective thinker, and changemaker - proving that no one is too young to make a difference. Let their words move you. Let their passion and hope inspire you. Join us in supporting young voices rising for a better world.
Le MAriAge pout tousMArriAge equALity
Matthew Thepsoparn, Year12
L’UN DES PREMIERS MARIAGES HOMOSEXUELS OFFICIELS EN THAÏLANDE.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-11/same-sex-marriage-how-thailandbecame-first-in-southeast-asia-to-pass-law
FRENCH:
La semaine dernière, durant ma leçon de français, nous avons étudié un sujet particulier: le “Mariage pour tous”. Le Mariage pour tous est entré dans la législation française le 17 mai 2013. C’est une révolution sociale parce que c’était mal vu par l’Eglise catholique qui condamnait les unions immorales. Ce changement fut incroyable parce que historiquement, c’était la première fois que le parlement français adoptait cette loi.
De même, en Thaïlande, la loi sur le mariage pour tous a été adoptée au début de l’année 2025. C’est un moment extraordinaire car c’est le premier pays dans le Sud-Est de l’Asie qui a promulgué cette loi. En Thailande, l’homosexualité était acceptée depuis 1956 quand le gouvernement Thaï a permis aux personnes du même sexe de vivre ensemble. Au contraire, dans les autres pays du Sud-Est de l’Asie, c’était illégal et même encore maintenant dans de nombreux autres pays.
C’est la raison pour laquelle nous avons étudié ce propos parce qui est essentiel pour développer une perspective philosophique globale. Pour le Baccalauréat International (ou IB en anglais), c’est un aspect fondamental du programme que de cultiver la conscience interculturelle chez les élèves pour vivre dans un monde en paix.
As part of our exploration of the IB theme “Identity”, we turn our focus to the evolving concept of “Marriage for All” around the world. This topic invites us to examine how different societies define and recognize relationships, particularly through the lens of equal marriage rights. From legal milestones to cultural shifts, we’ll explore the social, political, and emotional dimensions of marriage equality in various countries—and reflect on what this tells us about the changing nature of human relationships in a global context.
ENGLISH:
Last week, during my French lesson, we studied a particular subject: “Mariage pour tous” or “Marriage for all”. Marriage for all was legislated in France on the 17th of May in 2013. It was a social revolution due to it initially being frowned upon by the Catholic Church, which condemned immoral unions. This change was incredible because historically, this has been the first time the French parliament has adopted this law.
Similarly, in Thailand, the marriage for all law was adopted at the beginning of 2025. It was an extraordinary moment, as Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to enact such a law. Homosexuality has been accepted in Thailand since 1956, when the Thai government decriminalized same-sex relationships. In contrast, in other Southeast Asian countries, homosexuality remained illegal - and even today, it still is in many other countries.
This is why we studied the topic of marriage for all: it is essential to develop a globalized, philosophical perspective. In the IB Diploma Programme, a fundamental aspect is to cultivate an intercultural awareness in students, preparing students to contribute to a more peaceful and inclusive world for all.
For Thai text please click here
the iMportAnce of prActising!
Parents of Umi and Sola, 4M
Umi and Sola loved riding bicycles when they were little and started challenging themselves with BMX flatland at the age of 5. Fortunately, they’ve had the chance to take lessons from world-class riders and coaches. Since they began competing in Thailand over a year ago, they’ve made an effort to practise almost every day. This practise has been an important part of their success, and it keeps them busy and active. It’s fun for them to try new tricks and feel their progress as they improve.
“To practise their oracy skills, 4M were given a task to choose something that they are passionate about. They had to prepare a presentation to share with the class. They could choose anything that they wanted to. This project gave them the motivation and confidence to stand up in front of the class to speak. They were given some success criteria to guide them. The rest was on them. I was very proud of them all.” - Miranda Cawley, 4M Class Teacher
You are great!
Children Saturday Storytime
14th June 2025
10:30am, Neilson Hays Library
Free for members, 200 Baht for non-members
Registration required. Book your spot here https://bit.ly/StoryTimeRegistration
