SCL is no newcomer to the island’s educational scene; it first opened its doors in a very modest way back in 2004. The vision of its founders was to provide a situation where children would feel safe, valued and happy – which is the best environment for learning. Due to success and steady expansion, the centre has now blossomed into a school that can cater for up to 200 children, in a new and modern purpose-built premises, up the hill past Tamarind Springs Spa. There are 150 children, aged between three years and 11 in the junior section, and 45 in the secondary school. And to engage with these students there are a total of 55 experienced staff, 30 of them ‘foreign’ (i.e., ‘farangs’, in the local lingo!) and another 25 of Thai descent. As an ex-teacher myself, I recall just how challenging it used to be, getting to grips effectively with a multi-cultural group, some of whom most definitely did not have English as their native tongue. And it was with interest that I listened to Emma Dyas, School Director and partner, explain how they deal with this. “We have staff who are taking lessons in Russian, Chinese and French,” she told me, “plus of course English and Thai. Our system is that any student who has difficulties expressing themselves in English is taken out of the main group for two hours a day to begin with, for one-to-one lessons with a specialist English teacher. Later this time reduces as the student becomes more
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capable and confident. This is the key to a balanced individual and a solid foundation for learning: building close relationships where the child feels safe and confident. The specialist teacher then continues an individual support in the general class groups, cementing the relationship that’s already established.” “The same thing happens with students who have any sort of special educational need,” Emma continued. “Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator liaises closely with the parents, the educational Key Stage leaders and the class teachers. An ‘Individual Education Profile’ is worked out, with the aim of satisfying three objectives – personal, social and educational. We had a Russian boy not so long ago who was somewhere in the autistic spectrum. To begin with he was terrified, spoke no English, and was unable to speak or even look at anyone. Today you would never be able to notice any difference between him and the rest of his peers.” All of which leads to lots of stable, sociable and cheery children, but with no qualifications? Not in the least! The class teaching is geared to the UK National Curriculum and the school is an accredited member of The University of Cambridge International Examinations body, in addition to the Edexel Examination Board, and is, naturally, registered with the Thai Ministry of