S107 Newsletter vol 47

Vol. 47

9th Feb 2024

HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE

Dear Parents, As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are once again reminded of the values that define our school community: care, innovation, inclusivity, and success. This year's festivities, centred around the theme of the Year of the Dragon, beautifully exemplify these values in action.

Care: Throughout the story of the Lunar New Year celebration, care is evident in the way our students and staff come together to ensure that every member of our community feels valued and included. From the care that Miss Gina took in organising this week’s events to fostering a sense of belonging among diverse backgrounds, as a school, we continue to demonstrate care by prioritising the well-being and happiness of each individual.

Innovation: Our school embraces innovation as a means of enhancing the learning experience and fostering creativity among our students. Through imaginative projects in the classrooms, the Key Stage 3 Arts Exhibition now open in the auditorium foyer, modern twists on traditional customs such as including K-Pop dancing as part of our Lunar New Year Secondary assembly, we encourage our students to think outside the box, be creative and explore new possibilities.

Inclusivity: Inclusivity lies at the heart of our Lunar New Year celebrations, as we welcome students and families from diverse backgrounds to participate in the festivities. Through multicultural learning that has taken place this week, language exchanges, and cross-cultural dialogue, we celebrate the richness of our differences in these ways.

HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE

When we promote inclusivity, we ensure that every voice is heard (no matter how small!) and every perspective is valued, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance at S107.

Success: The story of the Lunar New Year celebration reflects our commitment to success as a community. As our students took to the stage for both Primary and Secondary assembly performances, we enjoyed traditional songs and dances from students across the school and were treated to an exciting quiz led by Tim in Year 12. A huge thank you to Cream and Hayden in Year 10 for their excellent work leading the Secondary assembly so confidently!

As we embrace the Year of the Dragon as a symbol of endless possibilities, let’s continue to inspire our students to become compassionate leaders, creative thinkers, and global citizens who will shape the world for the better.

Wishing you and your family a joyous Lunar New Year filled with happiness, prosperity, and success.

Warm regards, Caroline Ratcliffe Head of School

EY & PRIMARY

Year 2 Power of Reading (POR) Designing Settings

In Year 2 we have been reading the book, 'How to Find Gold' by Viviane Schwarz. We decided to design our own characters and settings for our own versions of this story. Here students used a variety of materials to make 3D models. The students all created imaginative and exciting settings and we look forward to see them act out stories with their finished products.

Ms Sarah Year 2 Teacher

Year 2 Power of Reading (POR) Designing Settings

Year 3 Family Friendly Morning

Last week families joined Year 3 for family friendly morning. They planted seeds as part of our Unit of Inquiry, Sharing the Planet. They have been learning about saving the rainforest and what they can do to help look after the planet. In Science, they are going to learn about how plants grow and what they need to survive. They had so much fun and cannot wait to see the plants grow. Thank you to all the families who were able to join us.

Ms Olivia Year 3 Teacher

Year 3 Family Friendly Morning (cont.)

TISAC Arts Day Y1-3

We had a fantastic time at TISAC Arts Day with a group of Y1-3 students. The children met plenty of peers from other schools and collectively, they experimented with various activities. They learned some lively dance choreography, engaged in imaginative exercises at the drama workshop, drew inspiring pictures in art class, and explored new musical games. It was an exciting trip, and the children displayed great skills and creativity throughout all the activities!

Ms Magda Music teacher

TISAC Arts Day Y1-3 (cont.)

Year 6 Residential to Chiang Rai

This year, the Year 6 students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Chiang Rai, a region teeming with natural wonders and cultural richness. From hiking through dense forests to honing their archery skills, the trip was a perfect blend of exploration, learning, and fun. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, the trip offered a refreshing return to basics. Our Year 6 students returned home with hearts full of memories and minds enriched with experiences. The trip was not just about exploring the wonders of nature or mastering new skills; it was about personal growth, resilience, and the bonds forged through shared adventures.

Ms Emma Year 6 Teacher

Year 6 Residential to Chiang Rai (cont.)

Primary Assembly

Stars of the Week

SECONDARY

Highlights : Creative Arts TISAC Choral Day S107 attended the TISAC Choral Day, with 20 students from across our upper primary and secondary year groups joining to learn and sing choral repertoire. On the day they were joined by many other schools from across Bangkok. There were performances from the combined primary students, the secondary students, and finally every student who attended.

You can watch all of these performances here: Primary Choir Secondary Choir Combined Choir

TISAC So You Think You Can Dance S107 had its first ever dance team represent the school at the TISAC So You Think You Can Dance event this academic year. Our year 12s worked really hard at creating and preparing their routine for the competition, working together as a team to make every artistic decision.

We are really proud of their performance, which you can click here to watch, starting from 1hr:08mins in.

Mr Micheal Head of Creative Arts Faculty

Highlights : Creative Arts TISAC Orchestra Day

S107 joined forces with other school students for the TISAC Orchestra Day. The event was an opportunity for students who play an orchestral instrument to experience playing in a large scale orchestra - on the day there were over 60 students performing together in a short concert.

Click here to watch the performance! **If you play a string instrument and is in year 4 and above and want to join the S107 String Ensemble.

Please email mclayton@standrews-schools.com for full details!

Highlights : Creative Arts TISAC Big Band Jazz Concert

This week S107 hosted the second annual TISAC Big Band Jazz Day. With 5 schools joining us for the event, we had over 50 students playing together in a jazz big band. The students spent the day rehearsing with music specialists before giving a public performance in the auditorium at 3pm. Many thanks to everyone involved and all who came to watch the show. There will be a full concert video published when completed, but for now here are some photos of the day.

Mr Micheal Head of Creative Arts Faculty

Highlights : Creative Arts TISAC Big Band Jazz Concert (cont.)

Computer Science Students Trip to Kuala Lumpur, Coding Competition

We are thrilled to share the outstanding success of our computer science students from Years 10-13 in the recent coding competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Led by Mr. Abid and supported by Ms. Bobbie, our students not only showcased their coding prowess but also gained invaluable problem-solving skills in this international arena. This experience went beyond coding, providing them with real-world challenges that will undoubtedly benefit them in various fields.

Participating in the competition enhanced our students' problemsolving skills, fostering creativity, collaboration, and quick decisionmaking - crucial attributes for success in any field. This journey is a stepping stone for our students towards a future where they play a pivotal role in shaping the world through their coding expertise and problem-solving skills. This overseas adventure marks a significant achievement for St. Andrews 107, showcasing our commitment to nurturing talent and supporting academic development.

Mr Abid Computer Science Teacher

Computer Science Students Trip to Kuala Lumpur, Coding Competition (cont.)

Computer Science Students Trip to Kuala Lumpur, Coding Competition (cont.)

Click here to see the full video!

S107 Rockets to Victory at Green Valley STEAM Day

Hold on to your lab coats because we've got some out-of-this-world news from our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, maths) Day trip to Green Valley! The event brought together 10 international schools from the region, creating an environment of friendly competition and collaborative learning. S107 students showcased their ingenuity and talents across various challenges, making the day a memorable experience for all. We are thrilled to share the remarkable success of our students. Spoiler alert: S107 won!

Bottle Rocket Launch: One of our teams embarked on an adventurous venture with a javelin-like rocket, leaving a substantial hole on the sports field, one to look out for at the next football tournament! When pigs fly? They certainly do! The flight of the 8 ‘Tobu Buta' (Flying Pig) rocket, designed by Mirei from Year 8, was a particular highlight as it soared high, capturing the attention of all present!

Elastic Band Car Challenge: S107's excelled in the Elastic Band Car Challenge, with one year 9 team achieving an impressive distance of 12 metres. Their outstanding engineering skills set a benchmark for the entire competition. Rumour has it the car now demands its own pit crew.

S107 Rockets to Victory at Green Valley STEAM Day (cont.)

Periodic Table Minesweeper: Students engaged in an interactive giant game of Minesweeper testing their knowledge of the periodic table, promoting scientific acumen, and strategic thinking. No explosions, but we did blow everyone's minds with our chemistry skills.

Instrument Crafting and Forest School Challenges: Participants showcased artistic and outdoor skills by crafting instruments from natural materials and engaging in forest school challenges, fostering creativity and a connection with nature.

Mathematics Scavenger Hunt: S107 teams demonstrated their mathematical prowess by completing a scavenger hunt around Green Valley School, adding an exciting educational element to the day.

S107 Rockets to Victory at Green Valley STEAM Day (cont.)

Noteworthy Achievements: S107 emerged as the overall winner of the day, a testament to the collective talents and efforts of our students.

In the KS4 competition, Team Yabadabadoo (Peak, Vihaan, Gant Angus, and Tanya) secured 1st place, showcasing exceptional skills in their car design.

Team Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo (Jungwoo, Pu, Jace Brany, and Kamiel) claimed an impressive 3rd place in the same category, competing against older KS4 students (and ruining the grass with their rocket) In the Key Stage 3 competition, Team Ching (Koshi, Jun, Alek, Jordan) secured a commendable 2nd place.

The Elastic Band Car designed by Team LAHMS (Hao, Mirei, Ai, Lily, Sonya) travelled the furthest in the KS3 category, reaching an impressive distance of 7 metres.

Congratulations to all S107 participants for showcasing exceptional teamwork, creativity, and determination. Your achievements have brought great pride to our school.

Ms Amy Science Teacher

Click here to see the video

BTEC Students Visit to Signage Local Business

Last Friday, our Year 10 and Year 11 BTEC Business students visited The Signage Factory in Bangphli. This business is one of the three biggest of its kind in Thailand, providing professional handcrafted and personalized signs for businesses of all types. Students were treated to a presentation on the operations and history of the business, followed by a tour of the facilities. They had the opportunity to learn about the quality control processes and employee support systems provided by the business.

Our students concluded the visit with a presentation to the owners, suggesting ways in which the business could be improved in the future.

We are especially thankful to Harry, Martina, and Anthony Sprangers for hosting us!

Mr David Business Studies Teacher

BTEC Students Visit to Signage Local Business (cont.)

BTEC Students Visit to Signage Local Business (cont.)

University Fair at S107

Global Roadshow

Month

Date-Day

Country

Time

Venue

February

5 Monday

Study In USA Presentation and Fair

11:15 – 12:15

Sixth Form Room

February 12 Monday

Study in Switzerland Presentation and Fair

11:15 – 12:15

Sixth Form Room

Study in Canada Fair

12:30 – 1:30

Sixth Form Room

March

4 Monday

S107 key contacts for the event: dpatel@standrews-schools.com (Deepa Patel - University Advisor) dbrundage@standrews-schools.com (Dave Brundage - Head of sixth Form)

Study in Ireland Presentation In this week's Global Universities Roadshow “Study in Ireland -The Path to Success – university and Beyond” with Seamus McHugh, we delve into Ireland and some essential questions that many high school students grapple with as they consider their future education and career paths. Is going to university the guaranteed ticket to a good job? What exactly does a university offer besides a degree? He also explored the significance of surrounding yourself with the right kind of people.

Seamus McHugh highlights that success in the job market involves more than obtaining degrees from top-ranking universities. Instead, it combines various elements including knowledge, skills, experience, motivation, and the capacity for continuous learning. According to him, while university education is a significant route to career success, its benefits are not limited to monetary gains. In Ireland, prestigious universities provide quality education that equips students with the necessary attributes for job market success, underscoring that there are diverse pathways to achieving one's career objectives.

McHugh highlights that Irish universities provide personal growth, lifelong friendships, and the chance to broaden one's horizons. While graduates do tend to earn more and face lower unemployment rates, success can be achieved through various routes, and university isn't the sole determinant.

When considering university, he asks what students need to build a successful, enjoyable, secure, and flexible career that aligns with their aspirations. McHugh identifies four essential ingredients:

Study in Ireland Presentation (cont.)

Knowledge: The knowledge students need depends entirely on their chosen career path. For example, a sports journalist requires in-depth sports knowledge, a doctor must excel in physiology, and a civil engineer needs a solid grasp of calculus. Irish Universities are crucial in building and pursuing knowledge across various fields.

Skills: Regardless of a student's career choice, certain skills are essential, such as the ability to analyze information critically, problem-solve, and develop soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and empathy. Irish Universities put considerable effort into incorporating these skills into their curriculum, making them a valuable starting point for skill development.

Experience: Demonstrating skills through real-world experience is vital. The type of experience one needs varies greatly by course. Practical programs like medicine and teacher training are designed to provide specific work experience, while courses like English literature or history may have a different focus.

However, universities offer opportunities for extracurricular activities, volunteering, part-time work, internships, and summer jobs to help students gain valuable experience.

Accreditation: Accreditation often requires specific evidence of knowledge and skills, typically gained through formal education. Some professions, like medicine and teaching, require university-based accreditation. In contrast, fields like accounting or marketing may involve exams with relevant professional bodies for full accreditation. Irish Universities offer accessible and affordable pathways to gain the necessary qualifications and a rewarding and enjoyable educational experience that are recognised globally.

The university experience is not merely a financial investment but a personal and professional journey. It equips students with valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences while offering opportunities to build connections and supporters.

Choosing the right path for your future involves thoughtful consideration of your goals and needs, whether that includes university or alternative routes to success. As you embark on this journey, remember Mark Twain's advice: surround yourself with people who inspire you to become great.

Ms Deepa University and Careers Advisor

Secondary Career Talk with Dr. Pim

On Friday, 2nd February, students in Years 11 through 13 had the invaluable opportunity to meet and learn from Dr. Pim, a distinguished dermatologist from Samitivej and Sikarin Hospitals. With her expertise as a laser specialist after her return to Thailand, Dr Pim took us through her inspiring journey in the medical field. From her early days in a Thai high school to her advanced studies at a Thai public university and further enhancing her skills with three years at King's College in the UK, she has amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Dr. Pim's key message to students dreaming of a medical career was clear: dedication and the readiness to embrace lifelong learning are essential. The medical field is ever-changing, with new and existing diseases evolving, making continuous education extremely essential. Also, staying abreast of the latest research is important for doctors. She emphasized the importance of responsibility, being an attentive listener, and mastering time management. Dr Pim's insights are a roadmap for aspiring medical students and a call to action for anyone aiming to excel in their future careers.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT S107

Dragon and Lion Show

Dragon and Lion Show (cont.)

Dragon and Lion Show (cont.)

Click here for more photos !

Lunar New Year Assembly

Lunar New Year Assembly (cont.)

GrowGreen Updates Saving Season The GrowGreen Committee worked hard this week checking for wasted electricity in classrooms. The teachers did a great job of remembering to turn off lights and close the doors. But there's still a lot of room for improvement. If the teacher was wasting electricity they received a red card!

Food waste composter We now have a HAAS food waste composter at school. This is on loan from Mr. Mark. This machine can decompose any scrap food except hard things like bones, oils and liquids. The composter is set up in the cooking room to allow easy access. It's another positive step in trying to achieve zero organic waste this year.

GrowGreen Updates (cont.)

Click here to see what we did last year!

Eco Fair- Save the date The annual Eco Fair is on Friday April 26th. Anyone in the school community can be involved. If you want to set up a stall at the fair please contact Mr. Mark (manderson@standrews-schools.com). All money raised will go towards the GrowGreen Committee.

Upcoming Event : S107 Holiday Camp

Upcoming Event : S107 Holiday Camp (cont.)

Canteen Menu

Canteen Menu (cont.)

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7 Sukhumvit 107 Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 2393 3883