INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS GUIDE 2019 Diverse Learning Pathways from nursery to secondary levels www.BKKkids.com An Educational Oasis... providing the best environment for world-class education Unique in Bangkok, we offer open space, fresh air and plentiful greenery. Your child will enjoy world-class facilities, state-of-the-art classrooms, extensive sports fields and lakeside views, enriching their educational experience. Following a British curriculum, leading to GCSE and A Level, with students graduating to Ivy League, Russell Group (UK) and Oxbridge universities, we offer an educational oasis in Bangkok. Experience our spacious campus for yourself - book a tour today. 02 503 7222 ext. 1128 [email protected] www.harrowschool.ac.th Harrow International School Bangkok is committed to the safety and protection of children PUBLISHER BKK Kids P.O. Box 11, Larn Luang Post Office, Bangkok 10102 DESIGN Marketing Edge Co., LTD. Phone 081 751 0011 Email [email protected] SALES & MARKETING Manager Facebook BKK.Kids Daniel Sanhueza Twitter BKKKids Instagram bkk.kids Website www.bkkkids.com ACCOUNTS Manager Voralak Suwanvanichkij EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Wenna Parks REQUEST YOUR COPY Please e-mail [email protected] for a free copy of this guide. Contributing Writers Ana Morales, Wenna Parks, Dave Proulx, Voralak Suwanvanichkij Assistant Ashoo Rachanivarakonkul © BKK Kids Limited Partnership. All rights reserved. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate at the time of publication, BKK Kids Limited Partnership and authors cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication. The publisher and authors do not give any warranty for the completeness or accuracy for this publication’s content, explanation or opinion. We hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions. 4 5 Contents Contents page Editor’s Letter 8 The Value of an International School Education 10 Is School Really Necessary? 18 The Power of Play in the Early Years 20 Choosing Your Child's First School 24 Resources and Support for Students with Learning Challenges 30 How to Use this Guide 34 Maps 37 International School Directory 40 6 Dear Parents, We are pleased to present you with the BKK Kids’ 2019 International Schools Guide! This year marks the 5th edition of the publication, which reflects both the ever-expanding international school landscape in Bangkok as well as the growing demand for international school education from families. An international school education is becoming increasingly relevant in this rapidly changing, hyper inter-connected world. As institutions that adopt a curriculum other than that of the school’s country of residence, coupled with a global context and multicultural students and teachers, such schools offer local and expatriate children seemingly boundless opportunities: to explore and learn, consider new perspectives, and grow as individuals as well as global citizens. In Bangkok, we are spoiled for choice, with a number of international schools providing early years to secondary education under a diverse array of programmes and curricula. For each family, the decision to choose a school most likely boils down to background, nationality and values; native language(s); and a desire to enrich our children, igniting a love of learning and preparing them for life well beyond their school years. We sincerely hope that this publication will serve as a useful tool when selecting an international school, from the editorial section that covers a variety of education-related topics to the directory itself. We also included learning support resources for the English- speaking community, recognising that not every student fits into a mainstream education model or teaching method. Whether you are in Bangkok for a short stint or for the long haul, we wish you the best in your children’s education journey. Wenna Parks 8 The varied options of educational curricula as Singaporean, Australian, Canadian, French and available among international schools have German systems, are also available within the city in never been greater, and the number of students fewer numbers but with equal benefit and value. aged between 3 and 18 enrolled in international schools Schools include both non-profit and private schools run in Thailand, as well as around the globe, continues to by independent organisations and global education grow. There are many reasons why an international groups. Regardless, the structure of each curriculum school education appeals to families, especially as the determines the progression and development of world becomes more globalised and complex, with learning, from early years to pre-university levels. In enmeshed economies and technologies. many cases across Bangkok, schools are offering a The Value combination of curricula, mostly at the latter end of the To participate in this global “citizenship”, students must educational journey, widening the choice further. learn to work with others, whether they are local, national or international; understand diversity; and be Coupled with an international outlook, focus on local of an open to the innovation and versatility that stems from culture/values, and experiences related to the outside inter-cultural and international experiences. International world, such schools are balancing academics with schools offer the skills and knowledge that lead down performing arts, creative arts, music, STEM education this path, providing students for life beyond their school and sports, offering students a comprehensive learning years in an ever-expanding community that transcends pathway. We explore each of the major curricula and International School national borders. For transient expat families, such their attributes in greater detail below. schooling also makes moving from one country to another much more seamless. Among Bangkok’s international schools, there are Education several main educational programmes available, namely, the American/Advanced Placement (AP); British/A Level; and International Baccalaureate (IB). All are internation- ally recognised as qualifications to major universities By Wenna Parks anywhere in the world. Individual national curricula, such 10 11 American Curriculum British Curriculum The common themes of enquiry-based learning and Standardised tests are used as evidence of learning for A British education is based on the English or British Established over 50 years ago, the A Level programme student-centred learning and planning underpin the students enrolled in American international schools National Curriculum. In Britain, it is compulsory for has been the primary qualification for further education American curriculum. A typical American international around the world. Many universities internationally children between the ages of 5 and 16, with clear in the United Kingdom, a tried and tested model, often school starts with entry to Kindergarten at age 5 (or a require students to take the SAT or ACT for consider- provision made for students, based on their ages, in referred to as the “Gold Standard” by global universities. nursery programme for younger children), usually with ation during the university admissions process. specific developmental Key Stages. A defined curriculum An A Level programme offers depth and breadth through an age cut-off in the fall, around August to September. accompanies each Key Stage, with clear assessments a challenging and academic learning path. Typically, Students study through to Grade 12; upon completion, High school students may enrol in Advanced Placement and examinations to monitor and track each child’s students choose three or four subjects in their first year they earn a High School Diploma, which is accepted (AP) courses, which are offered by several schools in progress. Each Key Stage encompasses core subjects, of study [Y12 in the UK curriculum] before narrowing to criteria for entrance by American universities and Bangkok. A programme created by the College Board including English, mathematics, science and information three in the second year [Y13]. Students focus on colleges as well as institutions of higher learning across over 60 years ago, AP courses offer college-level technology, as well as foundation subjects in the subjects where their abilities, passions and strengths lie. the world. curricula and examinations to high school students in a humanities, creative and performing arts, modern wide variety of content areas. The benefits are to languages and physical education. It is also worth noting that other curricula from Common- This education system encompasses core subject matter challenge students in a rigorous curriculum, strengthen wealth nations, such as the Singaporean curriculum, standards and learning indicators recognised by one of their university applications, and offer the flexibility for Students study the International version of the General offer their students the IGCSE and A Levels in addition six education accreditation departments in the US, students to select a variety of courses or focus on a Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) over the two to their own combination of core and elective subjects. including the Western Association of Schools and specific subject in greater depth. Many American and years of Key Stage 4, from the age of 14 to 16. This Core subjects include English, Chinese, mathematics, Colleges (WASC) and New England Association