Rugby School Thailand eNewsletter

Matters of Principal

Whole School

Announcements

RST INTERNSHIP AND VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME
We are delighted to share our progress in offering students real-world opportunities to explore their future careers. During the holiday break, 12 students joined the RST Internship Programme for Medical schools preparation at Chulalongkorn Hospital. This is our fourth internship programme with the Chulalongkorn Faculty of Medicine. The students had the opportunity to experience the departments of otolaryngology, emergency medicine, forensic medicine, psychiatry, and autopsy. For more details and student accounts, please see the ‘Senior’ section of the newsletter.

We had wonderful feedback from the students who participated in this programme. Opportunities like these can open doors for our promising students who aspire to enter the medical field and someday become doctors and nurses. It also serves as a crucial portfolio builder for applications to top-tier universities around the world. Equally important, these opportunities can help students determine what field they want to pursue before committing to a specific curriculum at RST and in Higher Education.

We are currently working with three more Thai hospitals and law firms, such as Baker & McKenzie, to provide students with additional future opportunities for internships in multiple fields. If any parents are interested in joining our internship and volunteer programme, please contact our Thai Principal, Kru Natt via email at pakanatt@rugbyschool.ac.th.

We are especially interested in the following fields:

- Architecture
- Hotel and Hospitality
- Law
- Economics and Finance
- Business and Management
- Ecology and Sustainability
- Technology and computers
- Fine Arts and Gallery

‘SCHOOL OF ROCK’ IS COMING TO RST IN JUNE
Auditions and rehearsals have started for the Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical based on the 2003 movie. The show is a retelling of the full Broadway and West End show featuring a live student pit band with all music and songs performed by the cast of 40 across Prep and Senior. Students are leading over the ambitious two-term rehearsal period in direction, choreography, design, and music with the help of Mr Furness and Mr Sunderland.

There will be further updates and information on our first Key Stage 3 musical at RST and we are very happy to finally share the news of being granted permission from the Really Useful Company to bring this show to School.

TOP GOLF STUDENT PROMOTIONS
Our friends from Top Golf have two student promotions that our social golfers may enjoy.

1. Children's Day Weekend (13^th and 14^th January)

Free Plaster Painting Workshop
Free Food for Children Aged 12 and Under
Balloon sculptures and a takeaway balloon for each child.

2. Interactive Gaming: high-tech gaming and sports entertainment via massive 550-inch screens.

Students with a valid RST ID receive a 20% discount on gameplay and food from 8^th January to 31^st March 2024.

To find out more or make a reservation, call 02-114-1289.

WISDOM SPORTS ACADEMY OFFERS

Reminders

15^th JANUARY: RSTPA Cooking Class – Philippines (08:15-10:30)
We have a maximum of 24 places, so if you are interested, please reserve your place via QR code / irbis2002@bk.ru / Line: Helen Cool / 0907694661.

There will be a small fee of 300THB per session to cover the costs of ingredients and you will need to bring some empty containers to take your food away.

Senior

Announcements

NEW STAFF
We are delighted to welcome Dr Jack Bradshaw to the School who has joined the maths department. Dr Bradshaw was previously working as a Head of Department in a school in Bangkok. Before that, Dr Bradshaw was a Physics lecturer at Warwick University.

SAT PREPARATION AT RST AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PRELIMINARY SAT (PSAT)
In our School newsletter of 29 September, we provided an overview of the SAT, a college admissions exam widely accepted in the United States and other global universities, and a requirement for entry to many Thai universities. Rugby School Thailand is a registered SAT Test Centre.

In March, D Block and LXX students will have the option to take the PSAT at RST. The PSAT test provides an opportunity to prepare for the SAT and has a range of additional advantages related to its completion. A letter has been sent out to parents this week, providing full details of the PSAT and how to reserve a place for your child.

SAT TEST PREPARATION
For those students who will be taking the SAT, please see the following reminder and recommendations with regards to test preparation:

We recommend Khan Academy’s SAT course for revision. With the RST class code: 7ZYMSZ6E, students can access materials directly aligned with the College Board’s standards.
RST offers both English and Mathematics SAT Prep sessions as an activity for students in D Block and above.

Students are encouraged to download the Bluebook app from College Board/SAT. They may do this without registering first for the SAT exam. Bluebook has 4, full-length digital exams for practice that are set up exactly like the formal exam.

DUSIT THANI COLLEGE OPEN HOUSE
Join DTC for an immersive experience in the field of hospitality management and professional culinary arts at their practical workshop on 13^th January. The event will feature an engaging alumni talk session, a comprehensive campus tour, and a delightful free lunch. Participants will be presented with e-certificates of participation as a token of acknowledgment at the conclusion of this enriching day. We look forward to your presence and participation!

Highlights of the workshop includes:

Cuisine: Art of Haute Cuisine
Pastry: Art of French Pastry - Paris Brest
'Asset Avengers' - Hospitality Finance and Real Estate Cluster
'Starting a Restaurant with Technology' - Maximising Human Value in a Digital Economy Cluster
'Let's build a brand' -Hospitality Marketing in a Digital Age Cluster
'Planet Protectors' - Innovation for Sustainable Future Cluster

For more information and Registration, please visit
https://programs.dtc.ac.th/dtc-showtime-bangkok-en/

BOSTON CONSERVATORY
Get ready to explore your full potential this summer at Boston Conservatory at Berklee! Register and pay by 15 January to save $200 on select summer programmes. With our experienced faculty and renowned visiting artists, you’ll receive top-tier training that unlocks your artistry and prepares you for a future in the performing arts.

AUSTRALIA AND UK UNIVERSITY FAIR

BACK TO SCHOOL – RST PRESENTS AT THE UWE BRISTOL ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECRUITMENT CONFERENCE IN PATTAYA
RST was featured at the University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) Asia Pacific International Student Recruitment Conference in Pattaya on 8th January. Mrs Cecil, along with Old Rugbeians, Pun, Katie, and Chris, conducted an engaging "design thinking" workshop. The workshop aimed to explore innovative solutions and value-added activities to enhance communication and engagement with potential students and schools.

The event received positive feedback, leading to closer collaboration between RST and the UWE schools team network. UWE Bristol will continue its support for RST, offering university taster lectures in various fields, including Robotics, Mechantronics, Forensic Science, and Digital Brand Marketing in February.

Stay tuned for more details on these exciting events, accessible to students from E Block and above.

Reminders

19^th JANUARY: F Block Pathways event for parents (3pm in the Science Lecture Theatre)

20^th JANUARY: First Bronze DOE qualifying expedition

Highlights of the Week

CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIPS
Over the Christmas break, a group of students interested in a career in medicine attended an internship at Chulalongkorn university, arranged by our Thai Principal, Kru Natt. This experience has helped the students learn more about how a hospital operates and gives an insight into the life of a medical professional. During this internship, students visited different medical faculties and received talks from doctors.

Students will be ably supported by our Higher Education team, Ms Cecil and Mr Markes, and there will be further presentations on how to prepare for a medical application. We currently have some of our XX students who are having medical interviews at the moment with Thai Universities.

Below are their fascinating write-ups:

CONGRATULATIONS MARIA!
Last week, we were delighted to welcome back Maria Denisova, Class of 2023. Currently enjoying a break from her Mathematics degree at Cambridge University's Churchill College, Maria visited and collected her A Level examination certificates. Having achieved an impressive 4 A*s (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry) at A Level and an A* for her International Project Qualification (IPQ), Maria was presented by Dr Grindlay with the following prestigious certificates to celebrate her outstanding results:

Oxford AQA Go Further Awards 2023
- Chemistry International A-level Top in Region (Southeast Asia)
- Physics International A-level Top in Region (Southeast Asia)
- Chemistry International A-level Top in Country
- Physics International A-level Top in Country

Pearson Outstanding Learner Awards
- Highest Mark in the World for Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Mathematics May/June 2023

Maria shared a typical day in her life as a University of Cambridge student, where she currently has two lectures per day, along with intense academic “supervisions” from subject experts who are world leaders in their respective fields. Whilst her morning alarm goes off slightly later than in her RST days (with her first lecture normally being at around 10am), Maria commented that “there is an illusion of less work, but there is actually much more”. Reflecting on the exam-intensive nature of the university, where she is studying alongside the brightest and the best, and taught by world-class academics, it would be fair to say that Maria is feeling somewhat under pressure. We do not doubt that she is well-equipped to handle these challenges!

We were happy to see that Maria keeps in touch with other Old Rugbeians; she received a visit from Pun, Katie and Scarlet not long after her arrival, and was able to share the impressive Cambridge environment with her friends.

Whilst Maria has the option to dine in the Churchill College Hall, she has embraced the independence of university life, and normally opts to cook for herself. Due to visa issues, Maria arrived slightly later than her fellow students, and recommends future students try and get their visas secured as soon as possible, so that they can experience the full orientation programme arranged by the university.

Being so busy, Maria still has so much of the university to explore - we look forward to staying in touch with her throughout her time at Cambridge and beyond. Congratulations Maria - we couldn’t be prouder!

Prep

Announcements

NEW STAFF
We are delighted to welcome three new members of staff to Prep this term. Nurse Tri has joined us to work alongside Nurse Jon in our health centre. Mr Marvin has joined our Year 3 and Year 4 team as a Teaching Assistant. Mr Martin Ray has joined us from the UK, where he has over 15 years experience of working in Prep Schools as a Head of Maths and boarding housemaster. He will be teaching maths and will support our boarding team too.

Although not new to the School, we also welcome Lurica and Dehann Fourie as our new Assistant Boarding Parents in Marshall House.

PREP SCHOOL MUSIC RECITAL - REGISTRATIONS OPEN

Wednesday, 7^th February 4:30 - 5:30pm (Entries close Friday, 26^th January)

If your child learns a musical instrument and is ready for an opportunity to perform, then please click this link or scan the QR code to sign them up for the next music recital. It is essential that you speak with your child's instrumental teacher prior to completing the form to ensure that they have a piece learnt to performance standard and are ready to get the most out of this performance opportunity.

KEY DATES FOR THIS HALF OF TERM

PREP MAKE A DIFFERENCE (MAD)

Dates for your Diary

13^th JANUARY
08:45-10:15: Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP) Session 1
10:30-11:45: Saturday Enrichment Programme (SEP) Session 2
Please sign up on SOCS. Meeting place is the entrance of the Senior Building (Setti Metha)
U11A Boys Basketball @STA
U11A & B Girls Basketball @ISB

15^th JANUARY:
RSTPA Cooking Class - Philippines (08:15-10:30)
U13 Football v TPIS (home)

16^th JANUARY: Year 4 & 5 Coffee Morning (Having High Expectations) in the Veraphan Theatre (08:00-09:00)

17^th JANUARY: 18:00: Deadline for Activity Changes

18^th JANUARY: Year 6 Thai Trip to the Golden Jubilee Museum of Agriculture - Pathum Thani

19^th – 20^th JANUARY: U11 FOBISIA Basketball

20^th – 21^st JANUARY: Bulldog Cup Swim Meet @Bangkok Prep

20^th JANUARY: U9 Girls 5v5 Tournament @STA

Highlights of the Week

HAVING HIGH EXPECTATIONS
As part of our drive to raise standards across the School, we are continuing to check equipment and appearance. Please ensure that all children have the correct equipment and uniform as per the details below.

YEAR 3 COFFEE MORNING
On Tuesday, our Year 3 Coffee Morning discussed parental feedback and the School's response to it. Mrs Dewhurst also presented on our grade and report system. You can access the presentation here.

On Tuesday 16 January, Mrs Howell will be presenting on 'Having High Expectations' from 08:00-09:00 in the Veraphan Theatre for parents in Years 4 & 5. Do come along.

Pre-Prep

Announcements

WELCOME BACK TO TERM TWO
We have welcomed 11 new children to our family this term in Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Year 1 and Year 2. Everyone seems to be settling in well. We will also say goodbye to Miss May who has worked with us for several years. She is off to America with her husband. We wish her all the best. We welcome Miss Arm who has joined as TA in the Owl class.

Just a reminder to name all your child's clothing and equipment as already the lost property box is full! Anything named will get back to you!

Messages from staff may be sent out to you on Tapestry (Early Years) and Dojo (Key Stage One) so please keep checking these platforms. The calendar dates for Term 2 are attached again as a reminder. We are looking forward to the EYFS Spring Shows at the end of this term and some classes will go on their class trips too this term.

Some safeguarding reminders: Please do not enter the children's toilets. If you need to go with your child, use the toilets next to soft play or the disabled adults' toilet only. Here's to a fun term.

CHILDREN'S DAY:
On 12^th January, we will welcome Hand to Hand here at Pre-Prep for a morning of play, learning and games. As part of the Children's Day activities, we are also collecting the following items: Nappies- New born, Children XXXL and adults M and L as well as anything you wish to donate (old clothing, shoes, toys, etc).

Please leave any donations outside the office. Thank you in advance for your support.

Reminders

PLAYGROUND AFTER SCHOOL
The KS1 playground is open to parents and children from 4:45pm to 5:30pm. At this time, it is the parents who are responsible for the supervision of their children- no teachers are available.

We ask that the children are also following the School playground rules which include sharing the equipment, and playing sensibly: one person at a time on the zip line, no pushing each other, taking turns to use the zip line and slide. We know that this time is an enjoyable time for the children and parents, but the safety of the children must be a priority. Kindly ensure that your child is playing safely.

Dates for Your Diary

19^th JANUARY: Science Day and Exploring Eagle Day - in house and no dress up required

24^th JANUARY: Coffee Morning for Korean families 8:30am Rascals Room with Miss Jenna and SMT

25^th JANUARY: 9:00am to 10:30am Year 2 Sports Day
Parents are welcome on the field. Bring a hat and sun cream. Refreshments will be provided.

26^th JANUARY:
9:00-10:30am Pre-Nursery and Nursery Sports Day
2:00-3:30pm pm Reception and Year 1 Sports Day

Parents are welcome on the field. Bring a hat and sun cream. Refreshments will be provided.

Highlights of the Week

YEAR 1 PE
This week, the Year 1s learned about jumping and landing. We looked at vertical jumping and how high we could jump by sticking a piece of tape against a window. We had a competition between the Year 1 classes to see who could jump the highest. We also looked at jumping for distance; we practised this skill by leaping over ropes that resembled a river that we needed to leap over. We also played a lot of games that improved our hand-eye coordination and our reaction speed. We had a lot of fun in PE this week!

YEAR 2 DOLPHINS
The Dolphins class has been enjoying some hands-on learning in maths this week. We have been learning about the properties of 3D shapes and started off by looking at real-life examples such as cuboid-shaped cereal boxes, cylinder-shaped water bottles, and sphere-shaped footballs.

We then used the concrete models to count and record each shape's faces, edges, and vertices. The children have really enjoyed handling the shapes, solving problems with their classmates, and learning new maths vocabulary.

Learner Profiles

Enrichment

PREP BAKING
Our bakers whipped up delightful moist chocolate muffins to bring home and enjoy. It was indeed a sweet and enjoyable activity session!