Term 3 - 27 June 2025
Matters of Principal
Whole School
Announcements
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
We were in good company at the BCCT EECIBA event in Pattaya on Wednesday night. We narrowly missed winning ‘Employer of the Year’ - but were proud to be announced as runners-up alongside Alliance Laundry, which is owned by Ben Dobbs, a long serving RST parent. Dr and Mr Grindlay thoroughly enjoyed the evening, which celebrated British businesses on the Eastern Seaboard.
SCHOOL SHOP
We would like to inform you of the upcoming schedule for the School Shop to assist with your uniform and supply purchases for the new academic year.
28th June to the 3rd August - The School Shop will be closed.
4th August to the 15th August - The School Shop will operate in the Green Room from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 4pm.
18th August to the 25th August - The School Shop will operate in the Green Room DAILY between the hours of 9am and 4pm.
On Monday 25th August, the shop will remain open until 7pm.
From Tuesday 26th August, the School Shop will re-open at the Admin Building and will resume its regular operation hours of 7:30am to 6pm, from Monday to Friday.
Families can register to reserve a time slot for uniform purchase using the following link.
TOUCHLINE PREVIEW
Last week we launched the preview of Touchline. We would like all parents to download the app for our new one-stop digital platform, so they can see where all key information will be hosted next academic year. Please use the information on the poster to guide you through the steps to log-in. The current version is only a preview; you will be able to view pages when we launch version 1.0 in August.
Reminders
CHARITY GOLF DAY 2025
We are thrilled to announce that our Charity Golf Day is back and we would love to see you on the course again, or perhaps as a valued sponsor.
Date: Sunday, 28th September 2025
Tee Time: 12:30pm
Venue: Siam Country Club Waterside, Pattaya
Cost: 5,800 THB per golfer (Includes green fee, caddy and cart fees, dinner and prizes)
Format: Texas Scramble
All proceeds will be donated to an RST Student chosen Charity.
The event is open to all of the RST community and friends of all ages and levels.
To find out more or register, please click here.
Dates for your Diary
25th August
Orientation Day (for new students)
Boarders return from 5pm (new students to boarding may arrive earlier by arrangement with Houseparents)
26th August
Term 1 begins
Highlights
RSTPA COOKING CLASS
We would like to thank Alena, one of our fantastic RSTPA representatives, for all of her organisation and making these cooking classes come together. The whole community is very grateful for her hard work and passion.
A message from Alena:
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for joining the cooking class series during the 2024–2025 academic year. Your enthusiasm, curiosity and love for food and culture made each session truly special. Over the year, we took a delicious journey around the world:
- September – Greece
- October – England
- November – Indonesia
- December – India
- January – China
- February – Japan
- March – France
- April – Thailand
- May – Italy
- June – Australia
Each class was filled with unique flavours, aromas and insights into different culinary traditions. We hope that you not only learned how to prepare new dishes, but also felt the spirit and essence of each culture. Thank you for your engagement, kindness and openness to trying something new. I look forward to welcoming you to future events.
The first class for 2025-2026 will be Yakut cuisine.
Senior
Announcements
HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL - SENIOR PRODUCTION 2025
Hairspray The Musical will be coming to our School from the 1st to the 4th of December 2025. Our next Senior Production will be open to next year's F Block to XX by audition. This iconic show, based on Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical and the popular 2008 movie, transports audiences to 1960s Baltimore. It tells the inspiring story of Tracy Turnblad, a vivacious teenager who joins a larger-than-life television dance show and becomes a force for unity and inclusion in a segregated world. We anticipate a spectacular show, with a strong focus on energetic dance numbers, dazzling costumes and the incredible live sound of a 21-piece pit band.
Students who are interested must sign up on Touchline from the 1st August.
Audition packs will be available on the student Drama Website and from the Touchline Link.
Please contact Mr Furness for any further details.
Reminders
HIGHER EDUCATION EVENTS
Our Higher Education team has compiled a list of the most relevant university events for the coming months, including open days and webinars, which you can view here.
Dates for your Diary
25th August
Orientation Day (for new students)
Boarders return from 5pm (new students to boarding may arrive earlier by arrangement with Houseparents)
26th August
Term 1 begins
Highlights
KICKSTART 2025: LAUNCHING OUR LXX STUDENTS INTO THE FUTURE
As Careers Month came to a close last week, our Year 12 students took part in Kickstart 2025 - a two-day workshop designed to prepare them for the demands of university applications and life beyond School.
The programme supported students in exploring what “best fit” really means and equipped them with practical tools to take ownership of their journey. Over the two days, students:
- Attended subject-specific pathway lectures led by leading global universities, spanning fields such as Medicine, Law, AI, Engineering, Sport Science, Psychology, Liberal Arts, Creative Industries and Health Sciences.
- Participated in country-specific sessions offering insights into studying in Thailand, the UK, US, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Australia and Canada.
- Worked on personal statements, college essays and other application materials, supported by staff and university professionals.
- Set up their UCAS accounts in preparation for their UK applications.
- Developed essential academic research skills, including referencing and avoiding plagiarism.
Connecting the Dots Across Disciplines
Building on the themes explored in our recent Year 11 and 12 Climate Innovators challenge, Kickstart 2025 highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving complex global challenges. Many lectures illustrated how sustainability and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not confined to environmental science - they are deeply relevant across all academic and career pathways. From health and technology to the arts and economics, students were encouraged to see how working across disciplines is not only valuable, but vital for innovation and impact.
Alumni Inspiration
A highlight of the programme was our RST Alumni Panel, where former students shared practical, heartfelt advice about navigating life after School. With experiences spanning universities in Thailand, the UK and the US (as well as alternative routes like degree apprenticeships and entrepreneurship), our alumni offered current students a realistic and inspiring glimpse into the possibilities ahead.
Special Thanks
We would like to thank the following university and industry partners who gave their time and expertise to support our students:
University of Hong Kong • Leiden University (Netherlands) • University of San Francisco (USA) • University of Birmingham (UK) • UWE Bristol (UK) • University of Bradford (UK) • Deakin University (Australia) • University of Calgary (Canada) • Medical Doorway • One Education • Hands On Education
Their interactive lectures and insider tips broadened students’ understanding of global opportunities - sparking curiosity, ambition and excitement for the journey ahead.
Kickstart 2025 wasn’t just about applications - it was about confidence, curiosity, collaboration and creating a clear action plan for the summer and final year of school. Our Year 12 students have made a fantastic start toward becoming future-ready global citizens.
GRADUATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2025
Last Friday, we had the great pleasure of celebrating the remarkable Class of 2025 and their families at our annual Graduation Ceremony.
The evening began in the Veraphan Theatre, where students were presented with their Rugbeian ties as all students at RST become part of the global alumni community. The ceremony was followed by drinks and canapés on the Princess Lawn, where an impromptu K-Pop performance by The Levée brought smiles and surprise to everyone gathered.
Later, the Senior Dining Hall was beautifully transformed into a ballroom, where students and their families shared a celebratory dinner. The Class of 2025 were presented with their Yearbooks, a keepsake of friendships, memories and shared experiences, before enjoying a series of student performances and heartfelt after-dinner speeches.
It was a joyful and fitting farewell for a truly special year group. We wish them every success.
SENIOR SPEECH DAY
On Saturday, the whole School came together for one of the highlights of the academic calendar: Senior Speech Day. It was a moment to reflect, celebrate and honour the achievements of our students, particularly the graduating Class of 2025, who received their leaving certificates in front of staff, peers and proud families.
Mr Robert Groves, Head of Senior, delivered his Head’s Address, reflecting on the idea of “tipping points”, how small moments of change can create ripples that lead to lasting impact. His speech celebrated the spirit, growth and accomplishments of the student body over the year, with a powerful message about the role we all play in shaping a positive culture.
We were honoured to welcome our Guest of Honour, Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chair of Governors, who delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address. She encouraged students to act with heart, integrity and purpose, values that resonate deeply with our community.
The musical performances throughout the ceremony added to the sense of occasion, with stunning pieces from the orchestra and a show-stopping finale: Reach for the Star, performed by Nina, supported by the orchestra, Voice and our RST Community Choir.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered outside the Collingwood for drinks, canapés and plenty of photos.
JADAH'S STORY - AN RST-MAD ADVENTURE
This week, the Senior School's commitment to community service was highlighted by two local charity interventions. Five Senior School students visited Baan Jing Jai and the Centre for Anti-Human Trafficking, presenting donations of 20,000 baht to each from various charitable initiatives this year. A further 20,000 baht was donated to the Animal Army. Furthermore, the School House service team successfully raised funds for the ongoing annual sponsorship of Jadah. This long-term endeavor, initiated by the Devesa family in 2021, supports Jadah, a shy but much-loved boy from Northern Thailand who joined Baan Jing Jai in 2020. Despite early schooling struggles, Jadah's clear future plans are now well within reach with continued support from the RST community.
LXX DIGITAL MEDIA AND DESIGN
LXX Digital Media and Design students have taken a break from coursework to improve their photography, film and animation skills. Their brief was to create work within the theme of Body Parts and inspired by Surrealism. We hope you enjoy their weird and wacky creations.
LXX Digital Media and Design were also challenged to take unusual photos inspired by the work of Paper Boyo, Dan Cotton and David Gilliver to develop their photography skills. Can you spot different parts of the School?
Prep
Announcements
MATILDA JR - KS3 PRODUCTION
We are pleased to announce that Matilda Jr has been confirmed for our May 2026 KS3 Production. This is a special abridged version of the West End Musical and Netflix Movie, based upon the Roald Dahl book. It follows an intellectual and powerful young girl as she has to break out of the trappings of Miss Trunchbull and her parents to tell her story... with the help of Miss Honey. Songs such as 'When I Grow Up', 'Revolting Children' and 'Naughty' will be explored from the start of Term 1 activities, and will be open to next year's 7, 8 and F Block students.
Students are required to sign up on Touchline from the 1st August, with further details of the show distributed via google classroom. After initial song rehearsals by the full cast, a workshopped audition process will be conducted throughout the first term, with further rehearsals continuing throughout the year.
Please contact Mrs Furness for more information.
RST CHRONICLE
Welcome to the final edition of the RST Chronicle for 2024/2025. Take a look at these hot topics and most importantly, have a fantastic summer holiday.
Dates for your Diary
25th August
Boarders return from 5pm
26th August
Term 1 begins
Highlights
CELEBRATING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Year 3 students have completed their exciting 3D printed soap dish project. After building their models in Tinkercad from their original sketched designs, they carefully exported and printed them before assembling the dishes with handmade wooden drain trays. Each piece combines digital design with hands-on craftsmanship. The finished soap dishes are now ready to take home for use and are a great showcase of their creativity and new skills.
Year 4 have been busy creating wooden mazes and the results are as unique as they are fun to play with. After designing their mazes on Tinkercad, 3D CAD software, students used the laser cutter to bring them to life, before staining the wood with dye to add depth and colour. They then built their own custom-sized boxes to hold the mazes, choosing to finish the lids with either resin or a hardwood veneer.
Year 5 completed a fantastic project to design and make their own flower pot holders. They carefully glued together a series of thin hardwood veneers in the correct order that matched their initial design plans. They improved their skills when they used scroll saws and hand sanders and gained confidence using the polishing wheel to shape and finish their bases to a high standard. For the pots, students mixed and poured resin adding the colour pigment of their choice, creating unique designs to go with their wooden stands.
Year 6 students have successfully completed their pocket torch project, combining creativity with precision. Each torch was made from three layers of coloured acrylic, carefully designed and cut out using the laser cutter. Students assembled the layers, added LED components and evaluated their finished products through digital Procreate posters. The result is a fully functioning, pocket-sized torch that they could be used on a daily basis - both a practical tool and a reminder of their design and technology skills.
YEAR 8 PODCAST COMPETITION
This term, the Senior History Department launched a Year 8 podcast competition, challenging students to uncover and creatively retell "The Greatest Story Never Told." Judged on storytelling, use of sound, weirdness, fun factor and sheer enjoyment, students produced an incredible range of entertaining and original episodes. Topics ranged from the mysterious Voynich Manuscript and the bizarre 1518 Dancing Plague, to wartime deception in Operation Mincemeat and the surprising use of Tootsie Rolls in the Korean War.
Congratulations to our winners:
First Place:
Reiko, Si Hyun, and Liphao
For their powerful and moving podcast on Harriet Jacobs.
Second Place:
Amy, Jaja, and Yuki
For their compelling episode, 'The Insatiable Appetite'.
Joint Third Place:
Siku and Noah
For their hilarious and brilliantly produced episode on the Korean Candy Crisis.
Alice and Pan Pan
For their captivating podcast, 'The Dancing Plague'.
A huge congratulations to all our winners for their exceptional work.
HARRIET JACOBS
THE INSATIABLE APPETITE
THE CHRONOLOGICALLY CONFUSED PODCAST - KOREAN CANDY CRISIS
THE DANCING PLAGUE
OPERATION MINCEMEAT (SHORTLISTED)
By Kati, Alex and Jule
HOUSE BAKE OFF
Our Year 6-8 House 'Bake Off' was a fantastic way for the students in Baking Club to showcase their skills in a timed challenge. Working in House groups, the students had to create a Baked Alaska that was judged on technical skills, teamwork, taste and texture. To bake a cake with ice-cream in the centre is no mean feat... and the results were mixed. Nonetheless, everyone had a great time and embodied almost all of our learner profile characteristics along the way.
YEAR 4 PRODUCTION - FINDING NEMO JUNIOR
Our Year 4 production of Finding Nemo Junior was truly an underwater adventure to remember. The young cast displayed incredible dedication, teamwork and talent, bringing their beloved characters to life with confidence and enthusiasm. Over the course of the production, they showed impressive maturity, patience and focus, seamlessly working together despite the challenges they faced. Their performances embodied Dory’s words, "Just keep swimming," inspiring us all to persevere and stay positive. We are grateful to the families, teachers and volunteers whose support made this wonderful show possible. It was a delightful experience that reminded us to embrace our own journeys and find magic in every moment. Well done to everyone involved.
POPPY'S GARDEN ADVENTURE
What a spectacular Prep School Concert. A huge congratulations to the students (over 140) who participated, showcasing an incredible range of talent from our Pre-Prep string players all the way up to our Year 8 performers.
The Veraphan Theatre was filled to capacity for this showcase, which wove a narrative using the song titles as points in a story. This concert truly highlighted the continual growth of music across our Prep school.
The evening culminated in a massed performance of "Happy Together," a reminder as we head into the holidays to cherish moments and create special memories with one another.
We also extended a special thank you to our dedicated Year 8 students, who received a small gift in recognition of their commitment to music at RST. Have a fantastic holiday, enjoy your well-deserved rest and we look forward to seeing you all again next academic year.
Please use the following link to view photographs from the concert:
https://photos.
HOUSE CAPTAIN THANK YOU
As a thank you for all their hard work, leading their Houses and organising House events throughout this year, the House Captains had a special break time treat this week. House Captains are expected to be role models to their House and lead by example. Our Captains have given up countless break times to meet as a Captain team and their dedication has been clear. We wish them well as they leave the Prep and embark on the next steps of their journey, hopefully taking many fond memories of their time as House Captains with them.
YEAR 3 WRITING
We are delighted to present the final piece of writing from our Year 3 students, showcasing an exceptional standard of work. This project, based on Philip Pullman's enchanting novel, The Firework Maker's Daughter, allowed students to apply all they have learned, even extending to digital illustration with their brilliant drawings of Razvani the fire-fiend on Procreate. We hope you enjoy their fantastic work.
Pre-Prep
Announcements
A MESSAGE FROM MISS SARAH
Dear Families,
Another year has flown by, filled with wonderful events and learning experiences across Pre-Prep. From International Day to STEAM Week, and World Book Day to Songkran and Lunar New Year, it's been a joy to see the children's confidence grow. Many now greet us with a "good morning" and enter school independently, ready for the day ahead. I have also noticed a deeper understanding of English and humour, with more conversations happening in English amongst friends.
As we say goodbye to our current classes and teachers, we also look forward to new friendships, new teachers and new challenges. Our Year 2 students are ready to transition to the Prep School and Year 3, where they will learn to tie ties, fasten shoelaces and become even more independent.
We also bid farewell to Miss Debbie, Miss Naomi and Miss Anna. Miss Anna will be moving to the Prep school to teach Spanish, while Miss Naomi and Miss Debbie will be embarking on new adventures. We wish them all the very best.
Everyone needs a well-deserved rest and a break from routine. Summer is a time to be with family, have fun and recharge. Please stay safe and take care of each other during your next few weeks of adventure. We look forward to seeing you all in August.
Have a fantastic holiday, and don't forget my postcards!
Sincerely,
Miss Sarah
Reminders
HOLIDAY POSTCARDS
Dear Parents,
As part of a welcome back to School display and activity, I would like the children to send me in a postcard from wherever they have been on holiday. If they are old enough to write this themselves, please let them. Younger children may draw a picture. If you wish to bring the postcard with you on the first day, you may.
ADDRESS:
Mrs Sarah Shuttleworth
Rugby School Thailand Pre-Prep
7/2 Moo 2
Khao Mai Kaew
Bang Lamung
Chonburi
20150
Happy Holidays wherever you go!
Miss Sarah
Dates for Your Diary
25th August
Orientation Day (for new students)
26th August
Term 1 begins
Highlights
FAREWELL PRE-NURSERY
What a wonderful School year we have had this year; it has been so lovely watching all of our little ones adapt and settle into School life, full of smiles and chatter. The Fish and Rabbit Classes have learnt so many new things since starting School; how to say goodbye to our families each morning, how to play with our friends, as well as learning to be more independent and do many things for ourselves.
Wishing all the Pre-Nursery families and friends a safe and happy summer.
FAREWELL NURSERY
What a wonderful year we have had in Nursery. The Butterflies, Zebras, Monkeys and Elephants have grown and blossomed into amazing young people. They are excited, engaged learners who love communicating, collaborating and exploring the world around them.
It has been our pleasure to be their teachers and we wish them all the best as they move forward into Reception. Miss Jessica, Miss Lauren, Miss Angela and Miss Amy wish you all a great holiday.
FAREWELL RECEPTION
What a great year it has been in Reception. We have had such a wonderful time watching the children grow, learn and become more confident and independent every single day. It has been a joy to be part of their journey and we are so proud of everything they have achieved.
As we get ready to say goodbye, we are also really excited to see all the amazing things they will do in Year 1. A huge thank you to all our families for your support throughout the year – we couldn’t have done it without you.
Wishing you all a safe and happy summer break. Good luck in Year 1 – we will miss you, but we know you will be brilliant.
FAREWELL YEAR 1
In a class filled with joy and cheer,
Our time together ends, my dear.
Year one, we say goodbye,
With happy memories, you and I.
We learned to read and write with glee,
Counting numbers, one, two, three.
Painting pictures, colours bright,
Laughing together, what a delight!
We explored the world, near and far,
Stars that twinkle, creatures bizarre.
We asked questions, eager to know,
Year one was a wonderful show.
Let's celebrate this special year,
With laughter, learning, and cheer.
Year one, it’s been fun,
You’ve soared high like the sun!
So many things we’ve learned to do,
Now go and enjoy adventures in year two!
A very special thank you to all of our Year 1 children and families. It has been a memorable year and we are grateful for your support. Have a wonderful holiday together. Enjoy a well deserved rest and we will see you when you are in Year 2.
FAREWELL YEAR 2
What an amazing year it has been in Year 2. So many memories, laughs and wonderful experiences that we will all carry with us.
To our brilliant children – you have grown so much this year and we are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. As you move on to Prep School, we know you’ll continue to shine. Good luck on this next step – you are ready for it and you are going to be amazing.
A huge thank you to all of our parents for your continued support throughout the year – it truly makes a difference.
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Year 2 team – the teachers and TAs who work tirelessly every day. You are not only dedicated professionals but also genuinely wonderful people.
But the biggest thanks of all goes to the children – thank you for your energy, your smiles, your curiosity and your kindness. It has been a joy to teach you.
Have a fantastic summer and best wishes for the journey ahead.
Sport and Enrichment
Sport
What a year for our Climbing Club. A brand new club this year, we are now at maximum capacity and seeing some fantastic skills development in its members. Join us next year if you too would like to get fit, improve your balance and flexibility and solve routes all in a friendly, relaxed environment.
Boarding Life
Boarding
We have had a fantastic year in Marshall House, with Prep boarding numbers at the highest they have ever been. Last night's end of year disco was a real highlight for all and an opportunity for one last "hoorah" before we waved everyone off for the summer break and said farewell to our Year 8's who are moving up to Rupert Brooke and School House. In amongst the dancing, neon face paint and glow sticks, we did our signature 'Good Egg' awards for the students who have most embodied the 'Marshall Code' - congratulations, Meeya, Aya, Saki, Sota and Jayden. We look forward to seeing many of you back in Marshall House for the start of next term.
If you are interested in part, weekly or full boarding next year, please get in touch with Will Stoker: wstoker@rugbyschool.ac.th
SUMMER PARTY
The annual Boarders' Summer Party for Rupert Brooke and School House was a great event with party games, lots of fun and friendship on display and plenty of laughter. Our reels of photos and videos of boarders on the night provided great memories for friendship groups to look back on. Boarders also had a chance to thank their tutors and house staff for all the work they put in to making boarding such a success. The giant burgers and some of our Levée taking over the face painting stall were particular highlights, as were some of the outfits donned by staff and students for the photobooth. Boarding at RST goes from strength to strength and continues to prove that community, family and friendship gives so much to young people as they grow and learn.
Community Events
FOREST SCHOOL TRAINING
We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting Forest School training (Levels 1, 2 and 3) this August, led by the esteemed Sarah Blackwell and her expert team. This training will offer invaluable insights and practical skills whether you are just beginning to explore the enriching principles of Forest School or are a seasoned practitioner seeking to deepen your expertise. Level 1 is a one-day introductory course, while Levels 2 and 3 are in-depth five-day programmes. Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge essential for establishing and leading successful Forest School initiatives. For full details and registration information, please contact napattra@rugbyschool.ac.th or scan the QR code on the below poster.
Social Media and More
Keep up to date with all that's happening at RST via our social media channels and our website blog section.
