Welcome to the Bangkok Patana School official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

If you have to highlight three strengths of your school, what would they be?

Modern curriculum, very good teachers, strong community

Does your school have a waiting list? In which years?

Yes but this changes regularly depending on the time of the Year. It is best to check with [email protected]

What are qualities and characteristics that define your school and its students?

A school based on British values and the development of children including and beyond academics. Our mission is to ensure that students of different nationalities grow to their full potential as independent learners in a caring British international community.

How many nationalities are represented in your school? How international would you say your school is?

Between 60 and 65

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

Yes: British (19%), Thai (20%), and the other top concentrations are North American and Australian.

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

1:10 dependent on the Year group.

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

ISA in Year 4, 5 and 6. (I)GCSE in Year 10 and 11 and IB in Year 12 and Year 13.

Please provide details of how well your school did in its previous external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

Our exam results rank in the top tier of international schools, even though we are academically non-selective. Our most recent achievements can be seen here: https://www.patana.ac.th/life-at-patana/about/academic-achievements/

What percentage of your sixth form that take exams at 18 go to university, and where, in general, do they go?

More than 98 percent, a variety of locations but mainly the UK, US and Australia

Describe your school's approach to education and teaching?

We are an academically non-selective school following a progressive British curriculum. We have confidence in our teachers who can encourage and coach students to the best of their ability. We are academically rigorous but insist that students have a diverse portfolio of activities beyond their academic subjects.

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

Independent Learning is a core skill that is developed in children in everything they do.

Physical education and sport is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. How does your school ensure children engage in physical activity?

Our school is well known for the success of their sporting teams. We have academies for Tennis, Gymnastics, Swimming, Football and Dance and Drama. With a 50-acre campus, we have excellent facilities for our students to enjoy many sports from the time they are very young until graduation.

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

Our school celebrates children who excel in and out of the classroom. Primary students take PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) and Secondary students have a strong pastoral programme that explores issues surrounding healthy lifestyles.

How do you promote healthy eating?

We are proud to provide all catering inhouse and have been doing so for more than 20 years. We also have a professional nutritionist on staff who routinely reviews the meal plans and ensures our snack bars and canteen foods give students a good, healthy variety of food every day. All our food is cooked on campus so that we can monitor quality and choose the best ingredients.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students? How does it promote a balanced diet?

We have a Primary canteen and a Secondary canteen, a primary snack bar, a secondary snack bar, a secondary smoothie bar and a Noodle Bar.

What is the approximate average cost of a lunchtime meal?

Our buffet lunch is 90 baht for Secondary students.

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

School begins at 7.40 and ends at 2.30. Students then may attend extra-curricular activities from 2.30 to 3.30 or 4.30.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes.

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

Reports are issued termly as well as student-parent-teacher conferences are held regularly. Secondary parents can access the student dashboard to see assessment on all their child's work.

How often is the more formal feedback such as reports and parent/teacher meetings?

Termly.

Which languages are taught at your school - please detail any as a first as well as second language?

French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese and Thai in our foreign language programmes but we also offer Home Languages programmes. Please contact [email protected] for details.I

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

Yes

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

We offer Extended Learning Tutors in both Primary and Secondary Schools.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Yes in both Primary and Secondary.

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

We have four full time and one part-time social and emotional counsellors divided between the Primary and Secondary schools.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

Yes, the PTG who are very active and supportive of the school.

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

Yes

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

Yes

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

Yes