A showcase of talent and determination

For many schools Term 2b encapsulates significant academic milestones, as students look towards summer examinations and progress assessments. As such, there can often be a narrowing of focus on what education can and should be at this time of year, with opportunities shrinking in place of test preparation. We should therefore be proud of our school for the extensive opportunities that have continued this term at Harrow Bangkok. This latest edition of the Upper School newsletter reflects everything that can be achieved when a holistic education is held in equal importance to academic rigour and performance. We are incredibly grateful for all our staff's efforts, as well as the Friends of Harrow and dedicated parents who champion so much in the school - without you these experiences would not be possible. 

Triumphant return of the Benefit Bash!

Despite a busy beginning of term, the creative and performing arts showed no signs of slowing down. The Benefit Bash returned this year for the first time since Covid, with 18 bands taking centre stage to entertain the entire community with electric performances. We could not be more proud of all those who participated and shared their talents with us on the day - we are already looking forward to what 2025 may look like!

Harrow Bangkok's International 7s

The annual Harrow International 7s saw over 1000 visitors from across South East Asia come to compete at our school. It was a chance to build connections with students from Harrow Appi and Harrow Hong Kong, who came a day early to train with our team and share dinner with them in the Boarding Village. A special mention to our U19 girls who lifted the trophy against fierce competition!

World Maths Competition 2024

Nine of our Further Maths students participated in the World Maths Competition (WMC) 2024 held at Bangkok Patana School on Saturday, 30th March. Additionally, there was an online section held the weekend prior.

The competition encompassed multiple rounds focusing on Strategy, Creativity, Knowledge, Challenge, Collaboration, and Teamwork. The online rounds included Confidence, Codebreaker, and Mathematician, while the on-site rounds at Bangkok Patana featured Duel, Pursuit, Shuttle, and Lightning challenges.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed the competition, interacting with like-minded peers from various international schools in Bangkok. The day concluded with a medal ceremony, where our Harrow students excelled. Kar Kar secured 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals, Ken earned 5 silvers, Swan received 1 silver and 3 bronze, Otto and Ranae both achieved 2 silvers, and Kla and PhuPha each earned 1 bronze. 

Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding performance at this prestigious competition!

Kids Lit Quiz Whizzes!

Our Kids Lit Quiz champions displayed superb skills as they navigated their way through the one day event. Competing against international schools across Thailand the Team of Prep and Shell representatives certainly did the school, and themselves, proud. A huge congratulations!!

As a result of winning the competition we will have the honour of hosting next year's Kids Lit Quiz Thailand competition in March 2025. 

Book Week 2024

Christian Foley, visiting author, poet and musician, gave a masterclass in spoken work creation. Focusing on exploring interests and messages that resonated with our students, Prep and SR5 were able to practise delivering their own work with confidence and conviction - with lots of fun along the way. Throughout the week students were encouraged to read, and were read to by their teachers, celebrating the true wonder of literature - even team maths dressed up for the occasion!

Hugely successful Harrow exchange!

Our Shell students swapped with their John Lyon counterparts for a two week experience. The trip ensured students could get to grips with a UK independent school experience and explore UK cultural sites during down time. Whilst the English winter weather may have come as a shock to some, our students proved exemplary role models and have taken away memories that will last a lifetime. Our visiting John Lyon students are still in touch with some of the friends they made during their time in Bangkok and we hope that these connections will be long lasting. 

Long Ducker 2024

Despite AQI levels preventing the January Long Ducker, March saw air quality improve and a great turn out from the full cross section of our community. Sports and Harrow traditions play a key role in bringing our school together and we cannot thank you enough for your support. 

Tremendous Tennis at FOBISIA Hua Hin 

24 of our students showcased remarkable sportsmanship as they faced local and international competition in Hua Hin. After some success in Singapore only a month earlier, hard work and commitment to training began to pay off. 

Congratulations to all who represented the school so well, with special recognition to those who progressed to the quarter finals, to Tonson (K11) for his O15 runner up placement and to Birdy for his second consecutive win as the FOBISIA Tennis Champion. 

Herpetology with Mr Witton

We are very grateful to all our teachers for the extra efforts that go into our extensive afterschool programme. A special mention to the Herpetology Club run by Mr Witton. Not only do our students get hands on experience with a range of different snakes, they are also much better placed to appreciate how unique these creatures are and can now take steps to ensure they are better understood and respected across the community. 

House Champions in the making...

House events have continued to take centre stage during Monday Period 5 and lunch times in the Upper School. We have seen fierce competition across an array of activities including House Football, House Chess, House Scrabble, House Debate and House Badminton. Points earned for acting in line with our four values and for our House attendance league will continue to contribute to grand totals ready for the House Champions to be unveiled on Speech Day. 

Happy Songkran 2024!

With special thanks to the wonderful Friends of Harrow, our Languages Faculty and PE Department, our students were able to celebrate Songkran festivities on the final day of Term 2. With crafts, delicious food and water activities, it was an uplifting day to end another busy term in the Upper School. 

More than just a grade

Term 2 saw many events that cultivate personal development and mastery of skills in areas of profound interest and passion. From the fierce competition on the sports field to the mesmerizing performances in the creative arts, our students have been showcasing their talents with unwavering dedication. Additionally, our expedition trips have provided unique opportunities for growth and camaraderie in our oldest students, while curriculum-linked clubs continue to foster a love for learning and building all important soft skills. I hope you enjoy reading about the diverse achievements that make our school community such a vibrant hub for holistic development.

Senior Players stun in Lord of the Flies

Bringing William Golding's classic Lord of the Flies to life on stage, the cast and crew's dedication and passion for performance shone brightly. Captivating the audience with a compelling take on this dystopian novel, the production not only showcased our students' artistic prowess but also sparked meaningful conversations about human nature and society within our school community.

Harrow entrepreneurs shine JA business competition

A group of twenty enterprising Year 10 to 12 students led by Pin So12 and Ranae So12 have come 2nd place in Thailand in the Junior Achievement (JA) Company Program 2024 business competition. The student-led JA company, Organique, designed, produced and sold their own original product – a tote bag organiser made from discarded and sanitised plastics leftover from the kidney dialysis process. Pitching their product to a panel of judges at the national JA finals on Saturday 10 February, the students outlined their vision for their business and explained how they coordinated each stage of the product design and production process. Judges were hugely impressed with the students’ business acumen and the ethical and sustainability focus of their product. 

Happy Chinese New Year!

Thanks to the wonderful Friends of Harrow, supportive parents and the Upper School Languages department, Chinese New Year proved to be a cultural extravaganza. It is a joy to work in a school that values all cultures held within our community and we are grateful to every student for participating in activities in such a positive way and meaningful way. There were many highlights to the day including; Lion and Dragon performances, traditional games and crafts, and of course lots of tasty treats to try too!

Another inspiring trip to Mae Sot

In the final week of January, 30 students headed to Mae Sot and made a real difference to the lives of those less fortunate. Faced with the reality of the hardship experienced by others, students presented the donations generously given by the Harrow community, contributed to classroom builds and used funds to buy much needed supplies and resources. It was hard and muddy work that will stay with them forever. Well done for giving up your time and energy to act in the service of others. 

Merci, grazie, danke, gracias, kob khun ka for Languages Week 2024!

Languages Week 2024 took place from Monday 5th February to Friday 9th February finishing off with Chinese New Year celebrations. During their language lessons, students had the opportunity to learn other languages such as German, Spanish, Arabic and Korean. They also took part in a big Education Perfect Competition. Outside of lessons the students were able to take part in various events such as Film nights and an International Karaoke. Finally, for Chinese New Year, students were able to attend various workshops and taste delicious Chinese food. It was wonderful to see our whole school celebrate and promote languages!

Students strive to ensure there are None Left Behind

Inspired by their volunteer work during the COVID-19 pandemic, San, Oscar and Kla in Year 12 have launched the charity project 'None Left Behind' to provide food packages to the neighbouring Satrilek community. We hope that other students will take inspirations from their kindness and proactive attitudes. 

Year 6 and the Polar Explorer!

Arctic Explorer Pen Hadow joined forces with Year 6 as they embarked on a polar adventure, aiming to become Youth Ambassadors for the Catlin Arctic Survey. From crafting orientation weekends to scripting wildlife documentaries, facing whiteouts, and staging dramatic rescues, our students excelled in teamwork and oracy skills. An interactive session with the polar explorer himself capped off the journey, emphasising the need to protect the Arctic.

Did you know ... Pen Hadow is part of the Harrow family? He is a former student of Harrow UK. 

Delegates, debates and deliberations at HISMUN

We are excited to have hosted our fourth HIS Model United Nations Conference in February. 40 Harrovians were joined by 100 students from other international schools across Thailand, setting the scene for impressive speeches, debates, discussions ... and even solving a few world issues! The Secretariat and wider Chairs conducted a superb simulation and we are sure that the important conversations won't stop here. 

Success at SEASAC Singapore!

Taking Singapore by storm, our Tennis, Basketball and Touch Rugby teams attended competitions at Tanglin and UWC, competing against the top teams in South East Asia. Finishing just outside podium places the students represented the school with great pride and we are looking forward to what the following term holds for our Sports Academies. 

Rocking the stage at FOBISIA Battle of the Bands

From over 120 bands across the Fobisia schools network, XXL and Dark Shadows qualified for the final live competition at Park City School, Kuala Lumpur. We are extremely proud of all students who participated. XXL were awarded in the Gold category and Dark Shadows in the Bronze.

Both bands delighted the packed auditorium with their showcase pieces. The things that captured the professional judging team’s attention were their stage presence, professionality and fellowship.

A big thank you to the Music Team and Rock band coaches for their preparation and support.

Year 13 Expedition

Adventure

The Y13 Adventure Expedition was a dynamic blend of excitement and education, offering students a remarkable journey through various activities in stunning locations. Some of the highlights included SUP on Hua Hin beach, a hike at Khao Nang Phanthurat Forest Park followed, and a full day cycling trip across Dolphin bay where students embraced the coastal beauty and refreshing sea breeze.

Wellbeing

The Wellbeing expedition was an emotionally demanding week in which the students demonstrated considerable courage and resilience in the face of physically and cognitively demanding activities. Of course, these were interspersed with periods of reflection, connection and rejuvenation through journalling, cooking, beach games and yoga, allowing the students to maintain a balance which proved to be both rewarding and rejuvenating.

Fitness

The Fitness Expedition provided students with the opportunity to explore their biomechanics, improve fitness levels, and prepare for the future. The hosting venue of Pattana Sports Resorts offered a world-class environment, and the delicious food provided the necessary fuel for their calorie-burning activities. The week commenced with a gym induction, instructor led classes, and strength and conditioning, focusing on teaching students correct biomechanics to enhance fitness and instil confidence beyond sports. Their journey continued with a combination of events preparing students for the Pattana Pentathlon on Friday. They gained knowledge of movement and flow in the obstacle course, enjoyed aquatic activities like water polo and kayaking, cycled around the scenic 6km track with beautiful views of the resort's golf courses, and participated in an intense sprint training session at the Pattana Stadium.

Conservation

We are delighted to share the fantastic journey our students embarked on during the recent Year 13 Conservation-themed expedition to Rayong. With 36 students eagerly participating, our graduating class created wonderful memories through exploring and celebrating the natural beauties of the Thai coast. From the engaging group games that fostered collaboration to the awe-inspiring snorkeling excursion off Turtle Island, where students marveled at the rich coral reefs and diverse sea life, every moment was filled with excitement. 

Prep Student Spotlight!

A huge well done to our different U11 sports teams who have competed recently. They have all represented Prep with a lot of honour and courage! This includes swimming, basketball, football, gymnastics, and more!