Language Approach

Dual Language Approach: At Panyaden, our dual language programme reflects both our deep respect for our Thai cultural context and our international outlook. While students come from diverse language backgrounds, we expect all learners to acquire sufficient Thai language skills to engage meaningfully with life in Thailand, alongside developing strong proficiency in English.

From Nursery to Year 6, students are taught in both Thai and English. In the Early Years, each classroom has a certified English teacher and a certified Thai teacher who alternate in leading the learning. In the Primary Years, instruction is organised as follows:

• Maths, English, and Drama are taught by certified international  teachers.

• PE, Music, Life Skills, Art, and Thai are taught by certified Thai teachers.

• Science and Social Studies are taught through integrated units of study, which are primarily delivered in English. Thai teachers support student learning by reinforcing key vocabulary and concepts in Thai, helping to strengthen comprehension and build cross-linguistic understanding.

This dual language approach allows students to develop academic confidence in both languages and prepares them to participate respectfully and meaningfully in both the Thai community and the wider world. By Year 6, students are increasingly ready for an English-medium secondary programme, while continuing to develop Thai language confidence through ongoing support and application.

For every applicant, language proficiency will be assessed during the admissions process. For every applicant whose first language is neither English or Thai, the school may choose to administer a TAL or WIDA assessment to determine the best possible placement for the child during language learning time. After a child is enrolled, ongoing assessment occurs once per term to determine the child’s support needs and placement in language classes. 

We expect students who are with us from kindergarten through to the end of Primary to become fully functional in both languages by the end of Year 6. 

Intensive language Support is available for students who are not proficient in Thai and/or English. EAL and TAL services are provided for a fee, payable one term at a time. EAL fees are applied for up to six terms, and TAL services are charged for up to two terms. (Note that children who have been enrolled at Panyaden for at least three consecutive terms prior to year 2 are exempt from the EAL fee.) The fee enables students to participate in the small group co-teaching instructional approaches that accelerate learning. If the school determines that intensive language support is needed for a child to access the learning, the programme will be required. 

• English as an Additional Language (EAL): If it is determined by the school that a child will need supplementary intensive language support to participate independently within their classes due to their proficiency in English, the child will be required to join the EAL intensive language support programme. Intensive language support is flexible in approach to best meet the needs of the students, and may include small group co-teaching within the classroom, or pull-out support. 

• Thai as an Additional Language (TAL): Students not proficient in Thai language are required to participate in the TAL (Thai as an Additional Language) programme, which follows the Thai Language, History, and Culture national core curriculum tailored for international students. These programmes aim to develop Thai language skills, cultural understanding, and create a harmonious community. International students focus on speaking and listening skills for effective communication in daily life. Students are grouped based on a variety of factors which may include nationality (for Thai students) and language ability, and a placement test determines the proficiency level in the TAL programme. Thai students with dual citizenship may choose their language learning group based on proficiency and goals.

• Supporting Language Development: Parents whose child enrols in the intensive language programme are encouraged to support the acquisition of language through activities outside of school.

Research shows that it can take 7 to 9 years for a person learning a second language to reach native-speaker proficiency. While each child learns at their own pace, with targeted and intentional support, children from whom English is not their first language typically reach a level that enables them to access the classroom curriculum within two to three years. Depending on their profile as a learner, home language experience, and exposure to language outside of school, some children may take longer. 

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