Teaching and Learning

Philosophy of Education

Panyaden offers a comprehensive standards-based curriculum in which we teach for understanding. Students are able to understand when they acquire important new knowledge and skills, make meaning of big ideas related to the knowledge and skills, and transfer this learning to new and authentic situations. Through the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) for students in Year 7 to Year 9, the Pre-IB programme in Years 10 and 11, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12 and 13 we align curriculum, instruction, and assessment to allow students to demonstrate understanding by developing enduring understandings and building on previous learning experiences and previously learned knowledge and skills. To this, we add the teaching of core Buddhist values and a strong focus on environmental awareness.

At Panyaden we combine the latest developments in brain and educational research with the Buddhist philosophy of education. The IMYC is built around a thematic approach that is student-centred and focuses on a hands-on discovery approach that optimizes students’ participation in order to create a rich and enjoyable learning experience. The Pre-IB programme has been specifically designed to bridge the IMYC and the IB Diploma Programme and will build upon the IMYC’s student-centred approach while also preparing students for success in the IBDP. The IBDP is the world’s premier curriculum for Year 12 and 13 students, which combines academic rigour, whole student education, and international mindedness. All staff are familiar with the implications of our approach to teaching and learning with students and collaboration among the staff. Everything we do prepares our students to become lifelong learners who will strive to do their best and enjoy the effort put into their work as much as the positive results this is bound to yield.

Advisory and Assemblies

Advisory is an integral part of our daily schedule. Advisory takes place every morning from 08:20 to 08:50. The only exception is when there is an assembly scheduled (usually every other Thursday).

Advisory gives students the opportunity to build strong connections with a small group of their peers and the advisory teacher, build social skills and engage in stimulating and fun activities, as well as through a focus on Buddhist Education. The advisory programme aims to build a safe space for students and gives them an opportunity to start the school day well.

The advisory teacher acts as an advocate for the students in their advisories. The advisory teacher also acts as a bridge between school and home. For families, the first point of call for questions, unless they are directly linked to a specific subject area, should be the advisory teacher.

Students are required to be in their designated advisory space by 08:20, ideally, the student will arrive a few minutes early. Should a student arrive at school late, they are required to get a “late slip” from the Secondary School Office before they proceed to their advisory location.

Secondary school assemblies usually take place every other Thursday during advisory time.

Buddhist Education

To teach the Buddhist approach to our students, we must also experience and understand it, which is only possible through continued practice. In addition to trying one’s best to practise the principles daily, staff are expected to attend regular Dhamma talks and Q&A sessions with our spiritual advisors, Phra Dharma Bajranyanamuni (Phra Ajahn Jayasaro) and Venerable Ajahn Jiew and other invited monks and nuns. In secondary school, there is a dedicated class for Buddhist Education for each year level within our weekly schedule. In addition, there is also a focus on Buddhist Education in our advisory programme.