Secondary Newsletter
A word from the Head of Secondary
Dear parents,
It has been a very busy term already with many exciting events and activities taking place. We have had many interesting educational projects and in-house activities. The past 2 weeks have been especially eventful, as it included our STEM week and individual/class and whole school photoshoots. Many thanks to all those involved, in particular our science department who put an incredible amount of hours into putting a whole week of science related fairs, careers sessions, quizzes, etc. together
It was a pleasure to see and meet so many of you during our Parent/Teacher conferences that took place at the start of the month. These are important events that help both students and parents reflect on personal growth and academics. This is especially true for our year 11 group, who are currently hard at work preparing for their mock IGCSE exams. The mocks will take place at the end of November and students will get their mock grades back from their teachers at the start of term 2. Last Friday also saw our year 12 and 13 students receive their IGCSE and A level certificates from the summer, this was a great achievement and one that the current year 11s should look forward to next year. I look forward to the many events and activities of the weeks to come, as well as the opportunity to welcome the wider RBIS community to the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre on Thursday 8th December 17:15 to 20:00 for our first RBIS Performing Arts Night.
Tom De Smet
Student led conferences
On the 4th and 6th of October our Middle School and Senior School parents had the opportunity to learn more about their children's academic progress in the first half of term 1 from our Secondary subject specialists. The students' behaviour, attendance, punctuality, etc. was also discussed with our form tutors. This was a great time to build positive relationships so we can all do what is best for the children both socially and academically.
Middle School SLC
Senior School SLC
STEM week (25th - 28th October 2022)
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Covering natural, physical and life sciences, as well as engineering and technology related fields, STEM education emphasizes innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
The secondary school science department at RBIS organized STEM week from October 25-28 to encourage students to think about potential STEM careers and apply their classroom knowledge to practical projects. A variety of activities were held throughout the week, which students and teachers alike fully participated in and thoroughly enjoyed.
Year 6-8 STEM Project: DIY Kaleidoscope
Year 6, 7 and 8 students took their classroom learning about light, angles and reflections to the next level by designing and creating their own kaleidoscopes. Using a variety of materials including cardboard rolls, reflective sheets and colorful beads, students created spectacular designs using their kaleidoscopes. Everyone had loads of fun and learned a lot in the process.
Year 9 & 10 STEM Project: DIY Waterwheels
Year 9 & 10 students created waterwheels using crafting sticks and bottle caps to learn about the principles of energy transfer from moving water. This was a creative and fun way to get them thinking about how dams and turbines are used to generate hydroelectric power. It took a lot of gluing and a lot more patience, but none of that compares to how proud the students felt of their completed projects.
Year 11-13 STEM Project: Bioplastic
In this activity, students extracted starch from potatoes to create bioplastic. It was a messy affair to grate and mash potatoes and heat the extracted starch to make it into a stretchy layer of thin plastic, but that just goes to show that students were actively and thoroughly involved in the project from start to finish. After all, what’s a little mess when there’ invaluable knowledge and experience to be gained in the process? From potatoes to plastic – what a fascinating journey of discovery!
Middle and Senior School Science Fairs
The middle school science fair for Years 6-8 was held on Wednesday, October 26, followed by the senior school fair for Years 9-13 on Thursday, October 27. Students spent weeks preparing their projects and displays, which they then presented to all secondary students and teachers.
From creating a self-sustaining terrarium to programming their own Artificial Intelligence bots, both middle and senior school students blew it out of the park with their creative ideas, detail-oriented posters, presentations, displays and engaging presentations. Parents also joined us for the occasion and we hope they enjoyed watching as much as the students enjoyed presenting their projects.
Splendid effort by all, and congratulations to Janice from Year 6 and Yewo, Ete, Peam and Tinton from Year 9 for taking home the top prizes!
Guest lecture by Dr. Pornthep Tanpowpong
We were honoured to welcome to RBIS renowned pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Pornthep Tanpowpong from the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital. After graduating from Chulalongkorn University, Dr. Pornthep then completed his residency at University of Illinois and then a clinical and research fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children.
Dr. Pornthep delivered a motivating and inspirational speech about finding the right path for yourself and graciously answered every question posed to him by our students. The session was fun, interactive and informative for both students and staff.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Dr. Pornthep and hope to welcome him back to RBIS in the future!
STEM Quiz
On Friday afternoon, all students participated fun but competitive STEM house quiz! They displayed great team spirit and enthusiastically participated in the quiz to win the prestigious title of house STEM champions. It was close, but the top spot was clinched by Dragon house.
Congratulations to Dragon house and well done to all participants!
PSHE
To end the week, form tutors spent time discussing STEM careers with their tutees. They provided information about a variety of potential STEM careers which got students to think about what was appealing to them and then directing them towards resources where they could find more information.
Overall, STEM week was very successful in its purpose of encouraging students to think about science education with a new perspective and help them discover, explore and learn in innovative ways.
Y.6 - 9
What's Going On?
Year 6 Geography
We are virtually in the Borneo rainforest. We are looking in detail at biodiversity, including human ethnic diversity. We are also monitoring the current condition of certain ecosystems, and observing the influence of human behaviours on climate change and environmental decay - either through natural entropy or human exploitation and, in some circumstances, conservation and preservation by re-seeding and re-planting.
Some of the scientific Geography field experiments were linked with the project work for STEM week. All really exciting: models of earthquake response, volcanic processes, mini-exploding mini-seeds, dioramas of tropical ecosystems...
Year 7 ICT
27 trillion trillion trillion trillion trillion years is the amount of time it would take to decipher encrypted data stolen by a hacker during data transmission.
This month we covered the essential but unknown importance of data encryption applied in the Internet by exploring and deciphering Caeser cipher and freemason encryption techniques through the use of engaging and interactive activities. This would have helped your children develop their problem solving and understanding skills.
Year 8 Music
Year 8 have been studying and learning about Spooky Music, in preparation for the upcoming Halloween festivities. Over the last month students have been listening to a variety of music to help identify 'spooky' musical features, discovering the triplet rhythm and learning The Addam's Family theme tune on the piano. They are currently working on composing their own spooky compositions where they'll have the opportunity to perform to the class.
Year 9 Art
The students in year nine have been working on abstract compositions based on the paintings from the Style group, like Mondrian.
They have used watercolor on 300 mg. paper dividing spaces by masking tape that has been reduced in size.
It is a study in colors, making use of secondary and tertiary colors to create a rather intricate composition in mathematical shape and tones.
Y.10 - 13
What's Going On?
Year 10 : Biology
Modelling in the Biology classroom is a good way to encourage students to be innovative and engaged in their own learning!
Year 10 students have used different materials, including modelling clay, to make models of the major biological molecules: DNA, starch, lipids and proteins.
Very nice work!
Year 11 English
Year 11 has been studying the world of work this month. Incorporating career-related learning into the English classroom has allowed them to analyse their abilities, talents and hobbies and link them to a future career.
We first looked at different career sectors, specific terminology, skill set and personal specifications before deciding if it was a career the students were interested in and, if so, why? If not, why not?
The students then identified their individual strengths and researched if they aligned with their future career goals and what they could do to achieve their goals.
Reading and writing iGCSE aims were accomplished by creating cover letters and job applications tailored to specific roles. By upgrading their vocabulary and tailoring applications to a particular employer, they have a higher chance of being invited to an interview.
Year 12 HSD maths
Our unit of work during the past 8 weeks has been trigonometry and has included a variety of topics; the theorem of Pythagoras, trigonometrical ratios, the Sine rule, the Cosine rule and 3D problems. The students have enjoyed the complexities of the parts of the unit that required some serious team work to arrive at solutions, especially those involving 3D questions. The assessment has arrived and I am sure that all will achieve a passing grade.
Two students have been working through their topics in Functional maths; units of work for those in the 6th Form who, while not studying maths for examination purposes, want to improve their command of the subject. This allows then to enhance their knowledge of everyday maths, an important skill to have when they complete their school studies.
Year 13
Photography
Photography
Year thirteen have been looking into the lives of action figures and how to expose them in action. They photographed them in a natural environment and made a sequence of pictures to make them come alive.
They also used cartoon figures from “Old School” cartoonist like Frazetti to study postures and positions of figures. An observational study in charcoal
HSD biology
Kenny, in Year 13, has made a poster presenting the achievements of two pioneering women in Biology : Krisana Kraisintu and Katalin Kariko.
Krisana Kraisintu is a Thai professor and pharmacist. In 1995, she successfully developed a generic version of the drug AZT which treats advanced HIV infection.
Katalin Karikó is a Hungarian Biochemist. Her expertise on RNA played a pivotal role in the development of mRNA vaccines.
Excellent work! Well done Kenny!
HOUSES @ RBIS
4 houses
The RBIS Houses are designed to embody the values and ethos of our school and are an integral part of our school community.
Our Houses' main aim is to provide every student in each house with a sense of belonging within the school community, opportunities to develop social, intellectual, physical and practical skills, a sense of achievement both inside and outside of the classroom including through the fun and excitement of inter-house competitions.
Students are assigned to one of our four Houses when they join the EY, Primary, Middle or Senior sections of the school; entering a system which is designed to develop an awareness of individual and collective responsibility and opportunities for student leadership. Each house has two designated elected House Captains (Primary and Secondary) who will act as representatives for all the students in their house throughout the year by: helping coordinate house teams, organise activities and events and represent their house at relevant meetings.
House events at Secondary (October) :
Badminton tournament
After a few weeks of unpredictable weather, we are glad to announce that the badminton tournament is back to being a regular fixture at lunchtime. Each game brings us closer to the winners podium!
Practice makes perfect, and as you can see from the photographs, teachers and students make the most of their free time and practice together; it conveys the RBIS community spirit.
Houses quiz
Ms Reid hosted the first house quiz of the 22/23 academic year. The questions covered various topics the students had covered at RBIS: Literature, Science, Geography, Sport and Nature.
All the teams displayed positive attitudes, productivity, engagement and motivation; the teamwork and camaraderie on display was outstanding.
The Lions roared their way to victory with a triumphant 39/40, gaining two house points for every team member!
Chess tournament
This month saw the return of the House chess tournament involving years 6 to 13. The amount of students who have entered is staggering; it is sure to be a dramatic and fascinating event!
Mr Sein and Poom officially started the chess tournament; both displayed excellent strategy and imagination. It was a hard-fought match (with arbiter Mariha keeping a close eye on things), but Mr Sein emerged victorious and moved onto the second round.
Chess is not simply a game played for fun. It develops higher-order thinking skills - such as problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, planning and creative thinking. Students who learn these skills playing chess find a way to utilise them in other areas of their education.
House Point Leaderboard
(Based on the HP earned in October)
House ranking
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
ROUND SQUARE @ RBIS
RBIS is proud to announce it is a global member member of ROUND SQUARE which is a prestigious international organisation with schools in over 50 countries, across six continents.
It focuses on holistic education practices through the following six key IDEALS:
Internationalism: Students are taught to value and respect all cultures, religions and languages. They learn to see themselves as global citizens and are asked to look beyond gender, class, race, nationality and culture to understand human nature.
Democracy: Freedom of thought and speech is greatly encouraged and appropriate forums and channels of communication are in place for students to voice their views. Students are also taught to appreciate the importance of self-discipline and are trained and expected to share in the responsibility for development of the school.
Environment: Round Square students are expected to demonstrate concern for all natural environments, to be aware of proven problems and to play a practical role in tackling environmental issues. Students are taught the interdependence needed to maintain a healthy relationship between human beings and the planet.
Adventure: Building character through adventure, meeting physical challenges and developing an appreciation of the outdoors: these are all central to Round Square schools.
Leadership: Students are taught that true leadership is found in those whose convictions are rooted in personal responsibility, kindness and justice. Opportunities for student leadership in the school community are fostered extensively.
Service: This is the key element utilised by Round Square schools to prepare students for life through the expectation of serving others. Students commit themselves to local, regional and international service projects.
Round Square related events at Secondary (October) :
Community Service
The 6th Form students have been researching local community service opportunities as they begin to plan how they would like to support those in need. During the next few weeks they will decide their next steps and who they would like to help.
The Community Service lesson this month looked at the community of Bangkok - a city full of contrasts. Students talked about the different life styles of the inhabitants of the city ranging from those who, for example, live in condos and apartments compared with those who are living in the slums. We looked at the problem of street dogs and cats - 860 000 stray animals! The students discussed the fabulous shopping centres which attract locals as well as the tourists who visit Thailand every year. There are many different aspects to see and talk about and I am sure that our students were moved by the contrasting images of our city community.
Recycling
Many of our Secondary students have taken up the challenge of collecting and bringing to school recyclable plastic bottles, plastic bottle tops and ring pulls.
There are many benefits of recycling and we aim to educate our students to understand the reasons for supporting this important aspect of life. It gives them skills in respect, empathy, patience, responsibility, and teaches them about consequences. It also helps create responsible adults, with a better chance of having a decent planet to live. Recycling benefits our community and the environment. Recycling means the use of waste itself as resources. Waste minimization can be achieved in an efficient way by focusing primarily on the first of the 3Rs, "reduce," followed by "reuse" and then "recycle."
It is important that our students realise that recycling is ongoing and that they should collect items to bring to school whenever they can. We award students community service points for collecting items to recycle so as well as helping the community they are rewarded for their efforts.
Our recycling area forms part of the Round Square corner; it is looked after by the 6th Form who, as well as putting up posters to encourage student’s support, also ensure that it shows the progress we are making with our collections.
Until now we have been collecting plastic bottles, plastic tops, ring pulls and second-hand clothes but we are going to widen our efforts by including cardboard, paper and metal cans.
The new Recycling corner
Community Service Point Leaderboard
(Based on the CSP earned in October)
Alumni of the month
Quinn Buffing
Quinn joined RBIS in 2006 and graduated in 2020 .
After I graduated from RBIS, I enrolled in the Bachelor of International Business at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. I spent my first year in Bangkok, attending classes and writing examinations online due to COVID-19. This was one of the toughest periods of my life as I spent most of my time behind a computer screen at home. Moreover, I struggled with the quantitative courses of my program, such as statistics, mathematics, and economics due to the fact that I did not take mathematics as one of my A-level subjects at RBIS. However, one of the most important experiences I gained during my time at RBIS was the ability to problem-solve. This was because teachers always encouraged me to think critically and outside the box; hence, I could pass all my exams during my first year of university.
In my second year, I moved to Maastricht and my student life began. I faced a different obstacle as it was my first time living in a different country let alone a different continent. At first, I struggled with navigating my day-to-day life with my studies. Furthermore, I was uncertain about where and how I would fit into university life. I decided to join the only international fraternity in Maastricht called O.H.D. Odysseus. The fraternity is based on 5 core values: courage, responsibility, intellect, eloquence, and self-reflection. Here, I was able to meet people from different parts of the world including those who had already graduated even before I started university
Now that I am in my third and final year of university, I had to pick a major. I’ve decided to choose entrepreneurship as it allows me to use my creativity to the best of my ability, meanwhile opening possibilities for me to move in any direction I desire.
Overall, RBIS has allowed me to experience all that I have done during my university life. The school has always created an environment where students can explore, grow, and become confident. Without RBIS, I would not have paved the same path as I had these past two years of my life.
ECA Focus
Thai Edutainment Club (with Kru Kai and Kru Apple)
Our extensive ECA programme of Thai Edutainment is conceptual learning in Thai language through a variety of fun activities in order that students feel relaxed whilst they are learning the Thai language. Educational and entertaining at the same time.
One such method which students enjoy using in Thai language classes is Activity Based Learning (ABL), a learning process through various learning games such as Spelling Games, Word Builder Games, Ball Throwing Games to guess the meaning of words. During these activities the students are constantly engaged and they participate actively while learning at the same time. In addition, there are various kinds of social media platforms such as YouTube and other games which are created by companies in education which are part of the ECA.
In particular, all games have been concisely selected by teachers to provide valuable knowledge, have fun and challenge them to find the answers in compliance with age-appropriate development for students.
The major objective of Thai Edutainment is to have fun through activity- based learning whilst having more knowledge of the Thai language and having a positive attitude towards it.
Creative Writing Club (with Mrs. Bell)
Creative Writing club takes place once a week and is an opportunity for students to make the most of writing without the pressure of needing to be graded - the writing is purely for fun!
Keep an eye out for publication later in the year.
"We're not just writing stories, we're changing lives!" Tinton and Peam: Y9
Students decided that they wanted their first genre to be horror - an excellent choice for upcoming Halloween!
"Tick, tock, tick tock, tick, tock - DING! As she took the cookies out and put them on a plate, it began. Black fog scattered through the house..." From 'It's Quite Sunny Out' by Ava: Y7
School blog post
What is STEM and why does it matter? (Written by RBIS chemistry specialist, Ms. Paliwala)
What exactly is STEM? It is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education into a cohesive whole. With a focus on hands-on learning and a problem-solving mindset, STEM is a rapidly advancing concept gaining popularity in both academia and industry. As with several other educational buzzwords, STEM is often only partly understood, leading to scattered efforts in implementing it and confusion regarding its benefits. Please click the link to the school blog below to find out more...
Studying biology in the 21st Century: why it matters
(written by RBIS biology specialist, Mr. Le Serre)
(written by RBIS biology specialist, Mr. Le Serre)
According to the Macmillan Online Dictionary, Biology is the “scientific study of living things”. The Biological Sciences are a wide field including human biology, botany, zoology, genetics, microbiology and biochemistry.
Why is the study of Biology relevant in the 21st century? Why is it especially the case after the Covid-19 pandemic? Please click the link below to the school blog below to find out....
Our head prefect interviews .....
The Secondary House Captains
Any changes you would like to make to your house?
Phoenix (Jericho): I am determined to help Phoenix win.
Unicorn (Lepain): I would desire my house members to be very active in every school activity this year.
Dragon (Mariha): Dragon house is already amazing, I wouldn’t change a thing!
Lion (Merlin): I also want my house members to participate, so this makes our house to be the best in the ranking.
Are you proud to be a House captain?
Phoenix (Jericho): Yes, I’m excited to lead my house as I was inspired by the house captains before me.
Unicorn (Lepain): Yes, I’m very happy that the entire house trusts me to be the House captain.
Dragon (Mariha): Yes of course! Being house captain is an important role in school, being house captain makes me think that the rest of dragon house trusts me to lead them to victory.
Lion (Merlin): I am very happy to be the House captain! I think I won the House captain election because my team trusts me and they think that I can do it.
What do you find most challenging about being the House captain?
Phoenix (Jericho): The most challenging is having to be a consistent role model at all times, a challenge I’m willing to take.
Unicorn (Lepain): I have to manage the entire team to work together and create a good result for the house.
Dragon (Mariha): The main thing is not knowing everyone, especially the younger ones. But I’m doing my best to learn their names!
Lion (Merlin) : The most challenging part is managing people in the house because I am relatively new to the school and I do not know everyone yet.
What are your plans for future House events?
Phoenix (Jericho) : My plan is to make an event where participation and engagement are the main priority. Students should be able to take part in house events without house captains having to tell them to do so. This ensures the event finishes in time.
Unicorn (Lepain): I want to make a carton drawing competition because it can show the creativity of students.
Dragon (Mariha) : I will set an event which can be entertaining and challenging. Anything that everyone would find enjoyable, such as drawing competitions.
Lion (Merlin) : Tai Shi Kung Fu because I want to encourage house members to participate more and want them to be healthy and know Chinese culture.
Upcoming events
Tuesday 8th November: Loy Krathong celebrations in the afternoon
Wednesday 9th November (afternoon): UK Theatre company visit: The performance of Shakespeare's Kings and Clowns (much audience participation, students join onstage to help perform scenes from Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth etc. ) followed by an acting/confidence workshop
10th November: Y.6 & 7 science trip to Lumphini park
11th November: Armistice Day assembly in the morning (8am - 8:10am)
11th November: RBIS presents trip to BACC (Periods 3 and 4 - involved students only)
16th November: Y.8 to 13 science trip to Sea Life Bangkok
22nd November: Y.10 to 13 IGCSE/A level/HSD art students to visit the Banksy exhibition at the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Monday 28th November to Friday 2nd December: Y.11 IGCSE MOCK exam week
Throughout November: House Table Tennis Tournament (breaktimes) and an Inter-house Public Speaking Competition (lunchtimes)
6-16th December: Annual Christmas Charity
Thursday 8th December: A visual arts exhibition, music performances, the finals of the interhouse public speaking competition and the one night only performance of the school play - Humbug High at BACC (5:15pm - 8pm)
Friday 9th December: F1 exhibition (whole day)
13,14,15th December: Secondary residential to Kanchanaburi
Throughout December: Interhouse Poetry Slam (lunchtimes)
HIGHLIGHTS
Visit to the 'Art of Banksy' exhibition at MOCA Bangkok
Who: Y.10 to 13 art students
When: Tuesday 22nd November
Where: MOCA Bangkok
After the incredible success in Europe, Australia and USA The Art of Banksy Exhibition is in Bangkok for a limited time.
Over 1,200,000 people have visited the exhibition all around the world.
The Show – custom-built to fit the venue – includes several experiential areas and more than 150 of the artist’s works such as certified originals, prints, photos, lithographs, sculptures, murals, and video mapping installations created only for this tour.
Some of his works are carefully reproduced with his stencil technique especially for the exhibition. A video documentary gives visitors insights into Banksy’s life and work, all presented in a unique setting.
Banksy loves to provoke, shock, and even disturb society. He does it with poetry, energy, and humor. His art has the power to unite people and inspire them to change the world for the better.
The Art of Banksy: “Without Limits” successfully exhibited in multiple international cities including Istanbul, Amsterdam, Melbourne, Antwerp, Berlin, Bucharest, Cluj, Budapest, Riyadh, Vienna, Warsaw, Seoul, Atlanta, Miami, Charlotte, Seattle and Santiago de Chile. The exhibition is famed for its unique installation in each location, ensuring a new and innovative experience for every visitor.
Find more information on:
https://www.theartofbanksy.com/
Coming to a theatre near you... RBIS PRESENTS: AN EVENING OF THE ARTS
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday 8th December will see the inaugural RBIS PRESENTS... Keep the evening free to come and join us to celebrate the Arts. The evening will include a visual arts exhibition, music performances, the finals of the interhouse public speaking competition and the ONE NIGHT ONLY performance of the school play - Humbug High!
Where: Bangkok Arts and Cultural Centre (Next to National Stadium BTS station)
When: Thursday 8th December 17:15 to 20:00
How much does it cost? Tickets will be free, there will be refreshments available to purchase.
How do I get a ticket? Information to come...
Coming to RBIS...
'F1 in Schools' exhibition
'F1 in Schools' exhibition
Where: RBIS Secondary School
When: Friday 9th December