Secondary Newsletter
Greetings from the Head of Secondary
Dear parents,
It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those who are new to our school community.
As we dive into the first newsletter of the school year, I am thrilled to share with you some of the remarkable highlights that have unfolded within our secondary division. It has been a dynamic start to the year, filled with engaging activities and opportunities for our students to explore, learn, and grow.
One of the most anticipated moments in our school calendar is always the release of the exam results. We take immense pride in the hard work and dedication our students have demonstrated, and their achievements are a testament to their commitment to excellence. These results not only reflect their academic prowess but also their determination to succeed.
Furthermore, I am delighted to announce the Student Election Results for the academic year 2023-2024. Our student leaders play a vital role in shaping the school's culture, and their election represents the voice of our student body. I have no doubt that they will lead with integrity, empathy, and a passion for positive change.
In recent weeks, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in two distinct yet equally enriching experiences. Our Chinese Language & Culture Week celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, allowing our students to delve into the traditions, history, and culinary delights associated with this auspicious occasion. This cultural exploration not only broadened their horizons but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.
In the spirit of interdisciplinary learning, we embarked on True Crime: Detective Week, where our students engaged in cross-curricular activities that challenged their critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. This captivating journey into the world of crime-solving showcased their resilience and creativity.
Beyond the classroom, our commitment to community service continues to flourish. A recent community service trip in collaboration with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation exemplified our dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. It was heartwarming to witness our students' compassion and their willingness to contribute to the betterment of our community.
Last but not least, our year 7 students had the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature during a biology trip to PTT Metro Forest Park. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect classroom learning with the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological concepts.
As we reflect on these experiences, it is evident that the journey ahead promises to be one filled with growth, learning, and inspiration. I encourage each student to embrace every opportunity, and I extend my gratitude to our dedicated educators, supportive parents, and our incredible student body for making RBIS a vibrant and thriving community.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Together, we will continue to nurture their academic, personal, and social development.
Tom De Smet
Exam results 2023
Student election results 2023-2024
Chinese Language & Culture Week
With the Mid-autumn festival approaching, our Chinese department organized events to enhance students' understanding of China's rich background, history, and culture. Specifically designed for students in grades 7 to 9, we conducted a Mooncake-making workshop. Mooncakes, being the focal point of this celebration, carry a symbolic representation of unity and togetherness, much like the full moon that graces the night sky.
True Crime: Detective Week
Unveil the Mystery: True Crime Adventures at RBIS!
In this thrilling edition of our school newsletter, dive into the world of true crime with our students as they explore fascinating activities such as fingerprint analysis, blood group analysis, and scriptwriting for a spine-tingling murder mystery play.
They discovered the secrets of art forgeries and murderous scenes in art, and even delved into the infamous theft of the Mona Lisa. They used mathematics to crack murder mysteries, explored functions in intriguing whodunnits, and unraveled the mystery behind the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. Our students thoroughly enjoyed this macabre but unforgettable journey into the world of crime-solving right here at RBIS!
Y.7 - 9
What's Going on?
Year 7 maths
In maths this month year 7 have looked at 2 units of work, negative numbers as well as coordinates, functions, graphs and equations.
We also had lessons looking at maths puzzles; this enhances students problem-solving ability and makes them more creative. Working in pairs year 7 were able to solve a few interesting puzzles and they became more confident as they worked through the variety of activities.
Year 8 general science
In Year 8 Science this term we enhanced our knowledge of states of matter, studying the concepts of density and gas pressure as well. Students did a number of practicals to explore the effects of temperature on both phenomenon. They also created DIY barometers to understand the effect of temperature on pressure and weather.
Year 9 art
Students in year 9 have been looking into Buddhist art and preparing for a trip to Wat Bang Yi Khan in October. They have been sketching scenes from the life of the Buddha after murals In Doi Suthep Chiang Mai.
They will follow up with paintings aimed for the Christmas exhibition in the BACC
Y.10 - 13
What's Going on?
Year 10 IGCSE business
Risk taker, innovative, creative, good communicator, confident, hard worker, optimistic, these are some of the most common characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. But which trait would you say is the most important? Perhaps being a risk taker since an entrepreneur can be defined as ‘a person who takes a risk to create a business'. Or is it a collection and symbiosis of different traits?
So far we have covered the first section of the CAIE Business studies syllabus known as business activities, which introduces the nature and type of businesses to pupils. We have covered the differences between public corporations and private firms, the reason why smaller businesses may fail, how businesses can grow with either internal or external expansion, the types of businesses whether the businesses are unincorporated or incorporated, as well as definitions and other business activity information.
We have also began looking at mark scheme criteria to ensure that students can provide the most relevant and efficient answers tailored towards the mark scheme, especially when it comes to application [app], which means using specific facts stated in the case study in your own answer.
This good practice and emulation will ensure that students will meet the requirements and expectations of the business study syllabus when answering questions.
Year 11 IGCSE Chemistry
In year 11 chemistry this term, we completed the topic of acids, bases and salts and did an end of unit practical experiment. In this practical we created crystals of copper (II) sulfate from copper oxide and sulfuric acid.
Next, we moved on to Organic Chemistry. We started the unit with the basics of homologous series and functional groups. Students learned to name and draw different members of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids. Next we'll move on to reactions of organic compounds before finishing off the unit with fractional distillation to separate petroleum fractions into smaller chains.
Year 12 HSD photography
Students have been looking at figures, people in action and “Object and Meanings with a manipulated background. They have been using apps like procreate and photoshop to come to their final result.
Year 13 A level English
In preparation for her AS English Language studies Mariha has found herself engrossed in a variety of non-fictional writing topics which have explored the boundaries between directed and instructional writing, as well as personal expression and persuasion. Here her display work exemplifies recognition of a specified audience. Within this approach language factors such as text type, purpose, writer/role, informational content and tone all play an important part when considering how the article is written and presented.
Trips
Biology trip: PTT Metro Forest Park (Y.7)
Year 7 students explored a forest in Bangkok!
On September 27, our Year 7 students had the great opportunity to visit the Metro Forest (Bangkok) with their Biology Teacher Mr Le Serre. This wonderful urban forest was built by the PTT company and inaugurated in 2015 by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.
The students learned about plant cells, photosynthesis, the afforestation method and the benefits of forests. They got to develop their investigative skills by identifying some of the 270 species of plants found in this green oasis!
Bangkok Community Help Foundation (Y.11)
We’re excited to update you about our very first collaboration with Bangkok Community Help Foundation to pack and distribute meals around the city. Year 11 students were the first ones to volunteer their time on Tuesday, September 12th.
Students had a busy morning packing more than 700 lunches at the foundation’s offices in Asok, where they also met the founder Mr. Greg Lange. After a quick break for lunch, the students, accompanied by Ms. Paliwala, Mr. Reed and Mr. Lange, stopped at various places around the city to distribute the meals they had packed earlier. The whole experience was wholesome and enriching. Despite a long day, we returned to campus with happy smiles and full hearts.
The best part was that the students expressed their desire to make this a regular part of their lives and said this had been the most fulfilling experience they could remember having.
Our sincere thanks to Mr. Lange for his time. We certainly look forward to the next collaboration.
The trip to Bangkok Community Help Foundation was a very meaningful experience. To be able to help prepare and give out food to those less fortunate than us made me feel grateful for all the privileges we have in life. I loved seeing the smiles of the people who received the food and I would love to do something like this again. - Jenny
I really enjoyed the community service trip. It helped me realise how fortunate I am to be able to always be well fed and it made me feel like a better person to help those people who need it. - Lolo
Our involvement with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation is one of the greatest things we have done. Being able to prepare food and giving it out to those less lucky felt great and is an incredibly kind service to help them. This experience made me appreciate what I had taken for granted and it would be something that I’d like to do again. - Copter
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 or Secondary 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.
Meet our new house captains!
Drumroll, please! The winners of the House Captain elections are in:
Lolo will lead the Dragon house with their fiery determination.
Bell will bring magic and unity to the Unicorn house.
Emery will roar with leadership in the Lion house.
Bianca will guide the Phoenix house with her message of resilience and renewal.
Congratulations to our new House Captains and all other candidates who battled each other for this glorious position! Your speeches were truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see how you lead your houses to victory in this school year.
As we wrap up this exciting chapter in our school's history - the first time all House Captains are women, remember that each of you has the power to make a difference.
So let's join hands with our new House Captains and make this school year a memorable one filled with unity, inspiration, and success!
Lolo (Dragon)
Emery (Lion)
Bianca (Phoenix)
Bell (Unicorn)
House events at Secondary (September) :
Badminton tournament
The school's 2023-2024 badminton tournament has commenced with an air of excitement, featuring four competitive houses: Phoenix, Unicorn, Dragon, and Lion. The badminton courts were alive with the energetic and precise strikes of rackets, setting the stage for some good matches.
Divided into two brackets, one for the lower school and the other for the upper school, the tournament has ensured a fair competition among the students. Each house had their star players, ready to showcase their skills and earn crucial points for their teams in the 23-24 house competition.
The winners from both brackets will set to face off against each other, and just like the last school year, we will have a competition for the teachers as well where the winner will face the winner of the lower/upper school!
House songs
In the electrifying realm of the dance floor, the four houses gathered to battle it out for the ultimate house song crown: Phoenix, Dragon, Lion, and Unicorn.
Dragon took the stage, spitting fire with their track selection, but it seems they got a little lost in the smoky haze.
Phoenix followed suit, their beats ablaze with intensity, but they seemed to have a bit of a hot and cold reception compared to the Lion's who roared into second place, bringing the wild rhythm of the savannah to life, but it was Unicorn who truly stole the spotlight. With a magical blend of enchanting melodies, Unicorn won the hearts and minds of the teachers and sang its way to the top, leaving the Dragon's smoked and breathless.
House Point Leaderboard
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
House ranking
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
Student achievements
The Thrilling Head Prefect Elections at RBIS
Two Wednesdays ago RBIS witnessed a spectacle of democracy and leadership as three formidable candidates battled for the prestigious position of Head Prefect. Mariha, the advocate for feminism and fair play; Poom, the charismatic bilingual speaker, and Jericho, the embodiment of integrity and leadership skills, stood at the forefront of this riveting competition. After three electrifying speeches that resonated through the halls of RBIS, it was Jericho who emerged as the triumphant Head Prefect.
The stage was set for a contest that defines the essence of leadership within the school community. Each candidate brought their unique qualities to the forefront, making it an election to remember.
Mariha, a fervent advocate for feminism, wowed the audience with her impassioned speech. She emphasised the importance of gender equality and fair play, promising to create an inclusive environment where every student's voice would be heard. Her message resonated with many, inspiring hope for a more equitable school community.
Poom, the bilingual charmer, showcased his linguistic prowess during his presentation. He effortlessly switched between languages, appealing to both English and Thai-speaking staff. Poom promised to bridge cultural gaps, fostering unity and understanding among the diverse RBIS student body.
Jericho, the embodiment of integrity and leadership skills, brought an air of gravitas to the stage. He delivered a speech that emphasised the importance of honesty, trustworthiness, and effective leadership. Jericho pledged to lead by example, fostering an environment where every student could thrive academically and personally.
After three thrilling speeches, Ms Reid’ room was abuzz with anticipation. The staff had been presented with three strong candidates, each with their vision for a better RBIS. The decision was in the hands of the voters.
The winner is…Jericho, with his unwavering commitment to integrity and leadership, had captured the hearts of the majority and their newly elected Head Prefect.
Jericho's victory signifies more than just a change in leadership; it symbolises the collective desire for integrity, trust, and effective leadership within RBIS. His journey to the Head Prefect position serves as a reminder that true leaders are forged in the crucible of experience, embodying the values they espouse.
As Jericho takes the helm as RBIS Head Prefect, the school community can look forward to a future marked by fairness, unity, and unwavering integrity.
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 (September) :
This month our students participated in two exciting Round Square projects.
Year 7-9 students created presentations about tourist attractions as part of a cultural exchange project with Michael Ham Memorial College, Argentina. Students will then present their tourist spots in a Zoom session with students of Michael Ham Memorial at a later date next month. In return students of Michael Ham Memorial will create their own slides about tourist attractions in their country and the two schools will exchange ideas as a group.
Year 10-13 students created videos on the theme "Colours in Nature" for a science competition held by Paradis International School, Romania. Students have finalised their videos and we will share these once the competition dates have elasped. Watch this space for their wonderful creations next month!
Community service at Secondary (September) :
The bags of recyclables were ready before the end of term 3 but we were unable to arrange a time for collection; the bags were "picked up" on August 3rd.
Mr Samran took the ring pulls and aluminum cans to be posted to 'The Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother'
Mik and Le'pain begin to bag the plastic bottles ready for 'pick-up 4'
Le'Pain and Hans making a great effort to put all the bottles in bin liners.
Hugo's job was to push all the bottles out of the storage area.
A huge number of plastic bottles!
Mariha and Jericho putting the other plastic recyclables into bin liners
Poom's job was to put all the card- board recyclables into bin liners.
CirPlas staff sorting through the pick-up bags of recyclables
All packed and ready to go.
Lots of plastic bottles ready to be picked up
Other plastic recyclables to be picked up this week
A good collection of cardboard boxes to be collected by our Saleng driver
Aluminum cans we have almost filled the wheelie bin
Plastic bottle tops. We started our collection about 3 years ago and set a target of collecting 100 000 tops. We are nearly there....let's go for it!
As this is a community service event you will earn CSPs for each item of clothing you donate. Look out for the posters! Starting soon!
RBIS Community Service Residential June 2023 - Pinkaew School
Part of our funds to help Pinkaew School was set aside to construct a levee using soil and rocks to block the path of flood water. This was a task that required much manual work, which was carried out during the summer holidays. We are pleased to say that the construction is complete, and we hope it is successful in holding back the flood waters.
Ms Parsons writes: "WOW! Thank you for coming and supporting our bake sale. We are happy to announce that we have made a whopping 12917 baht! This is an amazing achievement for our first Student Council event of the year.
We thank you, the learners and parents for donating the baked goods and buying them.
We had a small amount of baked goods left which was taken to an orphanage near Victory Monument."
Thanks to Ms Parsons and the Student Council for organising such a wonderful event.
Community Service lessons - 22nd September
Our sixth form were set the task of preparing a lesson about Community Service and Recycling. Working in pairs they produced some wonderful, informative presentations which they used in their lessons. After the presentations some students created posters about recycling while others spent the remaining lesson time creating a mind-map about community service. Below are some pages from the the 6th Form presentations and photographs of their lessons. Well done to all our 6th Formers!
Jericho and Mariha with Year 8
Hugo and Mik with Year 7
Hans and Le'pain with Year 11
Year 9 and year 10 creating mind-maps about recycling and community service
Hugo shows year 7 the recycling area
Jericho and Mariha show year 8 the recycling area
Community Service Point Leaderboard
(Based on the CSP earned in September)
Alumni of the month
Chaivis (Bird) Khonkaen who graduated from RBIS in 2022
I joined RBIS during the last term of Year 1 and completed my A-Level studies in 2022. My time at RBIS was an experience I will never forget, and I am truly in debt to the teachers and staff who helped me throughout my stay. The great teachers at RBIS and the A-Level curriculum gave me the proper foundation for university.
After graduating from RBIS, I attended Chulalongkorn University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (BBTech). My first year at university was a valuable experience as I got to meet new people and develop meaningful friendships. From an academic perspective, the courses I had to take were straightforward, as the subjects I took during my A-Level gave me the knowledge to finish the course.
Going into my second year of university, the courses will change depending on my chosen fields of study. Two interesting fields I'm currently choosing are bioinformatics and microbiology.
Overall, RBIS provided the best learning environment, and the school gave me a solid foundation to continue my studies.
The main Faculty of Science building
Bird (Head prefect 2022) - graduates from RBIS
Picture taken under a microscope from one of my Biology Laboratory classes. We get to observe many of the plant structures and write reports on them.
Lunch with my friends to celebrate our first year at University
ECA Focus
Sewing club
A new school year is always hectic and sewing club was a great way to unwind on a Monday afternoon. Settling down to do cross stitch after a long school day has been a relaxing and fun experience and we've created some unique designs so far. After learning the basics of cross stitch for a couple of weeks, students began creating designs on their own.
Sewing club has many benefits including improving concentration, dexterity and coordination. Moreover, having a hobby like sewing makes you feel calm and happy as you get to spend your free time in a productive and creative way. Sewing also keeps your mind active as you constantly learn while you're taking on a new project.
Upcoming events
