Dear RBIS Community,
We hope you had a wonderful time celebrating Loy Krathong earlier this month! As we approach the end of Term 1, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the events that have taken place and remind you of the exciting activities still to come.
November has been a busy month with a variety of events, including the Year 6 to 13 Residential Trip, Year 13 Work Experience Days, and the In-House FOBISIA Art Exhibition. We also marked Armistice Day with a moving ceremony, enjoyed Loy Krathong activities, and offered an Online Workshop for Parents on study skills. In addition, students participated in IGCSE Mock Exams and represented RBIS in the ASB Badminton Tournament.
We would also like to highlight two memorable trips: Year 12's visit to Zero Latency, a Virtual Reality company, and Year 8’s community service trip to 'Second Chance'.
Looking ahead, we would like to remind you that the RBIS Christmas and Performing Arts Afternoon will take place on December 4th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, and we would love to see you there to celebrate the festive season with our talented students.
With just two weeks left in Term 1 before the Christmas break, we are excited to announce that End of Term Reports will be released on December 10th.
We hope you all enjoy the remainder of the term and look forward to the upcoming events!
Tom De Smet
Head of Secondary
Table of Contents
Arrival
After a picturesque journey, we reached Bacchus Home Resort in Pranburi around noon. The resort is perfectly located right across from a stunning beach and sea.
Afternoon Adventures
Following a hearty lunch, the students split into their respective groups for the day's activities:
Years 6-9 ventured to Kuiburi National Park, where they helped dig a salt lick and went on a safari, spotting elephants and gaurs in their natural habitat.
Years 10 & 11 embraced the great outdoors with an exciting kayak trip through the mangroves.
Years 12 & 13 faced a thrilling rock climbing challenge, testing their strength and teamwork.
Evening Fun
Back at the resort, everyone gathered for dinner, followed by a lively quiz night—a perfect way to wind down and bond after a busy day.
Lights Out
With anticipation for the adventures ahead, students prepared for a restful night. Day 2 promises even more excitement!
Years 6-9: Young Explorers
The morning kicked off with a hearty breakfast, fueling students for a day packed with adventure.
Years 6 & 7 delved into the fascinating mangrove forests, discovering the unique ecosystems thriving there.
Years 8 & 9 set off on a history-rich hike to Tham Phraya Nakhon, where they marveled at the cave's ancient wonders.
After lunch back at Bacchus Home Resort, the groups swapped activities:
Years 6 & 7 embarked on the historical trek, uncovering the cave’s secrets.
Years 8 & 9 enjoyed a scenic kayak journey through the mangroves, navigating the serene waterways.
Years 10-13: Senior Adventures
Our older students had their own thrilling morning:
Years 10 & 11 tackled an exciting rock-climbing challenge, testing their physical endurance.
Years 12 & 13 explored the mangrove-lined waterways on a kayaking adventure.
In the afternoon, all upper-year students came together for an exploration of Keow Cave, where they discovered stunning rock formations and learned about the area's rich natural history.
Evening Highlights
As the sun dipped below the horizon, students gathered for a BBQ dinner by the beach, enjoying delicious food under a starry sky. The day ended with free time, giving everyone a chance to relax, bond, and reflect on their incredible adventures.
Our final day was packed with excitement and adventure!
🔹 07:00-08:00 – The day began with breakfast and packing as everyone got ready for the journey home.
🔹 08:00-12:00 –
Years 6 to 9 took part in a rotation of thrilling activities: sea kayaking, beach games, and a hands-on scientific survey of plastic pollution along the shore, followed by a beach cleanup.
Years 10 to 13 embarked on a scenic hike to the breathtaking Phraya Nakhon Cave, where they explored the cave’s majestic beauty.
🔹 12:00-13:00 – After a busy morning, we enjoyed a hearty lunch to recharge before heading back.
🔹 13:15 – Departure for Bangkok.
🔹 17:30 – We arrived safely back at the Secondary School, tired but brimming with unforgettable memories.
A heartfelt thank you to all the students, staff, and organisers for making this trip such a success. Stay tuned for more photos and stories from our adventure!
Year 13 Students Shine in Work Experience Programme
This month, three of our Year 13 students, Le Pain, Hans, and Mei, completed their work experience placements as part of our Sixth Form programme. These opportunities allow students to step outside the classroom and gain invaluable insight into potential career paths, enhancing their university applications and building essential life skills.
Le Pain explored the dynamic world of insurance at I-Direct, an insurance brokerage, where he gained firsthand experience in risk assessment, client management, and the intricacies of social media advertising. His enthusiasm and professionalism left a lasting impression on his mentors.
Hans ventured into the cutting-edge field of telecommunications with a placement at Mavenir, a digital telecoms company. Immersed in the fast-paced environment of innovation and technology, he observed how advanced telecom solutions are designed and implemented to enhance connectivity worldwide. This experience has further ignited his passion for technology and problem-solving, giving him a clearer direction for his future studies and career aspirations.
Meanwhile, Mei took on a placement in the field of healthcare, working in Nutrition and Dietetics at Public Health Centre 6 and Pranangklo Hospital. Her time there allowed her to delve into the science of nutrition and its impact on patient care, shadowing dietitians and learning how tailored dietary plans can transform lives. Each student completed an evaluation and reflection, demonstrating their ability to assess their progress, identify key learning moments, and articulate how these experiences will shape their future goals. We are incredibly proud of their commitment and growth, which highlights the success of our programme in equipping students with the tools to excel in their chosen fields.
Lepain
I-Direct, an insurance brokerage
I-Direct, an insurance brokerage
Hans
Mavenir, a digital telecoms company
Mavenir, a digital telecoms company
Mei
Pranangklo Hospital
Public Health Centre 6
On Friday, 8th November, we proudly unveiled our A Greener Tomorrow whole school art exhibition, showcasing the incredible creativity and environmental awareness of our students. As part of our commitment to the Round Square initiative of Environmentalism, this event also marks our participation in the 2024 FOBISIA Art Competition.
Students, staff and parents came to celebrate the artistic talents of our students and discovered how our young artists envision a more sustainable future.
This year’s FOBISIA Art Competition is hosted by Haileybury Almaty School. All displayed entries were competing for a chance to be submitted to the FOBISIA Art competition. Students whose work was selected received a certificate of achievement and have the opportunity to win recognition in the wider FOBISIA Competition.
This showcase was one of passion, imagination, and hope for our planet!
On Friday, 22nd November, our monthly secondary school assembly featured an inspiring guest speaker, Fellipe Lima, arranged by our PE teacher, Mr Nunes. Fellipe Lima, a highly regarded kickboxing coach specializing in martial arts and striking techniques, shared his insights into how martial arts can transform lives. With an impressive resume, including coaching professional fighters like Alex “Poatan” Pereira and César Almeida, Lima captivated students with his passion for the discipline.
During his 20-minute talk, he highlighted the benefits of martial arts in building discipline, confidence, and resilience. Following the assembly, Fellipe led an engaging 40-minute kickboxing workshop on the football pitch. Students eagerly participated, learning basic boxing stances, movement techniques, and the fundamentals of Muay Thai.
This event was a unique opportunity for students to explore the art of kickboxing while gaining valuable life lessons from a seasoned professional. We extend our gratitude to Fellipe Lima for inspiring our students and to Mr Nunes for organising this enriching experience!
You may remember in our September newsletter we reported our entry in the FOBISIA Code Breaking Maths Challenge which almost all the students in Secondary took part. It was a well received event, which our students thoroughly enjoyed and this month we were proud to present certificates or participation, merit and excellence.
Several of our students were awarded Certificates of Excellence for their outstanding ability to solve the codes. Hans reached the end of level 4 - the highest grade in the challenge - while Copter and Sinchan solved level 3. All the other students in this group photograph solved level 2. Well done everyone!
Some of our students, pictured to ther right, were awarded Cetificates of Merit for their abilty to solve to the end of level 2 and begin level 3 tasks in a faster time than others. Well done everyone!
On the morning of the 11th of November, RBIS Secondary came together for a solemn Remembrance Day Ceremony to honour the armistice agreement that ended the First World War.
The ceremony began at 7:55 am, with students entering the canteen in silence to the strains of Elgar’s Nimrod. Our Head Prefect, Lepain (Y13), opened the event with a thoughtful introduction, setting the tone for the morning.
Jenny (Y12) delivered a moving recital of In Flanders Fields, followed by Mr De Smet’s reading of the Exhortation. The entire school then observed a two-minute silence, accompanied by the haunting notes of The Last Post, as poppies fell gently from the terrace.
This annual tradition is an important moment for our community to pause, reflect, and honour the sacrifices made for peace.
We are proud of our students and staff for their respectful participation in this meaningful event.
During the week of Loy Krathong, secondary students delved into the rich history and traditions of this beautiful Thai festival as part of their Thai Studies lessons. They explored the festival's origins, significance, and customs, showcasing their knowledge through engaging quizzes. Students also demonstrated their creativity by designing vibrant information displays for their peers and writing insightful articles about the festival. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Thai culture and share it with the school community.
On 18th November, we held an online workshop to help parents understand how to support their children in studying effectively at home. Led by Mr Le Serre, the session introduced a range of essential study strategies and skills that students should utilise throughout the year. These included techniques such as note-making and mind-mapping, designed to enhance learning and organisation.
Below, you can find some of the slides shared during the presentation, which offer valuable insights into these strategies.
Our year 11 students completed their IGCSE mock exams during the last two weeks of November. The mocks serve as a great 'stepping stone' for students, providing them with a unique opportunity to fine-tune their exam strategies. The exams also evaluate students' understanding of the subject matter, helping them identify areas of strength and weakness; this helps students prepare their revision programme as they work towards their exams in May & June.
In the recent inter-school badminton tournament held on Saturday, November 23rd, we are proud to announce that Pune (Year 9), Peam (Year 11), and Son (Year 11) represented our school with great skill and determination. Our students performed exceptionally well, narrowly missing out on a spot in the semi-finals.
A big thank you to Mr. Nunes for accompanying and supporting the team throughout the tournament. Well done to Pune, Peam, and Son for their hard work and excellent performance!
The Y12 Computer Science A-Level students studying the Cambridge syllabus visited Zero Latency, a VR company offering fully immersive experiences. Led by Tezel Asena, their Computer Science teacher, the students tried the new Warhammer VR game, engaging in interactive battles in a realistic virtual world. This hands-on session showcased the potential of VR technology in creating interactive environments.
The trip was directly linked to their syllabus, covering topics such as hardware, sensors, and software. Students explored VR headsets, motion tracking, and real-time rendering. A Q&A with the Zero Latency team provided valuable insights into how the technology works, connecting theory with practical applications.
"Second Chance Bangkok is a local initiative by residents of Bangkok's largest slum, Klong Toey. We rely on donations of quality second-hand goods and sell them to residents of Klong Toey community at affordable prices, or pass them on to those who lack the resources to purchase these essential items themselves.
The shop creates employment for many local residents, in the second hand shop, and through the upcyled project where women with skills in sewing are transforming clothing into beautiful bags and giftwares."
Second Chance
The RBIS secondhand clothes collection was an outstanding success, and we received a huge amount of donations. Some of the clothes were selected for Second Chance, which provides an outlet for the residents of the Klong Toey slum. Our Year 8 students had the opportunity to visit Second Chance to deliver our donations and witness first-hand the impactful work being carried out.
It was fascinating to learn how members of the Klong Toey community are involved with Second Chance, benefiting from opportunities to purchase clothing at low prices. Additionally, some residents work on upcycling projects, transforming unwanted clothing into amazing bags and gifts.
The trip concluded with a visit to the shop, where we admired a variety of wonderful items for sale, including bags, books, toys, clothes, and much more. Some of our Year 8 students took the opportunity to purchase toys for the RBIS Christmas Charity.
This was a valuable and rewarding experience, demonstrating how clothing can be reused and upcycled. Thank you, Year 8, for delivering our donations to Second Chance and learning more about the importance of reuse and upcycling.
Thai as a Second Language this month focused on reviewing consonants, vowels, and tone marks, as well as constructing simple sentences using vocabulary from previous lessons. In class, we used supplementary materials to help students remember and improve their spelling skills.
Additionally, since this month includes the Loy Krathong Festival, the class also covered the history of the festival, vocabulary related to "krathong" (floating baskets), and activities associated with Loy Krathong.
In History, we successfully completed our study of the infamous Tudors, who ruled England during the 16th and 17th centuries, culminating in an extended assessment. Currently, Year 8 students are diving into the exciting era of inventions and remarkable geographical discoveries. This period saw influential figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Christopher Columbus, whose contributions reshaped our understanding of the world.
Students will explore the significance of the Age of Discovery and the Renaissance, gaining insights into how these centuries have influenced modern society and our historical inheritance.
There's an intriguing collaboration brewing with the art department, but details are still under wraps—stay tuned for more surprises!
Year 9 students have been thoroughly engaged in their study of J.B. Priestley’s classic play An Inspector Calls. With its sharp critique of Edwardian society and its exploration of responsibility and morality, the text has sparked lively discussions and deep analysis. This month, the spotlight has been on Mr Birling, a central figure in Priestley’s social commentary. Students have been dissecting his speeches and actions, recognising him as a construct designed to embody capitalist ideals and individualism. Through this, they are uncovering how Priestley uses Mr Birling to challenge the audience's perspectives on wealth, power, and accountability.
By examining Mr Birling’s unwavering confidence and dismissal of societal interconnectedness, students are gaining a clearer understanding of Priestley’s critique of pre-war attitudes. They have been exploring how his character symbolises the flaws of the upper class and the dangers of ignoring collective responsibility. Whether through creative character diaries or critical debates, our Year 9 cohort is not only honing their analytical skills but also connecting the play's themes to modern societal issues, demonstrating their growing ability to think critically about literature and its relevance today.
Hands-on investigation is one of the most effective ways to learn in Biology! Recently, Year 10 students explored the fascinating world of enzymes during their Biology lesson with Mr. Le Serre.
Enzymes, specialised proteins that speed up chemical reactions, took center stage as the students investigated catalase—an enzyme found in plant and animal tissues. Catalase helps break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, producing foam as a visible result.
To measure catalase activity, students conducted experiments using both cooked and uncooked potato tissues. Working in pairs, they carefully measured foam height, achieving clear and successful results!
We’ve recently completed the final unit 6 of the Cambridge Business Studies syllabus and have been focusing on reviewing past exam questions to prepare for the mock exams.
Moving forward, we’ll begin studying the mark schemes to deepen our understanding of what examiners look for in answers.
With five months remaining, the Year 11 students have plenty of time to extensively review the syllabus, strengthen their exam techniques, deepen their understanding, and reinforce their subject knowledge.
This month saw Year 12 complete the Pure mathematics 1 module of Pearson Edexcel. The module provides a comprehensive foundation for the study of later modules. Topics in Pure 1 include algebra, functions and calculus which are essential for developing further in mathematics at both secondary and university level.
Students took the end of unit assessment with good success and are now beginning Pure 2. Pearson Edexcel offer examinations in January, June and October for mathematics and some of our students are feeling confident enough to take the exam in January.
On completion of the unit students were encouraged to go through exam papers and in particular marking schemes so as to become familiar with what is the required standard for mathematics at A level. Those students who have elected to take the exam in the new year will undertake a revision program over the holidays guided by their teacher.
Year 13 HSD Art students are exploring the theme of unconventional portraits, diving into how modern and contemporary artists break away from traditional portraiture.
By studying the works of innovators who use abstract techniques, mixed media, and surreal elements, Year 13 are gaining insight into portraying identity beyond mere likeness. These artistic approaches reveal hidden emotions, fragmented realities, and unique perspectives. This exploration encourages students to experiment with their own art, challenging conventional boundaries to create portraits that tell deeper, multi-faceted stories and evoke a sense of curiosity in viewers.
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.
Halloween costume competition
Khim from house Lion put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to win the best Halloween costume award. Her outfit was perfectly on theme, and the attention to detail was incredible, from the makeup to the costume, everything was spot on. She truly went above and beyond, and her dedication clearly paid off, and she absolutely deserved the win.
The winner of the competition: Khim (Year 12)
Musical chairs final
In an epic game of musical chairs, Peam from Lion defied all odds to take down Dragon and dethrone the reigning champion, Mr. Tezel Asena. With quick reflexes, super strength, sharp strategy, and unwavering determination, Peam claimed victory in a nail-biting finish, proving that even champions can fall when faced with true grit!
Table football (foosball)
So far Kaopun and Alice from Dragon have dominated the table football arena, defeating three challengers in a single day with skill and teamwork. The competition has delivered some good matches so far, and as it draws to a close, the excitement is at an all-time hig, so who will claim the ultimate victory?
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.
A huge thank you to all our students and teachers for the outstanding donations given to our second hand clothes collection. Our two causes, Second Chance who support the residents of the Klong Toey slum community and the children who attend Wat Tha Chumnum School will be so happy to receive your kind donations.
We put together the collections from the whole school and began the task of sorting out the clothes. Year 8 will take clothes to Second Chance on Friday 22nd November while the 6th form and Year 10 will visit Wat Tha Chumnum School in December. We also have enough clothes to give some to the children who are looked after at the Foundation for the Creation of Children.
Thank you again for your kindness in helping those in need.
Preparing the boxes.
As part of the preparation for our visit to Wat Tha Chumnam School we have been making Christmas cards for the children. All of Secondary have been involved - students and teachers.
A fundraising event led by the Student Council will be held during the End of Year Show to support the Foundation for the Creation of Children . This will provide gifts, snacks, and a fun-filled morning of games for the children. The students will invite guests at the show to decorate our Christmas tree with a “leaf” in the form of a banknote.
Another bumper month with a substantial amount of recyclables brought to school. Plastic bottles and tops continue to be the most popular reyclable handed in but we also received lots of cardboard boxes, paper bags, plastic bags and more. Below is a reminder of the items we can recycle but if you have other items please ask so we can advise if we can recycle them or not. Thank you Year 7 for helping at the "pick up."
second hand clothes
cereal and other small cardboard boxes
plastic bottles
plastic bags
ring pulls
plastic tops
newspapers
soft drink cans
cardboard boxes
food containers - hard plastic
paper bags
yogurt cartons
Scientific investigation is at the heart of understanding and exploring the world around us. For students in Key Stage 3 (KS3), fostering these investigative skills is crucial to developing their scientific literacy, curiosity, and analytical thinking. This article explores my journey of developing scientific investigation skills, supported by concrete examples from my lessons at RBIS International School.
Please click the link to the RBIS school blog below to read the article....
Nagun (Titi) Thechatakerng who graduated from RBIS in 2013.
I have good memories of my time at RBIS; I found my teachers to be helpful and my year group was fun to be with. I was successful in my studies, but my love of golf led me to Temecula town in the USA where I could find out more about the sport.
I went to the Professional Golfers Career College where I studied about interesting aspects of golf including golf course design, management, course maintenance, Golf instructors and so on. One of my proudest feats is that I never lost in a tournament called the President Cup in matches - student’s team vs teacher’s team; I received 3 awards for being one of the best players in the P-Cup. I graduated in December 2016 with a Diploma associate degree and returned to Thailand.
After I graduated from PGCC. I went to study for a bachelor’s degree at Maejo Universit,y in Chiang Mai Province, majoring in Tourism Development. I established an Equestrian Club name El Caballo Club. This club has 3 activities: Equestrian School, Hippo therapy and Trail Riding. https://www.facebook.com/elcaballoclub/
Our Badminton ECA has been a smash hit with students this term! Open to players of all skill levels, this activity offers a fantastic opportunity to learn new techniques, improve fitness, and enjoy friendly competition. With enthusiastic participation and guidance from Mr De Smet, students are developing their skills while having great fun. Whether it's perfecting a serve or engaging in exciting rallies, the Badminton ECA is a wonderful way for students to stay active and build camaraderie.