Secondary Newsletter

Greetings from the Head of Secondary

Dear RBIS Community,

Happy 2025! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable three-week winter break and returned refreshed for the new term. Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous Chinese New Year as well!

On January 29th, we celebrated Chinese New Year with a vibrant lion dance and a range of cultural activities, including Chinese knotting, making wisdom brooches, chopsticks games, and spring character paper cutting. It was wonderful to see our students embracing and learning about this rich tradition.

Academically, it has been a busy month. Our A-Level students took part in their mock exams, preparing diligently for their final assessments, while others challenged themselves in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge. For our parents, we hosted an online workshop led by Ms Reid on university planning, and an onsite presentation for Key Stage 3 parents about IGCSE at RBIS.

Our students have once again shown their compassion and commitment to making a difference. They donated toys, clothes, and snacks to the children of Pinkaew School, raised funds for the care of our school cats, and collected recyclables for Precious Plastic Bangkok. Their generosity and sense of responsibility are inspiring.

Looking ahead, February is packed with exciting events, especially for parents. Please make sure to check out the events calendar so you don’t miss out.

Here’s to a fantastic term ahead!

Tom De Smet
Head of Secondary

Table of Contents

Chinese New Year celebrations

RBIS welcomed the Year of the Snake with a vibrant and engaging Chinese New Year celebration across the secondary school on the 29th of January! The festivities kicked off with a spectacular Lion Dance performance at 8:10 AM, bringing energy and excitement to the campus as students and staff gathered to enjoy the traditional display of skill and artistry.

Following the performance, students participated in a variety of cultural activities designed to immerse them in Chinese traditions. Years 7 to 9 engaged in hands-on workshops, creating Chinese knots (中国结), crafting Wisdom Brooches (书法徽章) with Chinese calligraphy, and testing their dexterity with the Chopsticks Game (筷子过迷官). Meanwhile, Years 10 to 13 showcased their creativity through the intricate art of Spring character papercutting (春字剪子).

These activities provided students with a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and traditions while fostering creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The celebrations were a fantastic way to mark this significant festival, and we look forward to continuing to embrace cultural diversity at RBIS!

Wishing everyone Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái (恭喜发财)! 🎉🐉

AS level MOCK exams

Our year 12 students completed their AS mock exams during week 3 of term 2; our A level students in Year 13 have been sitting actual exams in the Pearson Edexcel IAL January session.

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.

UKMT Intermediate Maths competition

Promoting the love of problem solving

The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple choice challenge. Students are allowed a plain sheet of paper and pen/pencil to help solve the questions; squared paper, calculators and measuring instruments are forbidden. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

On 24th January 2025 some of our Year 9 students, Year 10 students and Year 11 students took part in this year's competition. Our students were gathered in the ICT room independently working out strategies to answer the given questions. The hour went by quickly and the students soon found their time was up. Now we wait for the results which takes between 6/8 weeks.

To recognise the highest performers in the Challenge, UKMT award the top-scoring 50% of participants Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates in the ratio 3:2:1. Students not amongst the high scorers receive a Certificate of Participation.

Online workshop for parents: university planning

On the 14th of January RBIS hosted an insightful webinar led by our University Counsellor, Ms. Reid, focused on career guidance and university preparation for both Thai and international universities. The session provided valuable information on the differences between applying to UK and Thai universities, highlighting key factors such as the UCAS process, personal statements, and entrance exams. Ms. Reid also emphasised the importance of standardised tests like IELTS and SATs, offering tips on preparation and strategies for achieving competitive scores.

The webinar showcased the personalised support RBIS offers to students, from tailored guidance on choosing the right academic pathway to assistance with university applications. Parents gained a clearer understanding of the unique opportunities provided by our IGCSE, A-Level, and High School Diploma programmes, along with the extensive resources available in the Sixth Form.

If you would like to watch the recording, please click here

Onsite presentation for KS3 parents: the IGCSE programme at RBIS

On Wednesday the 29th of January we welcomed KS3 parents to an onsite presentation about the IGCSE programme at RBIS. The session began with an introduction to the IGCSE curriculum and the Year 10 subject options, providing valuable insights into the structure and expectations of the programme.

Following this, parents had the opportunity to visit subject classrooms, where our dedicated IGCSE teachers shared details about their courses, learning resources, and exam expectations. The event was highly engaging, and parents appreciated the chance to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of their child's academic journey ahead.

For any parents who were unable to attend, we will be repeating the session online via Zoom on Saturday at 10:30 AM. If you would like to sign up, please complete the Google Form below:

We look forward to seeing you there!

Trips

Year 12/13 Community Service: Pinkaew School

As our Christmas Charity was so successful we were able to add Pinkaew School to our list of children to help. Some of our 6th form students travelled to the school on Saturday 25th January to give the children toys, clothes and snacks.

Upon arrival they were greeted by the School Director, teachers and children. After eating lunch with the children our 6th formers set up some games for the children; 'Knock down the Cans', bowling and 'Bounce the Ping Pong ball into the Cup.' There was much excitement as they enjoyed playing the games and winning some prizes.

This was followed by giving toys and snacks to the children which were happily received. Our last activity was well liked by the children; the clothes we had brought for them were piled up on tables and the floor. The children were then allowed to sort through the clothes to find some that suited them; all of them found a mixture of clothes they liked.

It was wonderful seeing the children again. They were very happy with their gifts and the sixth form students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the school.

Reflections from our 6th form students:

"We worked together, supported each other and learned the importance of giving to others. The smiles on the children’s faces and the gratitude from the community made all the effort truly worthwhile and meaningful." - La Yaung & Nammon

"The visit to the school was a very great and enjoyable experience!!! All the kids were very cute and they very much enjoyed all the activities!" - Khim

"I feel very happy spending time with the kids at Wat Pinkaew School." - Kan

"It was nice that the students at Pinkaew School still gave us a warm welcome, and let us have a good time with them again." - Le'pain

“It was a privilege to visit Pinkaew School again, bringing gifts and playing games with the children. It’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown since last year’s community service residential, and it’s truly rewarding to be part of their lives.” - Ms Reid

Y.7 - 9

What's Going on?

Year 7 Computing

We've been creating 2D animations using Pivot Animator, a fun and easy-to-learn tool perfect for Year 7 students. This will help them develop their creativity and animation skills.

Once their animations are complete, we'll take them a step further by editing them with video editing software, combining their animations with music, sound effects, and other creative elements.

This project will give the y7 pupils a chance to work with industry-standard tools and learn valuable skills that can be used in many creative fields, like animation, film, and digital media.

Year 8 Chinese

Papercutting is a traditional Chinese folk art with a history of hundreds of years. This art form is often used during festivals and celebrations, such as the Spring Festival and weddings. Paper-cuttings are typically pasted on windows or doors, serving both as decorations and as symbols of people’s wishes for a better life.

The patterns of paper-cuttings are diverse, including flowers, birds, insects, auspicious characters, and zodiac designs. The process of making paper-cuttings involves cutting or carving intricate patterns out of paper with scissors or knives. This activity not only enhances hands-on skills but also fosters creativity. Through paper-cutting, students can better understand the essence of Chinese culture and appreciate the charm of traditional arts.

This week Year 8 students participated in a paper-cutting activity, they learned traditional techniques and created many imaginative and meaningful designs. This activity not only enriched their cultural knowledge but also developed their practical skills and artistic sensitivity.

Year 9 Geography

In Geography this term, students have been diving into the fascinating world of international development! They have explored what “development” really means, breaking it down into economic and social components while learning how to measure progress across the globe and why the world is diverse, where some countries are rich and some are poor.

As part of their project, students teamed up to research different countries, uncovering what influences their development levels and brainstorming ways to improve them. The task will not stop here—they will also compare their findings with other teams, sparking lively discussions. This exciting unit, all about understanding global challenges and progress, will continue to inspire curiosity and collaboration until the end of February.

This challenging yet rewarding unit lays a strong foundation for those considering Geography, Business or Economics at their GCSE level. By analysing real-world challenges, students are building valuable skills and perspectives about the world and learn to think critically.

Y.10 - 13

What's Going on?

Year 10 IGCSE English

Year 10 students have been actively engaging in their study of To Kill a Mockingbird, developing their analytical and critical thinking skills. They have been exploring the significance of law and order in the novel, using guided discussions and independent work to consider how characters respond to moments of injustice. Through group work and written exercises, they have examined the impact of small-town Southern life on the events of Chapter 15, debating the motivations behind key moments in the text. Their enthusiasm in class discussions has been evident, as they shared insightful perspectives on the role of mob mentality and the power of individual voices in shaping outcomes.

To consolidate their learning, students have been completing structured what/how/why grids, selecting relevant quotations and explaining their significance in detail. They have shown great focus in identifying key textual moments and articulating their ideas with clarity. Some students have challenged themselves further by ‘exploding’ a chosen quote—breaking it down to explore deeper meanings and literary techniques. Their ability to critically evaluate the text and express well-supported interpretations demonstrates their growing confidence in literature analysis, setting a strong foundation for their future iGCSE exams.

Year 11 IGCSE extended maths

The beginning of Term two saw students in Year 11 Extended Maths receive their Mock examination results. The class performed well overall, and has already begun exam preparation. Very few students are truly ready for the mock examinations when they come around. The main purpose of the exam is to give an authentic exam experience and to identify areas which need improvement, which are not just simply topic related but also involve elements of exam performance such as time management and knowledge application.

This year the IGCSE Extended exam in Mathematics is composed of two papers; namely paper 2 (non calculator) and paper 4 (calculator), which for the first time are to be equally weighted. This presents new challenges for students but on a positive note the new format can work to their advantage, allowing them to capitalize on their strengths across both papers.

The exam preparation for Year 11 extended Maths involves many aspects such as analyzing exam papers by topic, peer marking to enhance student's knowledge of marking schemes, timed exercises from exam papers and flash cards and tests. Each student is working on material according to those areas which were identified in the mock exam and extending there learning of the previous year. The class is revising using an extensive list of resources, and with just over three months to go, has plenty of time to be ready for success in the main examination.

Year 12 HSD Fashion & Textiles

Our Year 12 Fashion and Textiles students has been delving into the dynamic world of fashion by researching the top five current trends. Through in-depth analysis and exploration of their history and origins, they’ve uncovered the cultural and artistic influences that have shaped these styles.

They have now selected one trend to focus on, researching its distinctive colour palettes, fabric choices, and pattern designs. Using this research, they are creating their own illustrated fashion collections. These designs showcase their understanding of contemporary fashion trends while highlighting their unique creativity and artistic vision.

We look forward to seeing their stunning illustrated collections come to life on paper!

Year 13 PE

This term, our Year 13 students at RBIS are diving into the exciting world of Dodgeball! This fast-paced team sport is not only fun and dynamic but also a great way to develop key skills such as agility, coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

In Dodgeball, players aim to eliminate opponents by throwing soft balls while dodging incoming throws. It encourages quick reflexes, decision-making under pressure, and resilience, all while promoting sportsmanship and friendly competition.

Beyond physical benefits, Dodgeball helps build confidence and communication skills, teaching students the importance of teamwork and fair play. As part of our Physical Education program, this game is a fantastic way to keep students engaged, active, and motivated.

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.

House events at Secondary (January)

Houses Quiz

On Friday the 17th of January our students put their knowledge to the test in the exciting House Quiz competition. With rounds covering general science, history, geography, and an engaging "Guess the Language of the Music Video" challenge, each house battled fiercely for the top spot.

In an intense showdown, Lion House emerged victorious, securing the win with a narrow 1-point lead over Dragon House by scoring full marks on the national flags round. Their impressive knowledge of geography and symbolism gave them the edge in this highly competitive event. However, the music video round proved to be a real challenge, as most teams struggled to identify the languages correctly.

It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and teamwork on display, and we look forward to the next round of house competitions!

Once again congratulations to Lion House!

Chess tournament

In the House Chess Tournament, things got wild! Pin from House Phoenix took down the chess maestro Mr. Asena by running out of time, no less before obliterating Kaopun from House Dragon in under 3 minutes. Pune from House Dragon made a jaw-dropping comeback against San from House Phoenix, but then dramatically tossed in the white towel against Monte from House Dragon. Meanwhile, Peam from House Lion casually wiped the board with Anh from House Dragon, while Ping Ping from House Unicorn pulled off the ultimate upset, beating both Copter from House Dragon and Le'Pain from House Unicorn. In a wild chess semi-final showdown, Pin Pin from House Phoenix took down Monte from House Dragon, while Ping Ping from House Unicorn outsmarted Peam from House Lion. Now, it’s sibling rivalry time as a brother and sister are set for the final! It’s chaos, it’s strategy, so who shall win?

Table football (foosball)

House Lion's Son and Peam are on a fierce winning streak, taking down the Unicorns, Dragons, and Phoenixes. Their dominance on the table is undeniable but they will face the previous champions from house Dragon, Kaopun and Alice.

House ranking

(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)

House Point Leaderboard

(Based on the HP earned in January)

House Point Leaderboard

(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)

Student achievements

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 (January)

We're hosting our first ever Round Square Zoom postcard next month! Each week, students from Round Square schools worldwide lead engaging 60- or 90-minute Zoom “postcard” sessions. These interactive, student-led conversations connect your young people with peers from different Round Square schools, offering insights into everything from cultural traditions and favourite recipes to pressing global issues like climate change and social justice.

We have invited schools around the world to register up to six students aged 11-13 for a RS Zoom Postcard on February 5th, with the theme “Creative Chaos: how hobbies and passions shape who we are."

Our students will lead the 60-minute call for 80 students from various Round Square global member schools. Congratulations and best of luck to our student leaders Jenny, Nammon, Lolo, Copter, La Yaung, Khim, Peam, Ete, Eli, Son, Pin Pin, Alice, Haila, Ava, Arale, Janice, Ping Ping, Aiko, Cloris and Victoria. Special thanks to Haila and Nokyung for submitting the wonderful artwork for the postcard cover design.

We look forward to this session and commend you on the marvelous example you are setting for your peers.

Community service at Secondary (January)

Our Christmas Charity was so successful we had enough toys, clothes ans snacks to help Pinkaew School, Wat Tha Chumnum Schoool, and we will visit the Foundation for the Better Life of Children on Saturday 1st March. Altogether we will have helped 260 children - we thank again our students, parents and teachers for their kindness in giving joy and happiness to so many.

Wat Tha Chumnum School

Pinkaew School

We will visit the Foundation for the Better Life of Children on March 1st

We held a "Build a Tower with Coins" House event in Secondary to raise funds for our school cats. You can see from the photographs what an exciting competition this was with everyone trying to build the tallest tower. Students were given 40 minutes to complete their tower which passed quickly. Once the tower building was over Ms Killey carefully measured their heights.

Our Head prefect Le'pain thanked everyone for taking part and raising funds to provide our cats with food and cat litter for the next four months.

The moment everyone was waiting for had arrived and Mr De Smet announced the winning House which was LIONS!

Final results: 4th place: Unicorn (22.5cm), 3rd place: Dragon (25.5cm), 2nd place: Phoenix (27cm) and 1st place: Lion (31.5cm).

February 5th will our next pick up by Precious Plastic Bangkok. We will have 24000 plastic tops for them.

Our Secondary students continue to support our recycling drive.

A new area for storing recyclables before "pick ups."

The boxes fill very quickly each week. Photographs by Alice and Ava

Another bumper collection of plastic bottles which was picked up on Friday 17th January. Thank you to everyone who brings in recyclables.

Community Service Point Leaderboard

(Based on the CSP earned in December & January)

Community Service Point Leaderboard

(Based on the CSP earned since the start of the school year)

Alumnus or alumna of the month

Nongluk (Moodum) Jaipakdee who graduated from RBIS in 2020

Being at RBIS was a great experience. I learned a lot, but also had fun making friends and being part of a supportive community. The teachers were kind and always ready to help, and I made memories that will last forever.

University is very different, but it’s been exciting. I’ve learned how to manage my time better and focus on subjects I’m really interested in. It’s also a great chance to meet people from all over and learn about different cultures. I find it challenging at times, but overall, I’m enjoying the experience.

I have just graduated from Stamford University with a BBA in International Hotel Management and look forward to what comes next.

ECA Focus

French Language Club

Every Tuesday, secondary students join the French Language Club, led by Mr. Le Serre, to learn one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. This ECA helps them develop their French-speaking skills through fun and interactive activities.

So far, students have practiced introducing themselves, talking about their hobbies, and asking common questions. In the coming weeks, they’ll explore exciting new topics, like describing their favorite foods, naming colors, counting in French, and talking about their families and daily routines. Each session brings new opportunities to grow their confidence!

Bravo! 👏✨

Upcoming events

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