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Greetings from the Head of Secondary
Greetings from the Head of Secondary
Dear RBIS Community,
February has been a fantastic month for RBIS Secondary, filled with achievements, events, and milestones.
Our students have once again demonstrated their academic excellence on a global stage, earning multiple awards—including gold medals—in the Physics Olympiad and the UK Mathematics Trust Intermediate Mathematical Competition. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. Additionally, several students participated in the FOBISIA Photography Competition, and we look forward to sharing the results in the coming months.
Beyond academics, we had the pleasure of engaging with parents through various events. We hosted both online and onsite "Introduction to RBIS Secondary" sessions for Year 6 parents, offering insights into what lies ahead for their children. We also conducted an online workshop on exam advice, equipping parents with strategies to support their children's success.
February also marked a major milestone for RBIS in Round Square, as our students successfully hosted their first Zoom Postcard—an interactive and insightful event that connected students from different schools worldwide. You can read more about this achievement in this edition of the newsletter.
In the spirit of service and community, we strengthened our partnership with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation. Our Year 10 and Year 11 students worked together to prepare and serve food to those in need, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
As always, be sure to check out updates on student learning, house points and community service rankings, our featured alumnus or alumna of the month, and much more. Also, don’t forget to look at the events calendar, as we have many exciting activities planned for the months ahead!
Wishing you all a wonderful month ahead.
Tom De Smet
Head of Secondary
Table of Contents
British Physics Olympiad results
British Physics Olympiad results
RBIS Year 11 Students Shine in the British Physics Olympiad!
Our Year 11 Physics students recently took part in the annual Intermediate Physics Challenge, organized by the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO). This prestigious competition tests students’ problem-solving skills and deep understanding of physics, challenging them with thought-provoking questions beyond the standard curriculum.
This year, 5,194 students from 173 schools worldwide participated, and we are incredibly proud to announce that every single RBIS participant received an award!
🥉Bronze: Eli
🥈Silver: Shan, Son, Tinton, and Pinpin
🥇Gold: Peam
A huge congratulations to our talented students for their hard work and achievement!
UKMT Intermediate Maths Competition results
UKMT Intermediate Maths Competition results
Congratulations to our talented Years 9-11 students who took part in this year’s UKMT Intermediate Mathematical Challenge! This prestigious competition, organised by the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT), challenges students worldwide with complex problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.
Out of 14 participants, 9 received global awards—a fantastic achievement!
🏅 Gold Awards: Abel, Peam
🥈 Silver Awards: Pinpin, Son, Nicholas, Tinton
🥉 Bronze Awards: Ahn, Eli, Pookie
A huge thank you to Mr. Reed and Mr. Kelly for preparing our students for this competition. Well done to everyone who took part!
Introduction to RBIS Secondary for Year 6 parents
Introduction to RBIS Secondary for Year 6 parents
On Tuesday, 4th February, we welcomed Year 6 parents to our Introduction to RBIS Secondary afternoon. The Head of Secondary provided a comprehensive overview of the secondary school, covering pathways, curriculum, facilities, policies, and key aspects to ensure a smooth transition for students. The session aimed to answer parents' questions, address concerns, and offer valuable insights into the upcoming academic year. Following the presentation, parents had the opportunity to tour the school and meet the Year 7 subject teachers. For those unable to attend in person, the same presentation was delivered online the following day.
Online workshop for parents: exams advice
Online workshop for parents: exams advice
his month, we hosted an online workshop for parents on exam advice, led by Mr. Reed, our Exams Officer, and Mr. Kelly, our Maths and Physics specialist. The session was designed to provide parents with practical guidance on how to support their children in preparing for exams effectively. By understanding the key elements of exam preparation, parents can play a crucial role in helping students stay organised and focused.
The workshop covered what students should be doing in the lead-up to exams, when they should be doing it, and how parents can help keep them on track. Mr. Reed and Mr. Kelly shared insights on revision techniques, time management, and the importance of creating a structured study plan. They also discussed ways to help students maintain a balanced routine, ensuring they get enough rest while maximising their study time.
Additionally, the session addressed common challenges students face during exam season, such as stress, procrastination, and loss of motivation. Parents were given practical tips on how to create a supportive home environment, encourage positive study habits, and help their children manage exam anxiety. The workshop was well-received, with many parents appreciating the valuable advice on how to guide their children through this important period.
A few slides that were shown during the workshop:
Fobisia photography competition: Light & Shadow
Fobisia photography competition: Light & Shadow
We are excited to see students from KS2 to KS5 taking part in the FOBISIA Photography Competition, exploring the theme "Light & Shadow." It’s fantastic to see a cross-curricular approach, especially in Primary, with students incorporating the theme into subjects like science, deepening their understanding of light and contrast.
Our HSD photography students have also been venturing out to capture inspiring images, researching the theme to enhance their final pieces. This competition is a wonderful opportunity to bring our school community together, celebrating creativity while encouraging curiosity and keen observation of the world around us.
To showcase their talent, we will be hosting a Photography Exhibition as part of our Secondary School Art Exhibition from 17th–19th March 2025.
Trips
Trips
Bangkok Community Help Foundation (Y.10-11)
Bangkok Community Help Foundation (Y.10-11)
This community service trip brought together Year 10 and Year 11 students to prepare and serve food to those in need, fostering teamwork, empathy, and social responsibility. By working side by side, students learn the importance of giving back to their community while developing leadership and collaboration skills. The experience not only helps those in need but also strengthens the bond between students, inspiring them to make a positive impact in the world.
Y.7 - 9
Y.7 - 9
What's Going on?
What's Going on?
Year 7 General Science
Year 7 General Science
In Biology, our Year 7 students have been busy exploring the classification of life, including the concept of species! From mammals to insects, they’ve researched and created beautiful posters showcasing their chosen species. Each poster highlights key details such as classification, species description, geographic location, and conservation status.
In Physics, they have been investigating forces, energy, and the formation of the solar system. Working in groups, they created storyboards to illustrate how the solar system formed from a nebula, demonstrating their understanding of this fascinating process!
Year 8 Geography
Year 8 Geography
In Term 2, Year 8 students completed their coastal projects, focusing on the fascinating coastal landforms of Thailand. They explored how these landscapes are shaped by natural processes and human activity. Students thoroughly enjoyed researching and presenting their findings, demonstrating great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the project.
Following this, we began our new topic on weather and climate. Students will learn about the factors that influence weather, different types of rainfall and clouds, air pressure, and why conditions can change so quickly. This knowledge has real-life applications, helping students better understand weather forecasts and how weather patterns impact daily life.
This topic encourages students to think critically about the atmosphere and develop an appreciation for the science behind weather predictions.
Year 9 Music
Year 9 Music
This term in Music, Year 9 has been exploring Hip-Hop and Remixes. They have studied its history, key features, and developed their listening skills to identify differences between remixes.
Their main focus has been remixing and reimagining the lyrics of Where Is The Love?, transforming them from a negative to a positive message. Not only did they compose their own versions, but they also rehearsed and performed their creations. A fantastic effort from everyone—well done, Year 9!
Y.10 - 13
Y.10 - 13
What's Going on?
What's Going on?
Year 10 IGCSE Psychology
Year 10 IGCSE Psychology
In the first half of Term 2, Year 10 Psychology students explored psychological problems, focusing on unipolar depression and addiction. They examined genetic and cognitive explanations for these conditions and evaluated different treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and drug therapies. Students also analysed key studies that support these explanations, developing their ability to critically evaluate psychological research.
The second half of the term will focus on neuropsychology. This unit will deepen students’ understanding of how the brain influences behaviour, reinforcing cross-curricular connections with science. With plenty of debate, discussion, and real-world connections, students are developing a deeper appreciation for psychology and its relevance to everyday life.
Year 11 IGCSE Chemistry
Year 11 IGCSE Chemistry
Year 11 IGCSE students always look forward to this "colourful" unit where they get to experiment with dazzling flames and colourful salts. This is one of the last units of study before full-fledged past paper preparation.
Students learn how to identify cations, anions and gases by using a variety of qualitative techniques, including flame tests, acidification followed by addition of silver nitrate, and forming and redissolving precipitates with Ammonia and Sodium Hydroxide.
Working with a lab partner also emphasizes the importance of group work and collaboration, as well as the importance of following lab safety protocols to keep you and your lab partner safe.
Year 12 AS level English
Year 12 AS level English
In our recent 9093 Cambridge AS Level English lessons, we have been focusing on Paper 2 Writing. This part of the course challenges students to produce two different pieces—one based on a given text and another that is more creative or opinion-based. It is all about adapting writing style, tone, and structure to suit different audiences and purposes, whether that is a formal letter, a speech, or a more personal piece.
Along the way, students have been developing key skills like understanding different text types, structuring ideas clearly, and using language effectively. They have been exploring how to shape their writing to engage readers, build strong arguments, and use techniques that make their work more impactful. Through practice tasks and discussions, they are gaining confidence in expressing themselves in a way that is clear, persuasive, and engaging—valuable skills not just for the exam, but for the future too.
Year 13 A level biology
Year 13 A level biology
Our A-Level Biology students have been deepening their understanding of cell structure, mitosis, and the development of organisms! While preparing for their exams, they also had the exciting opportunity to carry out a practical investigation.
Using banana pulp, they prepared microscopic specimens to observe amyloplasts, the cellular organelles responsible for storing starch. This hands-on experience helped them connect theory to real-life biological structures!
HOUSES @ RBIS
HOUSES @ RBIS
4 houses
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 (February)
House events at Secondary (February)
Chess finale
Pin from House Phoenix faced off against his sister, Ping Ping from House Unicorn, in a thrilling 5-minute speed rush game. Both players were evenly matched, exchanging rapid plays and keeping the tension high. In the final moments, Pin acted swiftly, made smart choices, and capitalized on his opponent’s mistakes to secure victory!
Spelling Bee - Top of the Houses
The spelling bee was an intense showdown between the four houses, where many brave contestants stepped up, only to be betrayed by the trickery of the English language!
Esports tournament
So far, we've hosted several esports matches featuring the latest FIFA on the PS4. La Yaung, leader of House Unicorn, went on an impressive winning streak, taking down multiple opponents. However, her run came to a dramatic end when Sinchan from House Phoenix sealed the game with a last-minute wonder goal!
House ranking
House ranking
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
House Point Leaderboard
House Point Leaderboard
(Based on the HP earned in February)
(Based on the HP earned in February)
House Point Leaderboard
House Point Leaderboard
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
(Based on the HP earned since the start of the school year)
Student achievements
Student achievements
ROUND SQUARE @ RBIS
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 (February)
Round Square related events at Secondary (February)
February was a milestone month for Round Square at RBIS. Our students hosted their first Zoom postcard which was a resounding success.
The topic of our postcard was "Creative Chaos: How Hobbies & Pastimes Shape Who We Are". Weeks of preparation and planning by student hosts Jenny, Nammon, La Yaung, Copter, Khim, Peam, Son, Eli, Ete, Pin Pin, Haila, Ava, Alice, Ping Ping, Janice, Aiko, Arale, Victoria and Cloris paid off as 120+ participants from 16 round square schools worldwide joined in on the call and enthusiastically contributed their ideas. The session also featured an award winning UAE-based videographer as a guest speaker, breakout rooms with lively discussions and a Kahoot game to round it all off.
Well done to all our student hosts for doing a fantastic job hosting their first ever Zoom postcard!
Community service at Secondary (February)
Community service at Secondary (February)
This month we can share with you news of this year's 6th Form Community Service Residential to Wat Tha Chumnum School, Ang Thong province.
The school has asked that we renovate the cateen as there are sections that have been taken over by termites. They would also like some wooded doors replaced under the sink units.
We have also been asked to liven up the school with some murals outside the classrooms for the younger children. We will also paint the fencing round the play area and paint some educational cartoons on the ground surrounding the play area such as the alphabet A to Z.
We will be asking the childen in the school to help with the mural painting. The 6th form will also plan an English Camp and play board games with children throughout the week while we are at the school.
There will be two fundraising events one in March and the other in Term 3 to help us carry out the school's requests. We will keep you updated as our planning progresses and ask for your help if we need any support.
We are creating welcome postcards for the children at Wat Tha Chumnum School.
The postcards are well detailed with address and postage stamp as well as messages from our students in Englsh and Thai - some are shown on the right.
We have to create 160 postcards and we are well on the way to completion. Thank you to our students for taking the time to complete cards that the children at Wat Tha Chumnum School will enjoy receiving.
Our next fundraising event is Fun Games afternoon - we will be having a fun-filled time playing well-liked games; prizes will be waiting to be won.
Our games include: "Knock down the cans" "Bounce the ball into the cup "Sponge the teachers"
"There will also be a chance to win a huge teddy bear"
Each game will cost 20 baht.
Last month we enjoyed a House competition building towers out of coins.
It was a wonderful event and you should be proud of how much you donated for our Secondary school cats.
You kindly gave 18 469 baht which means we can buy food and cat litter for the rest of the school year. We can also take the last male kitten to the vet for his operation.
Plawaln and Ping Ping brought in more than 5000 bottle tops so far this term !
Thank you to everyone who has brought in plastic tops - we are well on the way to our target!
We have lots of ring pulls and aluminum cans ready to be sent to a collection point in Chiang Mai which will take place very soon. These are sent to the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H. The Princess Mother and provides prostheses to amputees of all races free of charge.
Ring pulls we have collected this academic year - thank you for bringing them in for this wonderful way of recycling.
The boxes of aluminum cans and ring pulls are ready for Mr Samran to take to the collection point.
This month we have once again collected a substantial amount of reyclables. We have 20 bags of recyclables but will wait until we reach 30 bags before carrying out our 6th "Pick Up" of the school year; this should take part the first week of March.
Community Service Point Leaderboard
Community Service Point Leaderboard
(Based on the CSP earned in February)
(Based on the CSP earned in February)
Community Service Point Leaderboard
Community Service Point Leaderboard
(Based on the CSP earned since the start of the school year)
(Based on the CSP earned since the start of the school year)
School Blog Post
School Blog Post
Code: The Language of the New World - Adapt or Be Left Behind
(written by Mr Asena, RBIS Computer Science teacher)
Code: The Language of the New World - Adapt or Be Left Behind
(written by Mr Asena, RBIS Computer Science teacher)
We live in a world that’s increasingly driven by technology. From artificial intelligence (AI) to big data, coding is at the heart of current innovations that are shaping our future. Data from the Future of Jobs report 2025 delivered by World Economic Forum (WEF) shows that the majority of the fastest-growing job sectors are tech-based roles that require coding skills. In fact, almost every industry now relies on technology in some way, making coding an essential skill to learn and control....
Please click the link below to read the rest of the article.
Alumnus or alumna of the month
Alumnus or alumna of the month
Valentino (Vale) Zamparo who graduated from RBIS in 2022
From my first day in Pre-K in 2007 through my graduation in 2022, RBIS shaped my journey by providing a foundation that prepared me for higher education and the challenges of the real world. The supportive environment, dedicated educators, and enriching opportunities instilled confidence, curiosity, and resilience that I carry forward today. I am forever grateful for the lasting impact RBIS has had on me, from my early education to graduation.
As soon as I graduated from RBIS, I attended a semester abroad, in Italy, living overseas and navigating independence. I attended Ca' Foscari University of Venice, studying a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Management. This gave me valuable insight into living overseas and navigating independence. I got the experience of studying in a whole new environment I have not been accustomed to ever before, and was appreciative of navigating a new country on my own.
After the semester abroad, I decided to return back to Thailand, and transferred my credits to Stamford International University, studying International Business Management. My time at RBIS studying Business at A-Level provided me with the base foundation of the course itself, and now I am almost nearing the end of my second year at University.
Finally, RBIS has provided me with the best learning opportunities I could have asked for, as well as the knowledge acquired from my time at RBIS.
Vale at Ca' Foscari University of Venice
The background overlooking Ca' Foscari University of Venice
Vale with his colleagues at Stamford International University
ECA Focus
ECA Focus
SAT Maths
SAT Maths
The SAT ECA began at the start of this term and is currently in it's seventh week. The SAT is a standardized test which assesses student's suitability and readiness for academic achievement at college level. It has a long history and is almost one hundred years old, and throughout that time the letters SAT stood for Scholastic Aptitude Test and also Scholastic Assessment Test. However, today the test is simply called the SAT. The SAT is used by colleges across the world in the admissions process. Some colleges use it in conjunction with other test results and student achievements in the decision process, while other colleges use it as the sole determinant for college entry.
The SAT is administered by the College Board in the United states and an average of 3 million students take it each year. In the past it was paper based but it has been transferred to a digital format since 2023. There are four opportunities a year to sit the test at designated centers namely March, May, October and December. SAT Maths examines Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data analysis, Geometry and Trigonometry. Questions are a mixture of those that would be familiar from school and ones which students may not have experience of. Approximately a third of the questions are set in context which challenge students to interpret, analyze and conclude their answers in a short time frame. In fact the average recommended time to answer a question is one and a half minutes.
The test is composed of two sections, both of which are composed of multiple choice (75%) and student response questions (25%). Both sections are 35 minutes long and with the switch to the digital format, a calculator is available in the application throughout the test. An interesting feature of the SAT Maths is that it is adaptable. Questions are modified in the second section according to how the student performed in the first. This allows for a balanced and fair assessment of the candidates' abilities.
The ECA focuses each week on sample tests which are available online. Students are encouraged to take the tests as if it were under exam conditions, noting the time it took to complete a section and to identify any areas where they were particularly challenged. It can often be the case that the method to solve a difficult question may be needed again. Gaining familiarity with the contextual questions is essential since attempting these in a test environment without practice or prior experience is not to be recommended. Students are also advised to make note of question types which they have never seen before and indeed, the SAT has questions that are not in the Secondary maths curriculum. The SAT is, as stated, now in digital form and so in the final weeks of the ECA students will be focusing on learning how to navigate the digital application which is called BlueBook. Some students have already done this and have had positive experiences with good results.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events
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