Secondary Newsletter

Greetings from the Head of Secondary

Dear RBIS Community,

March has been a vibrant and eventful month at RBIS, filled with enriching experiences for our students. From World Book Day to the World Book Night Sleepover, our students have truly embraced a love for literature. Creativity was also on display through the FOBISIA Film Competition and our Student Art Exhibition, showcasing the remarkable talents within our school community.

Beyond the classroom, our students have been actively engaged in meaningful experiences, including trips to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, Samut Prakan, and The Foundation for the Better Life of Children, as well as attending a Medical Careers Conference. Meanwhile, parents participated in an online workshop on stress management, supporting our commitment to student and family well-being.

I encourage you to check out the latest updates on recycling initiatives, fundraisers, and Round Square activities in this newsletter. Looking ahead, we will end the term with Student-Led Conferences—Years 7 to 9 on Tuesday, 1st April, and Years 10 to 13 on Wednesday, 2nd April—giving students the opportunity to reflect on and share their learning progress. Finally, on Friday, 4th April, we will celebrate the last day of term with our Songkran festivities.

Our thoughts are also with everyone affected by the earthquake on Friday, 28th March. We wish those impacted strength during this challenging time.

Wishing you all an early Happy Thai New Year and a wonderful midterm break!

Tom De Smet
Head of Secondary

Table of Contents

World Book Day

World Book Day Celebrations – 5th March

World Book Day at RBIS was a fantastic celebration of reading, creativity, and literary fun! Students and teachers alike embraced the spirit of the day, dressing up as their favourite book characters. Among the many wonderful costumes, we saw Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Bump, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and many more beloved literary figures roaming the school.

Throughout the day, students took part in book-themed activities in their English lessons, engaging with literature in fun and interactive ways. It was great to see so much enthusiasm as students explored different genres, authors, and storytelling techniques.

The highlight of the event was the fancy dress competition, where students brought their favourite literary characters to life with impressive creativity. A huge congratulations to Khim (Year 12), Ami (Year 10), and Copter (Year 12), who were awarded Kinokuniya book vouchers as a special prize for their outstanding efforts—ensuring they can continue to enjoy the magic of reading!

A big well done to everyone who participated, including our wonderful teachers who joined in the fun. Thank you to all for making World Book Day 2025 such a memorable celebration of literature and imagination!

World Book Night Sleepover

World Book Night Sleepover – A Magical Celebration of Reading

On Friday, 7th March, RBIS Secondary School hosted its annual World Book Night Sleepover, an exciting event designed to inspire a love of reading and storytelling among students. Led by Ms Reid and Ms. Wild, this overnight experience brought together Year 7 and Year 8 students for an evening of literary-themed activities, fun, and friendship.

The night began with a series of engaging games and book-themed quizzes, encouraging students to showcase their knowledge of classic and contemporary literature. Teams worked together to answer questions about their favourite books and authors, enjoying the friendly competition and interactive challenges.

As the evening continued, students camped out in the canteen, transforming the space into a cosy retreat. They settled in with snacks and blankets to watch Matilda, the beloved adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel, reinforcing the theme of celebrating the power of books, imagination, and resilience.

The World Book Night Sleepover was a fantastic opportunity for students to come together and share their love of reading in a fun and relaxed setting. It was wonderful to see Year 7 and Year 8 students fully engaged in the activities and, of course, the much-anticipated movie night. Watching Matilda, a story that celebrates curiosity and the power of books, was the perfect way to round off the evening.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part with such enthusiasm—it was a pleasure to see so many students enjoying themselves. I’d also like to extend my appreciation to Ms. Wild for helping to make the night such a success, as well as to our wonderful LSAs, Ms. Sherian and Ms. O., for their support throughout the event. A special thank you also goes to our security team for ensuring everything ran smoothly overnight.

BPhO Intermediate Physics Challenge results

This month, three of our Year 11 students were selected to take part in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) Intermediate Physics Challenge, a highly demanding written exam designed to test problem-solving skills and deep understanding of physics concepts. With over 6,000 students participating globally each year, this competition is a true test of academic excellence.

We are incredibly proud to announce that each of the selected students earned a global award for their performance:

Eli achieved a Silver
Tinton earned a Bronze I
Peam secured a Bronze II

Their outstanding results reflect their dedication, critical thinking skills, and passion for physics. Congratulations to all three students on this impressive achievement and many thanks to Mr. Kelly for his guidance!

Fobisia Film competition

A Week of Creativity and Collaboration

Students from Year 10, as well as Year 12 & 13 High School Diploma students, took part in the exciting FOBISIA Film Competition, hosted by Jerudong International School. The challenge? To create a short film in just one week, using a given prop, title, and line of dialogue!

As a cross-curricular project, the competition encouraged students to incorporate skills from English, Art, Digital Media, Photography, and ICT. From scriptwriting and storyboarding to filming, editing, and audio, students applied a wide range of knowledge and techniques to bring their creative visions to life.

With limited time, teams had to think on their feet; brainstorming ideas, planning, filming, and editing their work under intense pressure. Despite the challenges, all teams rose to the occasion, successfully completing and submitting their films before the deadline. Their dedication and creativity were rewarded with House Points for their participation.

Beyond the competition, students gained invaluable skills in time management, communication, teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving. It was a fantastic experience that pushed their filmmaking abilities and showcased their talent.

Art exhibition

Celebrating Creativity

This year's Secondary Art Show was a fantastic showcase of the incredible artistic talent across all year groups. The exhibition featured a diverse range of work created since the beginning of the school year, highlighting students’ creativity, dedication, and growing skills.

From Year 7’s intricately designed bottled hybrid bugs, demonstrating their impressive colour blending techniques, to Year 8’s stunning watercolour paintings of endangered animals inspired by Ralph Steadman, every piece reflected the students’ artistic growth. Year 9 displayed their thought-provoking woven identity pieces alongside their latest work exploring the circus. Year 10 impressed with their printmaking skills, interpreting the theme of Escape, while Year 11 showcased their amazing drawing abilities. Adding to the variety, High School Diploma students presented a mix of art and photography, demonstrating advanced techniques and personal expression.

The exhibition was open to parents, staff, and students, and it was wonderful to see students proudly bringing their families before and after school to share their hard work. The show was a true celebration of creativity and imagination across the secondary school.

For those who missed it, there’s still a chance to view this incredible display during our upcoming Student-Led Conference (SLC) evenings.

Online workshop for parents: stress management

Mrs. Killey and Ms. Paliwala recently hosted a valuable workshop for parents, aimed at helping them support their children through stressful periods, especially during exams. The session focused on practical ways students can take care of themselves, including staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, exercising daily, spending time outdoors, and scheduling relaxation breaks.

Parents were also encouraged to help students develop healthy habits, such as limiting screen time before bed, setting realistic goals, avoiding negativity and comparisons, and using simple strategies like listening to calming music. Did you know classical music is known to boost brain power and is less distracting than music with lyrics?

The workshop also covered effective study techniques, such as breaking revision into small, manageable chunks, rewarding progress, and getting fresh air to reset the mind. A range of helpful apps was introduced, from time management tools to meditation guides, online flashcard creators, and quiz platforms.

It was a fantastic opportunity for parents to gain insight into supporting their children’s wellbeing during exams.

Thank you to everyone who attended.

Teachers VS students football match

Teachers and students faced off in a thrilling football match, with the students staging an incredible comeback from 4-1 to 4-4—perhaps their stamina made the difference! Mr. Asena, never one to make excuses, told reporters, "I want a rematch… the weather was on their side!"

The Man of the Match was undoubtedly Sinchan, who played as goalkeeper for the teachers, making some jaw-dropping saves that kept his team in the game. And let’s give a special shoutout to Nate, who—thanks to a little help from Mr. Asena—scored a clutch goal worthy of a standing ovation!

Trips

Thai studies trip to Samut Prakarn (Y.7-13)

On Friday, 28th February 2025, secondary students embarked on an enriching Thai Studies trip to Samut Prakan.Our journey began at the Samut Prakan Learning Park and Tower, where students explored the province’s rich history and culture. They also learned about the crucial role of naval ships in national defense throughout history, as well as the significance of maritime trade and transportation in Thailand’s economy.

Next, we visited the Bang Pu Recreation Centre, where students observed seagulls in their natural habitat and explored the Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre. This experience provided valuable insights into conservation efforts for seabirds, the preservation of mangrove forests, and the sustainability of Thailand’s estuary ecosystem.

This trip was an integral part of our Thai Language and Culture Curriculum, aligned with the Ministry of Education (MOE) guidelines. It seamlessly combined outdoor learning with cultural appreciation, offering students a memorable and educational experience.

Visit to the Foundation for the Better Life of Children (Y.12-13)

This was our last visit to distribute clothes, toys and snacks from our Chistmas Charity drive. Copter, Le'pain, Hugo. Hans and Win gave up their Saturday morning to visit the children at the Foundation for the Better Life of Children. Our thanks to Ms Reid and Mr Reed for accompanying them.

The games lasted a long time as the children tried their best to play each game. After an hour we paused and the children collected gifts including a toy, snacks and towels.

We also donated a wide range of clothes and more snacks which the children will be able to eat at breaktimes; the lego collection and board games were also given to the children so they can play with them during the week ends and evenings.

Reflections from 0ur 6th Form students:

"Being able to see them enjoy these activities was a truly heartwarming moment." Copter

"I had such a amazing time, and it was fun being able to lead the activities." Le'pain

"Our charity visit to the orphanage was a day filled with heartwarming moments. Seeing the smiles on the children's faces and knowing we brought a little joy to their lives was incredibly rewarding. It's a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference." Hans

"Sometimes little things may not be valuable to us but for some children it makes them happy even if it is for a short time; seeing them happy is very meaningful." Hugo

"Spending time with the children filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of love and joy, as their laughter and bright smiles reminded me of my childhood." Win

"Spending time at the Better Life for Children Foundation on Saturday was such a rewarding experience. Playing games with the children was so much fun, and seeing their excitement made it all worth it. Knowing that my donation could help in some way just made it even more meaningful." - Ms Reid

Visit to the annual Medical Careers Conference (Y.12)

On Monday, 11th March, Mr Le Serre and our Year 12 students attended the annual Medical Conference at Brighton College, an invaluable experience for those considering a future in medicine and healthcare. The day was structured as a carousel of interactive sessions, allowing students to gain insights into different aspects of medical studies and careers.

The event began with an inspiring keynote speech by Dr. Andy Schillinger, setting the stage for a series of engaging workshops. Students then rotated through four key sessions: Thai Portfolio Guidance with Dr. Sudpradee Chanlikit, Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) with Dr. Winn Parsooks, UK University Talks featuring Imperial College, and Medical Ethics with Prof. Dr. Siriwan Tangjitgamol. Each session provided valuable advice on application processes, interview techniques, and ethical considerations in the medical field.

The conference not only broadened students’ understanding of medical careers but also equipped them with practical knowledge for their future applications. To recognise their participation, all students received official certificates, marking their commitment to exploring the medical profession.

A huge thank you to Brighton College for hosting such an insightful and well-organised event!

Trip to the Bangkok Community Help Foundation (Y.9)

Year 9 Gives Back!

Year 9 students, along with their form tutor Ms. Paliwala and Ms. Patricia, took part in a meaningful community service trip on Friday March 14th. In collaboration with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, students helped to pack and distribute hundreds of warm meals to the homeless across Bangkok.

They displayed great enthusiasm, empathy, and dedication as they worked together to help those in need, gaining a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by the homeless and the importance of giving back.

A huge well done to our students for their kindness and commitment—small actions can create a big impact.

Y.7 - 9

What's Going on?

Year 7 Chinese

In recent Chinese lessons, our Year 7 students had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Chinese calligraphy. They learned how to properly hold and control the brush while practicing some fundamental Chinese characters. This calligraphy practice not only helped them develop a deeper understanding of character structure but also allowed them to appreciate the unique aesthetics of traditional Chinese culture. We hope this experience inspires their interest in calligraphy and Chinese characters, making them more confident in their future learning!

Year 8 English

This year’s World Poetry Day at RBIS International School saw our Year 7 and 8 students embark on a creative journey back in time, drafting their own poetry inspired by medieval themes. Drawing from themes of nature and seasons, as well as the grandeur of knights and folklore, students carefully crafted verses that reflected the chivalry, adventure, and mystery of the Middle Ages.

To add an artistic touch, students experimented with cursive handwriting, mirroring the elegant script of medieval manuscripts. Their final poetry drafts were transformed into stunning art posters, designed for a special wall display celebrating both their literary and artistic efforts.

The project encouraged students to blend historical inspiration with poetic expression, refining their writing skills while exploring the aesthetics of medieval calligraphy. The results were truly impressive, and the final display stands as a testament to their creativity and dedication.

Year 9 History

This term, Year 9 students have continued exploring the history of the 20th century, focusing on the consequences of World War I and how the world changed in its aftermath. We examined the period between the wars, looking at different ways countries were governed. Students analysed and evaluated democracies and dictatorships, researching historical and modern examples while making connections to international development—linking their history with what they’ve been learning in geography.

Alongside this, students have been developing key skills such as answering GCSE exam-style questions, conducting independent research, and collaborating on creative projects. Their engagement and critical thinking have made for some great discussions!

Now we turn our attention to World War II, with plenty more fascinating projects and fun activities to come.

Y.10 - 13

What's Going on?

Year 10 IGCSE Economics

It’s been a busy and engaging term in IGCSE Economics, with students diving into some big-picture topics that shape the way economies work. They’ve explored what it means to live in a mixed economic system, looked at how governments step in to correct market failures, and discussed the impact of price controls like minimum and maximum prices.

More recently, students have been learning about money—not just the kind we spend, but what gives it value and how central and commercial banks help keep the financial system running smoothly. These lessons have sparked some great class discussions and helped students make real-world connections to the theory they’re learning.

Year 11 IGCSE Biology

Our Year 11 students have been diving into the exciting world of Biotechnology, the final IGCSE topic before their big exam! 🎓

They’ve explored Genetic Modification🧬 , learning how scientists manipulate DNA to benefit medicine and agriculture. Using bacterial production of insulin as a real-world example, they’ve traced the step-by-step process of genetic engineering— from isolating the insulin gene to inserting it into bacteria for large-scale production.

But that’s not all! They’ve also studied the power of anaerobic respiration in yeast, uncovering its crucial role in bread-making 🍞 and biofuel production 🌱. From making dough rise to producing ethanol for sustainable energy, they’ve seen firsthand how biology shapes the world around us!

Year 12 HSD Art & Design

Year 12 High School Diploma Art students have embarked on an exciting new project focused on Natural Forms. They began by designing a creative front cover before diving into an expressive mind map to explore ideas and inspirations. From there, they developed their drawing skills, refining their observational techniques.

A key part of their learning involved studying colour theory, with a particular focus on analogous colours, colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. This understanding was then put into practice as students created high quality coloured pencil studies of fruit, demonstrating their grasp of blending, shading, and tonal variation.

Looking ahead, students will be exploring primary sources, taking their own photographs and creating detailed studies in multiple mediums. They will also study artists who have explored natural forms, gaining inspiration and insight into different artistic styles and approaches.

This project is a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance both their technical and conceptual skills, setting a strong foundation for their artistic development.

Year 13 A level Maths

This month saw students finish the course work in their respective chosen units in A level mathematics and begin their exam preparation. In Sixth Form at RBIS students can decide to take a number of modules in A level Mathematics from the Pearson Edexcel International Syllabus. There are 14 modules in the suite to choose from and this offers flexibility in choice for students. A typical A level combination for the International Advanced qualification would involve on average five of these units, which can be completed in stages over year 12 and 13.

There are many pathways offered in this way, from basic Subsidiary A level all the way up to the Further Mathematics and IAL. Another positive feature of the Pearson International Syllabus is that it is modular, with exams offered in January, June and October. Students can choose to repeat modules and if they do slightly worse the second time, then the result can be discounted.

Our current year 13 class is now in the final run up to the summer exams. They are busy revising and going through past papers. It can be a stressful time but they have completed the previous units , and this is the final hurdle. Let's wish them the best of luck!

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 (March)

Basketball tournament

House Dragon, last year’s champs and this year’s favorites, strolled through the tournament and snagged the trophy without even breaking a sweat!

House ranking

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

House Point Leaderboard

(Based on the HP earned in March)

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 (March)

Students recently put their creativity to the test in the Round Square Sidekick Challenge, where they designed original sidekick characters to support the Round Square Heroes of Discovery. Participants had to come up with a name, personality traits, and a short story showing how their sidekick helps their chosen RS Hero in embodying a key discovery attribute—whether it was courage, compassion, teamwork, or problem-solving.

Many students took their ideas to the next level by including illustrations, bringing their sidekicks to life! The entries have now been officially submitted to Round Square, where they will be reviewed alongside submissions from students around the world. Winners across different age categories will have their stories featured on the Round Square website. Year 7 were the most enthusiastic participants (a selection of their work is displayed below).

Good luck and well done to all students who submitted entries!

Community service at Secondary (March)

Fun Games afternoon, Wednesday 19th March. Our whole school fundraising event brought everyone together as we enjoyed playing fun games throughout the afternoon. With many prizes to be won our students moved around the games trying their best to be successful.

There was much excitement especially at the "Sponge the Teacher" game; it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to throw water at their teachers.

The event was organised to raise funds for the sixth form Community Service residential taking place in June 2025, when they will go to Wat Tha Chumnum School to carry out various projects.

We raised a fantastic amount - 13 360 baht - our thanks to everyone for their participation and kindness.

The 6th Form will be going to Wat Tha Chumnum School in Ang Thong during June 2025 to spend a week at the school carryng out various projects that will involve the children from the school. Below you can see some of the work they will be carry out; the mural painting will involve the older children from the school. Our 6th Form students will also teach some English lessons and play board games with many of the childen during the week. They will be rasing funds to enable us to help the school and thank you in advance for your kindness and support.

Paint murals outside the Kindergarten classrooms

Paint murals outside the Kindergarten classrooms - several wall areas to be completed

Paint games on the ground near the play area

Paint the fence around the play area using a variety of colours.

Renovate the canteen where termites have taken over

Doors need replacing under the sinks

The wooden area has been infested with termites and needs attention

Paint the inside of the canteen

On Wednesday March 5th we gave 6500 plastic tops to Precious Plastic Bangkok - we are now getting enough plastic tops to enable us to have a "pick up" each month.

As we reported in the last newsletter we decided to wait an extra week before having our bags of recyclables collected. It did not take long to reach 30 bags and we arranged the "pick up" for Wednesday March 5th.

Our thanks to the volunteers for carrying the bags to the pick up truck during their breaktime.

Our Community Service fund has been increased by 1155 baht collected for the last two months recyclables. Keep up the good work!

Mr Samran kindly takes the ring pulls and cans to be posted to Chiang Mai.

We are well on our way to another bumper pile of plastic recyclables. Keep bringing them in !

Community Service Point Leaderboard

(Based on the CSP earned in March)

Community Service Point Leaderboard

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

Alumnus or alumna of the month

Aphicha (Ice) Manupornphrapa who graduated from RBIS in 2015

I started my school at RBIS since pre-K and was there until I completed Year 11 in 2015. My life at RBIS was a great experience; I made lots of friends throughout the years and the teachers at school were a great help and prepared me well for my entrance to university.

I studied at the College of Dental medicine, Rangsit University. I graduated last year and currently I am working as a dentist (general practitioner).

I recently applied for Master of Science Program in Implant Dentistry (International Program) and got accepted, so i’m gonna be starting my masters degree this year.

ECA Focus

Roblox Studio

Roblox is one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, with millions of players creating, exploring, and competing in countless virtual worlds. But why just play when you can build your own?

This month, we dived into Roblox Studio, where students learned to design, develop, and bring their own game ideas to life!

Game development on Roblox has helped students build skills in understanding of coding, problem-solving, and creativity. From constructing their own environments to using CAD such as TinkerCAD to design vehicles and import them into their projects, students explored scripting, designing, and testing their creations!

Upcoming events

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