We’re delighted to have been selected as one of six finalists for the prestigious title of ‘British International School of the Year 2024’ in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. Below are some of the qualities that we think have helped us stand out of the crowd – and regardless of whether we are crowned winners on 8th October, we are extremely proud of the progress our School has made since it opened its gates in 2018!
Why are we strong contenders for ‘British International School of the Year’?
We are truly international, with 39+ nationalities.
We uphold core values that are rooted in the British system, follow an adapted British curriculum and have English as a common language. However, our international setting prepares students for an increasingly globalised world, giving a highly relevant education.
We do this by embracing the languages and cultures of the community:
- Cultural celebrations (International Day, Lunar New Year, Christmas shows, Songkran etc)
- Parents Association cookery classes themed nationally
- Teachers are recruited globally
The diversity of our School embeds a sense of global-mindedness. It also brings cross-cultural challenges that we have needed to overcome. For example:
- Device use higher in Asia, so we offer digital education for all, AI to support parents, and have student-led ‘Tech Teams’ from Year 2 up.
- The management of sleep routines, behaviour and diet differs, so we educate and align messaging through workshops on key topics.
English is the common language (used in all lessons), but not the mother tongue for many. We understand the impact language development has on academics, so in addition to student EAL support, new initiatives include:
- Native language reading
- English lessons for staff and parents
- Translanguaging
Our ethos is “The Whole Person, The Whole Point”. This serves a rounded education that caters for all sides of human development. This is a departure from traditional Asian approaches, which have historically been heavily focused on academic progress and learning by rote.
Our bespoke Learner Profile characteristics take our ethos further, embedding the development of valuable human characteristics into all areas of school life so students leave our school as resilient, versatile, critical thinking, globally minded, communicators and collaborators.
All of our Learner Profile characteristics hold great value, but ‘globally minded’ is especially relevant for our British international school. It shines a light on diversity and democracy (voting for student leaders), promotes tolerance and understanding (RST MAD charity work and links to local charities) and creates a happy, inclusive school environment where every child belongs.
