BKK Kids recently toured Shrewsbury International School’s Riverside Campus. Walking around the Riverside Campus it is hard not to admire the picturesque setting on which it is built. Nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the school has long been the international school leader in Bangkok since its inception in 2003. Offering the British curriculum (adapted for use in an international setting) and taught by the finest education practitioners recruited through a rigorous application process primarily from the UK, Shrewsbury, Riverside is unquestionably the most fantastic environment for students.

Early Years & Junior Provision

The tour began in the brand new ‘Early Years Garden’ and Junior school. The one-of-a-kind environment immediately evokes a sense of delight and freedom that you associate with being young and without a care in the world. It was explained that, through their play-based curriculum, students’ lead’ their own learning through discovery. This child-led ethos creates a curiosity in students that is carried through their education as they advance through each year level. Many students at Shrewsbury began their schooling in Early Years, and it must be said that their outstanding exam and university success is founded on their experiences and outstanding provision offered within the Early Years and Junior School. 

Students learn from the English National Curriculum – adapted and developed to meet the needs of their talented, multi-lingual, international student body. Gradually the play-based learning model leads to more complex subject matter taught through a range of topics designed to engage students on every level. Shrewsbury, Riverside is dedicated to the integration of digital technology across the curriculum to ensure they are at the forefront of cutting-edge educational experiences.

Senior School Provision

As the tour continued, it was noted that as the students reach the senior school with their horizons suitably expanded, the range of options increases further. Students can discover what they are good at by being exposed to a plethora of opportunities. This broad and engaging curriculum offered in Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) allows students to develop a grounding in a wide range of subjects before they make increasingly specialised subject choices in Key Stage 4 (GCSE) and Key Stage 5 (A level). From sport to drama, music to design technology, philosophy to psychology and core subjects such as science and maths – Shrewsbury students are engaged and prepared for whatever life holds after they complete their studies.

Outstanding Co-Curricular Opportunities

Walking into the 600-seat Memorial theatre which hosts the famed ‘Last Night of the Proms’ event, it isn’t hard to see why Riverside students are so successful in the performing arts. The school’s music scholars are regularly invited to study at the world’s most-esteemed conservatories, and it’s drama students score highly in examinations due to their diet of regular school performances and plays. Both departments have skilled tutors with years of experience in their chosen fields. It is noted that Shrewsbury, Riverside is always on the lookout for talented performing arts students, and if they are interested should apply here.

From the stage to ‘Canterbury Field’, Shrewsbury excels. Physical Education is an integral part of the curriculum with a healthy body considered to be an equal partner to a healthy mind. The school is a member of the British International Schools Athletic Conference (BISAC) and Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), ensuring healthy competition and regular travel for sport-minded students. Shrewsbury Sport has elite-level coaching staff geared towards maximising every athlete’s performance in their chosen discipline from Football and Swimming to Badminton and Touch Rugby as well as many more.

We are told that in addition to regular trips from Year 4 upwards to locations around Thailand and abroad, all students have the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award scheme from Year 10, for which Shrewsbury is also an accredited Independent Award Centre. Most students at Year 10 level complete the bronze award but perhaps unsurprisingly, many decide to complete the challenging Silver and Gold awards as well. 

All students from Year 1 to Year 13 are also encouraged to take part in Shrewsbury’s after school ‘YouTime’ programme which is dedicated to providing students with an opportunity to explore new interests, develop passions and fulfill potential. The list of options is far too long to write here, but it is certainly extensive!

Facilities Which Inspire

Shrewsbury, Riverside ensures that teaching staff and students are given the best resources to work with to enhance the learning experience for its 1740 students. Our tour included visits to a dance studio, huge gymnastics area, top-of-the-line science laboratories, strength and conditioning gym,
recital hall, a recently-completed two-storey library and the 600-seat Memorial Hall mentioned earlier. These facilities, and more encourage students to explore their interests without limits, creating an environment with unrestrained potential.

A Warm, Welcoming Community For Families

Shrewsbury, Riverside prides itself on being the touchstone for not only academic success but for social and emotional wellbeing; a ‘student-first’ focus that is underlined by the work of its Wellbeing counsellors, Safeguarding team and Health and Safety manager. Shrewsbury, Riverside prides itself on instilling confidence in the students it educates; preparing them for a life beyond the school itself. This, coupled with a vibrant community feel, makes the school a unique place in the lives of our
students and their families. The Riverside campus has strong connections with the purpose-built City Campus in Bangkok, within the broader family of Shrewsbury schools in Hong Kong and Shrewsbury School UK, founded by Royal Charter in 1552. 

Pathway To World-Leading Universities

So what you may ask is the result of all of this? Well, the results speak for themselves. 2020’s graduating class has so far garnered 460 offers, 209 of them from the world’s top 100 tertiary institutions and 43 offers from the top 10. Supported by our award-winning team of Higher Education counsellors, Shrewsbury, Riverside regularly sends students to Ivy League Colleges in the US and Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group Universities in the UK. In addition, the school also sends students to the best medical programs both in Thailand and abroad. 

All in all the visit to Shrewsbury was a welcoming, delightful experience. The admissions team were able to answer all the queries put to them and gave us an experience that felt unique. It is without question, a very impressive school

If you wish to visit Shrewsbury, Riverside, and experience one of Asia’s premier international school environments please get in touch with their admissions team – they will be happy to assist you in any way they can.