When moving to Bangkok the choice of an international school can sometimes feel overwhelming, with choices in curriculum, facilities, location and more being the prime factors. Here, we focus on the British curriculum and in Bangkok there are many schools that offer a partial or full British education.
A British education is based on the English or British National Curriculum. In Britain, it is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16, with clear provision made for students, based on their ages, in specific developmental Key Stages. A defined curriculum accompanies each Key Stage, with clear assessments and examinations to monitor and track each child’s progress. Each Key Stage encompasses core subjects, including English, mathematics, science and information technology, as well as foundation subjects in the humanities, creative and performing arts, modern languages and physical education.
Students study the International version of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) over the two years of Key Stage 4, from the age of 14 to 16. This includes core and elective subjects. Upon completion of Key Stage 4, students sit for the IGCSE examinations, a formal assessment of the child’s attainment of his or her compulsory education. Students planning to attend university continue onto Key Stage 5 to complete two years of advanced courses, comprised of A Level courses and/or the IB in Years 12 and 13.
Established over 50 years ago, the A Level programme has been the primary qualification for further education in the United Kingdom, a tried and tested model, often referred to as the “Gold Standard” by global universities. An A Level programme offers depth and breadth through a challenging and academic learning path. Typically, students choose three or four subjects in their first year of study [Y12 in the UK curriculum] before narrowing to three in the second year [Y13]. Students focus on subjects where individual abilities, passions and strengths lie.
It is also worth noting that other curricula from Commonwealth nations, such as the Singaporean curriculum, offer their students the IGCSE and A Levels in addition to their own combination of core and elective subjects. Core subjects include English, Chinese, mathematics, combined humanities and science. Like other systems, these ensure that students experience a broad-based and balanced education while the electives cater to a range of interests and abilities.
When looking for a school offering the British curriculum in Bangkok, Shrewsbury International Schools are Thailand’s leading international day schools, offering an inspirational English language education and enjoy an excellent reputation for musical, artistic and sporting excellence that complements an unparalleled academic record. The schools are committed to continuous improvement and renewal, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of contemporary international education.
Shrewsbury International School has two campuses: Riverside (Charoenkrung) and City Campus (Rama 9). Riverside offers through-education from 3 to 18 years, whilst children who complete their Primary education at City Campus move on to Senior School at Riverside at the age of 11 years. Both campuses have specially designed Early Years Departments for young children aged 3 to 5; safe, secure and stimulating environments for children to explore, and where they develop core skills that set the foundation for successful lifelong learning.
