Choosing a High School
There are many best international schools in Bangkok which only offer education up to primary level. From Year 6 going on Year 7, looking for a secondary school which is the right fit for your child can be challenging, as each one comes with differences in curriculum, size, and location amongst other factors.
While safety and happiness are among the most important aspects of life in kindergarten and primary, with a need to prepare students for life at university and beyond, secondary schools must provide a rigorous but broad academic curriculum.
Alongside this, there is an increased need for facilities and highly qualified teachers that enable the highest standards of teaching and learning, which nurture new interests in students.
The well-being of your child is, nonetheless, still important when picking a new school. A parent we met on campus advised: “You need a school which ensures your child has a smooth transition from a cozy little school into a bigger school, without the fear of being overwhelmed by the crowd.”
Ideally, a school which is small enough to really know your child, but is big enough to offer all things that come with a larger school, enables your child to be cared for while giving them the opportunities they deserve at this important time in their lives.
Checking into Bangkok Prep Secondary Campus
Bangkok Prep was founded in 2003 and delivers the National Curriculum for England. With its soon-to-be eighth graduating cohort of students since 2012, it promises a comprehensive A Level programme that guarantees your child’s placement in a top university around the world.
In recent years, Bangkok Prep graduates have gone on to study at many of the top ranking universities around the world, including, but not limited to: Imperial College, London; London School of Economics; New York University; UCL, London; UCLA; and the University of Edinburgh.
As mentioned, students at Bangkok Prep follow the National Curriculum for England including IGCSE and A Level study in later years.
During their time in the Secondary School, students are supported by a comprehensive and caring pastoral system and an excellent student pathways programme which prepares students for life at university and beyond.
As an independent school, Bangkok Prep has the freedom to adjust its curriculum to meet the needs of the international community of the school. Students are encouraged to be ‘Internationally Minded’, and through the school’s Life Values, they are given the skills they need to become well-rounded young adults.
Sports
Living in South East Asia, we are fortunate to have warm temperatures all year round. This provides Bangkok Prep a wide array of 15 different sporting opportunities such as Swimming, Football, Basketball, Rugby, Volleyball, Gymnastic, Tennis, Water polo, Cricket, Badminton, Track and field and more.
Students here benefit from a Climbing Wall, a Gymnastic Hall, Dance studios, Tennis Courts, Sports Complex, Basketball Courts, Football Fields, an Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool and more.
The school also joins in competitions with other established international schools such as FOBISIA (Federation of British International Schools in Asia) and BISAC (Bangkok International Schools Athletic Conference) which is the top sports league among leading international schools in Bangkok, offering a wide range of sporting endeavors, both competitive and recreational.
Music and the Arts
As well as a really comprehensive sports programme, music and the arts are also a large part of life at Bangkok Prep.
As students enter the Secondary School, the opportunities offered to them are equally wonderful. Each year the school works to deliver a big-scale musical production in their 400-seat auditorium, and many students choose to learn a musical instrument to contribute to their studies.
The school also offers and has exceptional facilities for Art, Design Technology and Photography, including: a Dark Room, full Mac Suite, Photography Studio, two DT workshops, CAD/CAM Suite (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture), ceramics suite, two Art studios, and a laser cutter machine.
Community
There is an established parent group called the Friends of Bangkok Prep who, along with the teachers and staff, put on many community events throughout the year and provide support to the school and families.
The school has also started to put on Community Days at the Forest Campus Initiative at Bangkachao, which is a great opportunity for all students to reconnect with nature, within a stone’s throw of the busy Bangkok streets
Bangkok Prep Parents and the Sukhumvit Lifestyle
While the Primary Campus is located on Sukhumvit 53 (Thonglor), which is accessible by Thonglor BTS sky train, the Secondary Campus is less than 3 km way from its original campus. The Secondary Campus is easily accessed from both Sukhumvit 71 (Pridi 2) or On Nut 1/1. Situated in the new residential development area and is securely gated and guarded.
The community has several upscale low-rise condos and houses, supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants, and a community mall where parents can get together after dropping off the children.
Our Verdict
We completed our tour and went to cool down in this modern and airy admissions lobby. There, we met one Expat family who came in with their son for an interview with the Head of Secondary, which normally takes place after the admissions test.
We asked how their school search had been. “We were looking for a school that has a right feel, not only great academic results, but a thoroughly well-rounded curriculum that values the individuality of each student and we feel that we have made the right choice!” reaffirmed the mother, which was a wonderfully insightful way to end our eventful visit to Bangkok Prep.
The new 1,000 sq. metre Sixth Form and University Counselling areas are to be completed by this august 2020.
School Review: BKK Kids Checks into Bangkok Prep Primary Campus
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