Thai language, culture and history programme (TLCH)
The Thai programmes hold significant importance within the school's overall curriculum and foster a strong sense of community.
At St Andrews Bangkok, the Thai language, Thai culture, and Thai history programmes (TLCH) are incorporated through the entire curriculum and cultivate inclusivity within the school community. This integration is achieved through four interconnected strands:
Formal Thai language instruction: These lessons not only teach the language but also intricately weave in Thai cultural and historical elements. Additionally, four distinct pathways of Thai curriculums cater to different learning needs.
Integration across subjects: Thai language and culture are seamlessly integrated into various relevant subjects, enriching students' learning experiences across subjects.
Cultural engagement through school activities: The school organises Thai cultural activities and events, providing opportunities for students to actively participate and immerse themselves in Thai traditions. In addition, Thai culture is also integrated into various school activities like International Day, Languages Day, and other activities throughout the school year.
Extracurricular Activities (ECAs): Students can further engage with Thai language and culture through extracurricular clubs such as Thai dance, Thai music, and children's stories clubs.
This holistic approach ensures that TLCH becomes an integral part of the educational journey at St Andrews, encouraging a deep understanding and appreciation for the Thai language, culture, and history among students.
TLCH curriculum for non-Thai students
Non-Thai students are grouped in Thai lessons based on their Thai background rather than nationality, ensuring they benefit fully from the instruction. Classes are structured to accommodate similar gaps in Thai proficiency among students, while also addressing individual levels and needs. This differentiation extends beyond non-Thai students to cater to all learners, including those with SEN needs, who may receive support from LSAs or alternative learning options. Additionally, non-Thai students have various opportunities to engage with Thai culture through school activities, extracurriculars, trips, and integration into other subjects.
The Curriculum
In implementing teaching and learning strategies for Thai language, culture, and history (TLCH), St Andrews aligns with its mission and philosophy, emphasising active learning, age-appropriate development, and research-based methods. Strategies include integrating Makaton for effective communication with young children and collaborating with the Languages Department to deliver cross-curricular lessons on topics like Thai myths and legends. The school introduces innovative techniques such as Think-Pair-Share and incorporates IT tools like Gimkit and Quizlet to enhance engagement and language skills. Furthermore, tailor-made resources are developed to meet the specific needs of students, with assessments embedded into lessons and accessible through platforms like Moodle and Google Classroom.
Local resources are widely utilised to enrich TLCH education, including guest speakers, Thai history, arts, music, and culinary elements. Assessment of student learning is comprehensive, combining formal evaluations with informal feedback from students, parents, and observations. High School students engage in self, peer, and teacher assessments to track progress and set targets, with teacher moderation and clear grade descriptors ensuring consistency and quality across year groups. Grades and progress reports are communicated to parents and students through the Moodle/iSams system as part of the school's holistic curriculum.
Faculty
Our Thai teachers are integrated into the organisational structure alongside other subject teachers, functioning within the school's Thai Department. Supported by the School Director, who contributes to the Thai government's curriculum for international schools, they undergo continuous professional development, including both internal and external training opportunities. With many teachers having extensive tenure, such as Khroo Kitty, Head of High School Thai with 24 years of experience, the team deeply understands and aligns with the school's ethos, philosophy, and policies. Their acceptance within the community is evident through enthusiastic participation in Thai cultural activities by students, parents, staff, and administration alike.
Development and Quality Assurance
Thai curriculums are crafted from governmental guidelines, OPEC's TLCH curriculum, and international curriculums (UK - IGCSE Thai and IB Thai), catering to the diverse student body. These pathways prioritise individual needs over nationality, offering flexibility and regular review alongside other subjects. Adjustments are made based on emerging requirements, such as the introduction of Key Stage 2-3 Thai A2 and non-IGCSE Thai to meet a wide range of student needs. The Thai Department continuously refines lesson goals and structures, recently adapting to better support students in the Thai A2 group. Parents are encouraged to provide input through various channels, including consultations and emails, ensuring active engagement in their child's education. Students are also empowered to express their needs directly to teachers, with educators attuned to subtle cues indicating challenges in learning Thai.
