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University choices in a COVID era
University choices in a COVID era
As University Counsellors, we were anticipating continued disruption from the pandemic and the inevitable shifts to higher education last year and ‘Post-BISP Planning’ is the phrase that was coined.
The spirit of service learning
The spirit of service learning
This term at British International School, Phuket (BISP), we have embarked on a food drive to support communities on the island who face the bitter challenge of the COVID-19 crisis. Students across the Primary and Secondary School, as well as our parent community and staff, have reflected upon the needs of others and identified the very real and authentic plight of communities on our doorstep who are suffering from the loss of income or a livelihood dependent on international tourism. This realisation, or identification, is the first step in a process of service learning and leads to further student engagement through action or advocacy.
BISP congratulates alumni Amanda Obdam on Miss Universe Thailand crown
BISP congratulates alumni Amanda Obdam on Miss Universe Thailand crown
British International School, Phuket alumna Amanda Obdam has been crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2020 at a glittering competition held at the True Icon Hall (ICONSIAM) in Bangkok on Oct 10.
An angry banana like no other!
An angry banana like no other!
One of BISP’s talented teachers, Neil Griffith has just published his first children’s book. Neil, who has worked as an Early Years teacher for six years wrote and illustrated his story, “The Angry Banana” during the recent lockdown.
Education Corner: Taking flight after graduation
Education Corner: Taking flight after graduation
High school seniors are completing the final steps of secondary education. They are taxiing towards the active runway, called “exams”, down which they will lumber like a fully loaded 747 and then, just like that, they will be airborne. The mathematical miracle of flight is, I believe, less complicated than the transition of a young person on their way to autonomy. The runway to independence intersects the university planning process, a process which is often thought to facilitate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Recently, I visited with a group of seniors to reflect on this “quasi” rite-of-passage. As senior year begins, the recognisable force is “drag”. Students don’t expect applications to be difficult, time-consuming or complicated. Quickly, they are overwhelmed by downpours of information, thunderstruck by rigid entry requirements, and a fog of ambivalence clouds previous itineraries for coveted destinations: lengthy forms and impossible essays fuel feelings of inadequacy. A teen’s emotional control panel glows red with warning lights. Reliably, the mechanical failure is procrastination. A college applicant’s first flight is always delayed, until that is, the pilot realises, it’s not a solo. Eventually, students persuaded by fellow passengers and flight crews, reignite their internal electrical system, and the preflight checklist begins anew. Teachers are invaluable, providing mock interviews, essay editing and coaching for exam questions designed to trick well-trained critical thinkers. Counsellors keep a realistic eye on the forecast, maintain calm, solve problems, replenish confidence and leverage networks for alternative flight plans. Classmates and parents provide essential companionship helping students steer through the turbulent anticipation. By early December, the tarmac is full of applicants, requesting clearance for take-off. The primary thrust, to let their applications fly, is trust. Most students will describe this dynamic as a force transferred from parents. Students report; “My parents allowed me to express my choices and decisions.” Or, “Although they did not help me much, they played critical roles, supporting me when I was overwhelmed.” And, “Even the question of whether to attend university was a choice of ‘if’ rather than ‘when’. My desires motivated the universities I chose.” Adding, “My parents were mostly hands-off, trusting me to make my application without pressuring me; they helped me complete personal and financial data.” The confidence a student feels from significant others helps them withstand the grounding, gravitational pull of doubt. University applications are submitted between November and March. Students are in the air for days, often months. In the event of weather, students have learned to trust themselves while employing a practical toolkit of skills for navigation. A new class of pilots will soon graduate from the life simulation of university applications. It’s not quite a rite of passage, but useful just the same. Casey Nolen Jackson is one of two University Counsellors at British Inter­national School, Phuket.
Qu’est-ce que c’est?
Qu’est-ce que c’est?
Ever since my schooldays, the names “Selway” and “Paget” have been indelibly stamped on the back of my brain. I remember them for one reason only: that they sat in the same row as me during my French class – in fact, they sat in front of me.
BISP students among ‘Top in Thailand’
BISP students among ‘Top in Thailand’
Six students from British Interna­tional School, Phuket (BISP) have made their school proud as they have managed to achieve the high­est country honour in their recent Cam­bridge examinations.
The core business of education?
The core business of education?
On the whole, schools seem to be reactive, conservative institutions more usually being dragged kicking and screaming through the wake of economic and social change than providing inspirational leadership.
BISP to host 100 universities from 19 countries at Phuket University Fair
BISP to host 100 universities from 19 countries at Phuket University Fair
Some people spend their entire lives hoping they might get to visit Phuket’s world-famous beaches for a relaxing vacation. But for the younger generation on the island, especially the ones between 16 and 18 years old, there tends to be more thinking and wondering about where they might go after high school graduation.
The cutting edge of education?
The cutting edge of education?
Curriculum: it means racetrack. From the Latin currere, which means “to run”. And somewhere along the line, in many parts of the world, it has turned into a strange self-fulfilling prophecy.
Computing and ICT students go from strength to strength at BISP
Computing and ICT students go from strength to strength at BISP
The 2018-2019 academic year has been another action-packed rollercoaster of innova­tive learning within the Com­puting & ICT department at British International School, Phuket – BISP.
A place to celebrate difference
A place to celebrate difference
I remain ever mindful of my first visit to Phuket, just a little over 41 years ago. It is a hard place to forget, of course, but in my mind’s eye I see only a smattering of tourists, on slow roast, in a pristine natural environment.
Reflections on a great academic year for BISP Primary
Reflections on a great academic year for BISP Primary
It’s been a fantastic year in Primary at British International School, Phuket – BISP. The most visible improvement has undoubtedly been our introduction of Jigsaw, a well­being programme that runs right through the Primary section from Early Years to Year 6, providing us with a common spine and consist­ent approach to this subject.
Alma matters: Choosing between US and UK universities
Alma matters: Choosing between US and UK universities
As students begin to think of life beyond secondary school, one of the issues they need to consider is the type of uni­versity that provides the best fit for their higher education plans.
High school is over! BISP graduates prepare to take their next steps
High school is over! BISP graduates prepare to take their next steps
On May 25, 53 students graduated from Brit­ish International School, Phuket – BISP. Nearly all are now preparing to move on to university, the latest step in a process that began as far back as kindergarten.
The path to success: Teaching and learning are all about the journey
The path to success: Teaching and learning are all about the journey
In the first half of this article – The ‘Nev Mars’ effect – I alluded to how I was inspired to study languages by my teacher, not because he was a brilliant, effec­tive, disciplined practitioner, but because he touched my heart and inspired me to love the subject he was teaching.
Schools fit for purpose?
Schools fit for purpose?
Well, that all depends upon our definition of education. Acquisition of knowledge is not what it used to be – knowing a lot is no longer necessarily considered the mark of an educated person.
Thai trips at BISP Primary
Thai trips at BISP Primary
A feature of Primary School at British Inter­national School, Phuket – BISP is the pro­gramme of day trips organised by our Thai department.
Education centre stage at BISP
Education centre stage at BISP
There are few things in a school that bring so many positive threads together. BISP has just closed this year’s musical show, and it proved to be yet another showcase for the exceptional talent of the students.
Without Geography, you’re nowhere...
Without Geography, you’re nowhere...
There’s an amusing YouTube clip in which TV presenter Jay Leno stops passers-by, of all ages, in a US shopping mall, and asks them simple geographical questions such as, “What are people from Denmark called?” and “What is the highest mountain in the world?”