At Wellington College International School Bangkok we consider all our parents a core part of our community and we want them to understand everything which their children are studying, learning, and experiencing here with us. Parent Workshops are a key part of this process, and we started the programme for the 22-23 academic year by inviting in Year 8, 9 and 10 parents into Senior School this week.
The objective was to explain how we support and guide our students from the moment they join Senior School to when they graduate at the end of Year 13 – and beyond.
We were delighted to be joined by more than 50 parents in this session. Master, Chris Nicholls introduced the team then Dr Jim Panton, Head of Senior School explained the rich and varied programme in place for every student. Senior School is a journey from the very beginning of Year 7 to university selection and success and eventual life choices. He explained the value of IGCSEs as a marker for elite universities. These results demonstrate how well a student will do later on.
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In Year 10 and 11 students will study six core IGCSE subjects – English Language, English Literature, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. They will then choose 3 optional subjects from an extensive list including DT, Business Studies, Computer Science, History, Drama, Art, PE, Modern Languages and more. Thai speakers will also be able to do Thai Language IGCSE.
“It’s not all about exams! We will ensure our students achieve the best results that they can get. But we want them to learn to become better people, to become individuals who will go out and help shape the world. The root of success is to choose something you love!”
Kate Salisbury, Head of our Options and Careers programme agrees. “What students want to do and what they love changes enormously over the course of Senior School. In Year 7 a student may want to be an Influencer or a singer. By the time they leave school they are a budding doctor! We help manage and guide this process of change."
We offer the Wellington Difference. We monitor academic progress and success. We help all our students gain experience and involvement. We ensure our students have amazing opportunities. Some of these are –
· Duke of Edinburgh Award
· Wellington Extra
· Enrichment
· Bespoke Workshops
· Wellington Connect and mentoring (with Wellington College in the UK)
Kate adds “Look at yourself and ask what you really want to be. Use all our platforms and resources but have some great conversations at home.” Kate explained to parents that a conversation at breakfast can make all the difference to helping students think about what they really want.
There is a structured programme of support in place here across Years 11 – 13:
· In Year 11 we help with A Level choices and summer advice. Make the most of your breaks
· In Year 12 students will be very busy! They have more clarity as they have their IGCSE results, and they can drill down and research and decide. We help with one-on-one advice and workshops and suggest extra reading and opportunities
· In Year 13 applications are submitted and students are tested and interviewed and admitted
The pathway is clear and there is an exciting road to travel. When a Wellington student leaves our school, they know where they are headed and why.
Our governor and a Deputy Head of Wellington College (UK), Iain Henderson offered an overview of the exceptional IGCSE, A Level and IBDP results at Wellington in the UK. We are a Top Ten school in the UK and our results keep us in that upper echelon of education. He stressed the support that is offered to international schools in the family. “We share our expertise and our experience with our family. At Wellington it isn’t about the name of the school – it’s about the experience, the education, the years well spent. We ask not What do you know BUT How do you think?”
Parents – you are a very important part of the process.
As every Wellington student goes through the School they will be helped, guided, and supported. We are here to answer any of your questions. We urge all parents and prospective parents – and especially all students - to talk to us about our University Pathways. There is no right pathway – just the right one for you.
Contact Dr Jim Panton (Head of Senior School), Kate Salisbury (Head of Options and Careers) and Iain Henderson (Governor of WCIB and Deputy Head of TWC) to find out more.
