A Glimpse into Teaching and Learning at BASIS International School Bangkok: A Message from the Director of Primary & Upper School
At BASIS International School Bangkok, we believe that learning should meet the highest international standards as well as inspire passion, curiosity, and critical thinking in every student. As Director of Primary & Upper School, I have the privilege of witnessing the incredible work happening daily in our classrooms, where both students and teachers demonstrate remarkable dedication to our shared mission: to foster a community of lifelong learners who are equipped to succeed in an ever-changing world.
I am excited to highlight some recent classroom activities that reflect the depth, breadth, and joy of learning at our school.
BASIS Bangkok delivers a curriculum of breadth and depth.
Grades 4 and 5 classes are practicing the Scientific Method and carry out authentic science labs. Students collaborate in small groups to observe solutions, properties of the states of matter, and barometric pressure. Students are encouraged to share their findings throughout the lab. Students can communicate in-depth knowledge through academic vocabulary in their conversations. “We made 3 observations and collected 2 data points.” In the Grade 5 math lessons, students are eager to find multiple strategies to work problems. The lesson encouraged them to apply their current knowledge of local currencies to convert to foreign currencies, challenging them to apply and extend their learning to new contexts.
BASIS Bangkok’s teachers are passionate and expert educators.
I frequently observe the co-teaching model in practice as the SET and LET collaboratively plan lesson structure and analyze student data. These conversations occur daily in the Teachers’ Lounge, classrooms, the LET Office and digitally and at grade level meetings. As the midterm student achievement data is completed, the intervention specialist, Deans, SETs and LETs/Academic Coach are meeting regularly before, during and after school to ensure that plans are in place to meet the individual needs of every child. After many years of my career in education, it is gratifying to see that student achievement data is used effectively and efficiently to inform and target the teaching and learning that occurs every day. This practice directly correlates with higher student achievement.
BASIS Bangkok fosters a joyful learning culture.
Students have mastered the learning routines and understand the expectations. This allows for timely and targeted learning to occur every minute of the lesson. Because these routines and expectations are so well-developed, there is more attention paid to learning. Students often have the opportunity to collaborate in small groups, which enhances their language and communication skills. The TUSKERS values are intrinsic in daily learning.
As we move forward, the learning environment at BASIS Bangkok will continue to inspire excellence in our students. The combination of a rigorous curriculum, passionate educators, and a culture of joyful learning ensures that our students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills and values they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We are look forward to sharing more stories of our students’ achievements and growth, as we work together to make their educational journey both enriching and transformative.
Ms. Allison Donohue
Director of Primary & Upper School