Bromsgrove International Summer Camp

Sun 30 Jun – Sat 13 Jul 2024 OR Sun 21 Jul – Sat 3 Aug 2024

Day & Residential Camp

For students aged 7-15

A 2-week programme focuses on Sports and STEM activities with the optional language lessons for students aged 7-15 years. The first week of activities run by Teems Global who
have extensive experience running professional multi-sports and various extracurricular activities for international schools in Southeast Asia. The second week’s multi-activity program, including Creative Arts, Crazy Science and Design & Architecture, will be taught by the Bromsgrove Summer school staff within their academic specialisation.

The after-school optional English course will be taught by Bromsgrove summer school teachers to enhance students’ English proficiency. Students will be guided through group projects and activities focusing on building confidence in communicating, developing independent learning, and refining time management and teamwork skills. All lessons contain a mixture of creativity, teamwork, presentation, and, most importantly, fun.

The camp offers 2 options which are Day camp (from 08:00 – 14:40 or 08:00 – 17:00) and Residential Camp (14 days 13 nights) for students aged 9 years and above which students will stay in BIST boarding house through out the camp period at Bromsgrove International School Thailand, Windsor Park campus.

คอร์สเรียนซัมเมอร์ภาษาอังกฤษ

แคมป์กิจกรรมภาษาอังกฤษโดยผู้เชี่ยวชาญในการจัดกิจกรรมเสริมหลักสูตรหลังเลิกเรียนแก่โรงเรียนนานาชาติโดยเฉพาะ
วันที่ 30 มิย – 13 กค หรือ 21 กค – 3 สค 2567 สำหรับนักเรียน อายุ 7-15 ปี
แคมป์ประจำ หรือ ไป-กลับ ณ โรงเรียนนานาชาติบรอมส์โกรฟ วิทยาเขตวินด์เซอร์ปาร์ค กรุงเทพฯ

*Apply by 30 April to get Early Bird price!

 

For more information, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@bromsgrove.ac.th or call +66 2821 6886

Bromsgrove July Camp 2024 |Applications are now accepted!

Contact Admissions admissions@bromsgrove.ac.th or call +662 821 6886

*Chinese enquiries, please contact Taylor Education at grace@tayloreducation.vip

If boarding school is something you’re considering for your child but aren’t yet familiar with, it can require extensive amounts of research. You are sure to have confronted people with various opinions for or against. However, many who haven’t witnessed first-hand the tremendous benefits of boarding school are usually quick to criticise. Today, we would like to discuss a significant factor of boarding school that makes it extraordinarily beneficial for a child’s growth, development, and academic success. That is, of course, it’s highly qualified and experienced faculty who work around the clock to give students the best experience possible.

So, what do boarding school faculty do to give children the best start in life?

Being a parent means juggling a tremendous number of responsibilities. Unfortunately, finding the balance between working and having the time to give a child the support they need can be difficult. Of course, if we could, we would all devote our time to providing children with everything their development requires, but it is certainly easier said than done. Here are a few things boarding school faculty can do to support you and your children when life is simply too busy.

Supporting students with schoolwork and revision – Boarding school students are provided with the best possible support with their schoolwork. Having qualified teachers devote their time to helping, homework, revision, and coursework are completed and understood with ease. This is one area where most working parents struggle as we can’t work full-time and be an expert on everything else, so boarding school is definitely the best way to boost academic achievement.

Playing the role of a mentor – Being a mentor for a child means far more than helping with homework. Boarding school faculty are experienced in supporting children in a vast number of ways. If a student is having trouble with ECAs, sports, hobbies, or goal setting, the faculty will know how to motivate and help them improve. Thankfully, the versatility of the faculty in a boarding school means that they will always have mentors who can help them in any area they are struggling in. Having constant mentors is especially important when students approach exams or prepare to apply for university.

 

Ensuring the development of healthy habits and routines – One fantastic quality that boarding school teaches children is how to live a balanced lifestyle. The faculty are there to guide them in eating healthily at the correct time, knowing when to study, and helping them find enough balance to rest well and find time for exercise and hobbies. As boarding school faculty are always there to support your children, they have the time to ensure each child lives the healthiest and happiest life possible.

Providing social and emotional support – When children are growing, they require a massive amount of support to help them deal with any social and emotional struggles that come their way. Unfortunately, these struggles can increase when children go to a boarding environment for the first time. However, that doesn’t mean you should worry. As well as trained teachers (who are more than capable of helping), boarding school provides qualified counselling and multiple safe spaces to anyone who needs it. This means that settling in and feeling happy doesn’t take long. 

Making sure your child thrives in a safe environment – A big concern for parents considering boarding school is the safety of their child. This is why every faculty member is equipped to deal with any emergency that comes their way. There are also qualified nurses on standby should anyone require medical assistance. Creating a safe environment also goes far beyond physical dangers. Faculty will always keep a close eye and have the experience to identify problems, no matter how subtle they might be. Safety and well-being are of the utmost concern to boarding school faculty, so they strive to create an environment where everyone can relax.

Further reading

Suppose you are considering boarding school for your child but are still a little unsure. Please stop by for a chat or get in touch. We understand how unsettling it might feel initially, but after a chat, you might feel much more at ease. At Bromsgrove International, we are devoted to providing the perfect environment for children to live a healthy and happy life while excelling towards a bright academic future. 

Although the idea of boarding school can seem scary, it is often a far better environment for most children. It is the only place that will truly prepare them for life beyond school, and you can rest assured they will leave with fantastic social skills to go with it. Allowing children to feel freedom and responsibility while providing a social, structured, caring and supportive environment is the perfect start to life.

Since the pandemic, we have seen worldwide adaption to the use of technology that we may not have envisioned before. Although some may not agree with using so much, there is an overall consensus that these advancements enhance the way we live, work, and teach. Today, we want to discuss the role of technology in British international schools and its benefits for teachers and learners. 

The advantages of using technology in the classroom

Of course, technology has some brilliant advantages in our day-to-day lives, but what are the benefits of using it in the classroom compared to traditional teaching methods? Let’s explore some of the many arguments put forward by advocates for technology and what we have witnessed first-hand. To those unfamiliar with modern-day classroom routines, it may be a surprising relief to see how this technology benefits our children’s growth, development, academic achievements, and sociability. 

Enhancing engagement and promoting total class participation – We now use many programs in the classroom that work wonders in getting all students involved. In a traditional classroom environment, it is common for children to stay quiet and be shy when posed with questions they might not understand. However, when using technology, we have seen classroom participation improve dramatically. Students can now engage more in the content being taught and answer questions anonymously if they are worried about getting it wrong. 

Creates the opportunity for personalised learning – Every person has a different method of learning, so traditional classroom routines can sometimes leave students struggling to understand the content. Now, when the teacher has finished talking, and it is time for classwork, the students have the option of formatting resources and lesson material and delivering their assignments in whatever way suits them. This has had a tremendous impact on students acquiring the skills and knowledge taught in lessons and being able to understand and transfer them to real-life situations and assignments. 

Provides access to endless information – Of course, the internet is endless, and there can be misinformation on certain sites. Still, as long as the teacher is monitoring where students are sourcing information, the students have a choice to read or watch additional material on any subject taught to enhance their understanding and put it into practice. 

Creates a collaborative learning space – Digital teaching platforms and live documents also enable students to work together during lessons and on projects. This technology provides a communicative space where students feel comfortable expressing and sharing their ideas with their classmates. 

Allows teachers to give constant and immediate feedback – As everything in a digital classroom is live, teachers can closely monitor a student’s work as it is being produced. This enhances the use of limited lesson time and allows teachers to give instant feedback and provide guidance if they are struggling with the material. Teachers everywhere have seen a massive improvement in learning since being able to give feedback at a rate that would have been impossible prior to this technology.  

Prepares students for the future – Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay. Using technology in the classroom gradually integrates students into the world they will be part of when they finish their education. A digital classroom acts as a cornerstone in getting them ready for university, work, and adapting to whatever the future holds.  

Efficiency and organisation – A problem that we are now able to notice about traditional methods of learning is the lack of efficiency and organisation. When a classroom has a digital space for schoolwork, it can be organised so that students can quickly look back through it and identify the sections they may need for revision or future projects. The efficiency and organisation of a digital learning space also allow teachers to effectively grade and give feedback on all the work a student produces. 

Offers multimedia resources – Whereas a traditional classroom would primarily use books for study, students now have fast access to a number of multimedia resources. This enables students to engage with lesson material in several ways, which, in turn, increases their likelihood of understanding what is being taught. Using devices also allows them to improve their focus when listening to or watching lesson materials, as they are less likely to get distracted by others in the classroom. 

Empowers both learners and educators by enabling full creativity during lessons – Lessons that use technology have no limits on the material they cover and the ways that they can be taught. Possibilities are almost endless when it comes to preparing and delivering a digital lesson. This enables teachers to have a much larger scope in lesson planning than ever before, promoting an environment that is fun, interactive, and varied. Students also get a chance to be more creatively involved when engaging and tailoring the shape of their lessons and the way that they learn. 

Are there any downsides to using tech in the classroom?

During the lesson, students’ device usage is heavily monitored so that they can fully engage with what is being taught and not get distracted by other online material. However, it is a growing concern for both teachers and parents, but as long as schools progressively adapt and grow along with the use of technology, there isn’t much to worry about. 

Find out more

Bromsgrove International School Thailand is one of the leading and most innovative British international schools in Southeast Asia. We are constantly developing ways to enhance student learning and school culture and have been doing so for over twenty years. If you have any questions concerning our curriculum, learning with technology, facilities, or anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our highly qualified and supportive team are here to guide you in making the right decisions for your children. Bromsgrove International School strives to make the world a better place by helping children become happy, moral, and creative global citizens. 

Boarding schools have long been subject to curiosity, which can often lead to myths and rumours. Today, we want to unveil the truth about boarding schools, dispel misconceptions, and acknowledge and embrace the positives. We want to provide a comprehensive exploration that aims to debunk many common myths that many still believe. Hopefully, we can shed some light on the transformative, enriching, and positive environments they provide to students worldwide. It is essential not to allow these misconceptions to hold your child back from the exceptional education experience they will likely find at a boarding school. 

Misconception number one: Boarding schools are strict and rigid

Discipline is a major part of any educational institution, but that does not mean they are overly strict and rigid. Modern boarding schools have evolved tremendously, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures the well-being of students and faculty alike. At boarding school, students usually experience a sense of camaraderie with peers and form trusting bonds with teachers and staff who serve as their mentors, providing support, guidance, and a friendly face throughout their educational journey. 

Misconception number two: Boarding Schools lack diversity

Contrary to this belief, most boarding schools prioritise diversity and inclusivity. At a modern boarding school, you are more likely to find students from various cultural, socio-economic, and geographical backgrounds than you are likely to find in a regular school. Creating a vibrant and enriching community is part of the ethos, exposing students to diverse perspectives and enhancing their global awareness. This is a fantastic way to prepare students for the world beyond school. 

Misconception number three: Boarding schools are for troubled students

Though certain schools may cater to students facing behavioural challenges, boarding schools are not usually the place. These institutions are often chosen by families because of their focus on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and strong character development. Boarding schools provide environments focusing on academic and personal growth to create responsible and well-rounded individuals. 

Misconception number four: Students in a boarding environment often lack independence

This couldn’t be further from the truth; boarding school actively promotes self-reliance and independence. When students live away from home, they are encouraged to take much more responsibility in their daily routines, manage time efficiently, and learn to make important decisions about their studies, free time, and additional activities. This set of skills that students acquire when studying at a boarding school is invaluable as they transition from school into university and their professional lives. 

Misconception number five: Boarding schools encourage an overly competitive environment

While academic excellence is a major priority at boarding schools, they strive to foster a supporting environment with a significant focus on collaborative learning. There is certainly no cutthroat competitive atmosphere but a dedication to personal growth. Due to the live-in nature of a boarding school, there is usually a lot of emphasis on the importance of teamwork, leadership, togetherness, and resilience, preparing them to accept both success and failure to help support them in all aspects of their lives. 

Misconception number six: Teachers at boarding schools can be unfriendly

There has been an ongoing assumption that boarding school environments can be harsh, but that isn’t true. Boarding school teachers are highly trained and dedicated professionals who actively engage on both personal and academic levels to promote a positive student environment. Boarding school’s primary focus is to create a community where everybody thrives, so the teachers are usually extremely friendly. 

Misconception number seven: There isn’t any fun to be had at boarding schools

Boarding schools focus heavily on providing a balanced and comprehensive approach to education, ensuring that students have access to multiple extracurricular activities and keep in high spirits throughout their stay. They are far from being dull or lacking in fun and have a perpetual focus on creating an enriching environment for everyone involved. 

Misconception number eight: Boarding school environments can be isolating and lonely for students

By no means will a student at boarding school ever feel isolated and lonely. Of course, they might miss home at the beginning, but it doesn’t take long to feel like part of a community. Boarding schools are strong communities that foster a sense of belonging among students. Everyone who attends will share wonderful experiences and develop lifelong friendships. The staff at boarding school go to great lengths to ensure the student environment is inclusive and welcoming and everyone feels connected and supported throughout their educational journey. 

Misconception number nine: Students at boarding schools lose touch with their families

While it is true that students will live away from home when attending a boarding school, it does not mean communication with their families is lost. In fact, boarding schools ensure that families are also part of the community and encourage everyone to get involved with extracurricular activities and school events. They also ensure that students maintain consistent communication, allowing them to stay connected with their families. 

Taking a look at the positives of a boarding school environment

Instead of focusing primarily on the myths about boarding schools, it is also essential to look at the positive aspects students and parents are likely to experience in a boarding environment. Boarding schools are private institutions with the funding, staff, and ability to create the best possible environments and outcomes for all children attending.  

Promoting holistic education – Boarding schools prioritise holistic education, providing a perfectly balanced mixture of academics, arts, sports, and extracurricular activities. This approach encourages students to develop a diverse skill set and a passion for lifelong learning.

Developing a sense of community – Living on campus is one of the best ways for students to create a true sense of belonging. They are constantly surrounded by support, whether from staff or peers. All aspects of living at a boarding school heavily contribute to a positive and nurturing environment.  

Multiple diverse extracurricular opportunities – At many boarding schools, students are likely to find a plethora of extracurricular activities to enjoy outside of learning. Thanks to the funding they receive, they are able to invest in the best facilities to offer a wide range for all students to enjoy. This promotes personal growth in many ways and allows children to explore numerous possibilities as they start to learn what they love. 

Real preparation for independence – Boarding schools like to promote an environment where students get to make decisions for themselves and develop an understanding of how to prioritise their free time. This significantly enhances their transition to university and beyond, allowing them to approach situations with knowledge, certainty, and consideration. 

The highest standard of teaching and mentoring – Boarding schools often boast incredibly experienced and highly qualified faculty who go far beyond the responsibilities of merely educating their students but also act as mentors to students throughout their entire school life. The close interactions between teachers and students allow them to personalise guidance and pay close attention to every student’s specific needs, nurturing both academic and personal development. 

Gaining global perspectives – At boarding schools, students are exposed to a diverse student body that brings multifaceted global perspectives to their learning environment. Boarding school graduates are renowned for having a much broader worldview and cultural understanding. This alone is a fantastic tool that helps them navigate an interconnected global society, giving them more opportunities than they are likely to have otherwise. 

Building resilience – Living away from home, adapting to communal living, and facing the challenges of school builds magnificent resilience in students. Boarding school experiences massively contribute to their adaptability, giving them the skills to overcome any obstacles they may face throughout their lives.

Find out more about how a boarding school can provide the best possible start to life

We hope to have dispelled some common myths that people often believe about boarding environments. Boarding schools are vibrant communities prioritising academic excellence, personal growth, fun, and engagement. If you want to learn more about what boarding schools can provide for your children, contact Bromsgrove International School Thailand today. We are proud to be one of the leading educational institutes in Southeast Asia, providing a robust curriculum to ensure students have the best possible start to life. Students at Bromsgrove have been achieving academic excellence for over twenty years and will be for many more to come. If you have any questions regarding our facilities, teachers, boarding, curriculum, or anything else, our highly trained faculty will be pleased to answer any of your questions. We can’t wait to help your child reach new heights of achievement. 

 

When preparing a child for any new school, it can be a little daunting, to say the least. New schools can be scary for parents and children alike, and approaching a new curriculum with different methods of learning and assessment can only add to this. So, how do you ensure your child feels ready and confident when transferring to an international school that uses the British curriculum? Throughout this article, we will walk you through what to expect from the British curriculum and how to support your child in the initial stages and throughout their education.

How the British curriculum is different from others

Whatever curriculums you or your child are familiar with will all be a little different. For example, IB schools focus on core elements such as essay writing and theory of knowledge, whereas the American curriculum will be less exam-based than others. So, what can you expect from the British curriculum?

Structure of schooling – The structure of the British curriculum usually has four stages.

  • Early Years Foundation (Ages 3-5): The primary focus in the early years of education is on communication and social, emotional, and physical development. Students will gain a basic understanding of mathematics, literacy, the world around them and art and design.
  • Primary Education (Ages 5-11): This is known as Key Stage 1 and 2. They will gain a better understanding of the core subjects as well as design and technology, geography, art and design, foreign languages, history, and music.
  • Secondary Education (Ages 11-16): Up to the age of fourteen, students focus on their subjects in greater detail; this is Key stage 3. Key Stage 4 is when students choose the subjects they will be taking for their GCSEs (The main assessment of secondary school).
  • Sixth Form (Ages 16-18): Students will then choose three or more subjects to study for their A-Levels. These qualifications are a prerequisite for university and are recognised and highly regarded in universities worldwide.

Assessment methods – During early years, assessments consist of formative observations and tracking students’ progress in all key areas. In Key Stage 2, they will sit their first summative assessments, which are called SATs (Summative assessment tests). In Key Stage 4, their GCSE assessment will combine coursework and end-of-year exams. Finally, they will focus heavily on their chosen subjects throughout their A-levels, completing detailed coursework and exams.
Marking – Marking for the British curriculum is usually done externally, which means that the student’s results will not be based on bias like they can in other schools. This means that the grades they receive were achieved correctly. This is one of the primary reasons why universities favour the British curriculum.

Supporting your child in the initial stages

It may seem a little much to take in all at once, but the best thing you can do is break it down and familiarise yourself with the particular stage your child will be studying. Understanding what they are about to undergo will undoubtedly help you support them before they join. Here are some ideas of how you can prepare your child before they start their journey with the British curriculum. 

Choosing the right time – This may not always be possible, but if it is, having your child start at the right time can make a massive difference. The best time for a student to start is the beginning of the academic year because they will be starting at the same time as many other students. If work or other commitments don’t allow this, perhaps waiting until a new term has begun will give them a better advantage.

Find out what you can from the school – To fully understand what your child will encounter at school, talk to teachers, faculty, and other parents to find out what you can. The more knowledge you can gather about the school, the better prepared you will be to support your child.

Discuss everything with your child before they start – It is important to ensure school isn’t an entire mystery to your child. Of course, there are certain things they won’t understand until they have arrived, but the more information you can give them, the easier the transition will be. Starting or changing school can be an extremely confusing and scary time for a child, so it is essential not to leave them in the dark.

Developing skills through everyday activities – Once you grasp the stage your child is joining, try to encourage learning in every way you can. If there is something you think they might struggle with, make it a focus and incorporate it into their daily life until their first day of school.
If English is not your child’s first language, start to incorporate it into their daily life – We understand that English isn’t always going to be the first language of students in an international school. However, it is essential for studying the British curriculum. Schools will offer language support, but the more you can include it beforehand, the better. This can be as simple as having English subtitles on when you watch a movie or play online educational games.

Encourage reading and literacy activities – A great way to build a child’s confidence is to keep them one step ahead with reading and other literacy activities. The more you can include this in their routine, the easier they will settle in when they start school.

Additional tips for supporting your child throughout their studies

As well as being aware of how you can support your child before joining a British curriculum school, it is also worth noting some things you can do to help them during their time there. Here are a few ways parents can support their children and make their school life as stress-free as possible.

Free time – Their life should not always be about studying. Of course, they will need to complete homework or coursework, but always allow enough time to unwind and reload. Overworking a child can have the opposite effect and make them struggle in school.

Routine – School can be stressful, so it is vital to keep a routine at home. Having set times for study, play, and evening meals can enhance a child’s energy and encourage them to persevere in their schoolwork.

Support – Everyone gets busy occasionally, but as often as we can, it is imperative to be there to support our children. Make sure they know that you are there if they need help with work or some emotional support.

Discussion – Factoring in a regular discussion about how school is going and figuring out where you can help can take much of the weight off them. If you haven’t talked about it in some time, it is always worth checking in.

If your child is starting or transferring, or you are considering enrolling them in an international school that follows the British curriculum, Bromsgrove International School Thailand is here to help. There is a mountain of information on our website, and if you would like to talk to a member of staff, we are always happy to chat. Choosing the right curriculum for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make, so leave no stone unturned.


For many children all over the world, transitioning from a life of online learning to being back in school is having a few negative side effects on their education. Whether it is the enjoyment of being back with friends or a lack of enthusiasm during the lockdown, it is clear that children may need some additional support in their learning. Often, the best way to get a child back on track is for parents to be actively involved in their education.
All children will struggle with at least one subject in school, so it is essential to know how parents can support their child’s learning at home. To some, it might be a worry not fully understanding the subject matter, but that is ok. Remember, you’re not playing the role of the teacher; you simply need to facilitate their learning in a fun and engaging way that creates a positive environment.
Today we will share some incredible tips for parents to support learning at home. Supporting a child’s learning shouldn’t be a strenuous task. Providing it is done correctly, it is an excellent opportunity for a parent and a child to bond and can massively increase a child’s success rate in school.

Don’t put too much pressure on them

The number one rule in supporting a child’s learning at home is to not put too much pressure on them. Opposite to what some believe, too much pressure on a child can slow down their learning and hold them back in subjects they either struggle with or are disinterested in. A child needs to feel like they want to learn. If they are going through a stage of not enjoying school, then it can be a parent’s time to shine and engage with them in a way that they prefer.
It is also important not to mistake pressure for encouragement. You need to be able to encourage them without setting targets too high or making them feel like they have let you down if they can’t achieve specific goals. Too much pressure on a child can have many negative results, such as struggling in school, lacking confidence, depleted enthusiasm, and adversely impacting mental health. Of course, we all want our children to succeed, but we need to take the time to get to know what ways work best for them when encouraging them with their learning.

Make it fun

As a parent, you have a lot of control in the fun department, and you can certainly use this to your advantage when it comes to learning at home. There are endless ways to do this, depending on yourself and your children, so you are sure to know best. However, we can all draw a blank from time to time, so here are some ideas to make learning at home fun:
On and off work and play – A simple technique is to set up a system where once the child has completed a certain amount of learning time, they are allowed to have the same amount of downtime. This can be repeated several times throughout the day.
Hands-on experiments – If your child is struggling with science or any other subjects you can find experiments for, this is a fantastic way to promote engagement.
Online gaming – There are websites where you can create online educational games based on the subject they are struggling with.
Out-of-house learning – It is a good idea to try and take your child on day trips to somewhere that might help with their education, or even take the schooling outside into nature and find a nice spot to sit and help them.

Arts and crafts – Many children respond well to creative projects. Even if the arts and crafts are not wholly related to the subject matter, they can work as a therapeutic tool to promote engagement and enthusiasm.
Collaborative projects – Instead of only being a facilitator, get involved with their schoolwork and work on some projects together.

Learn with them

Some parents might struggle with not understanding the subject matter themselves. Instead of this being embarrassing or holding you back from helping, you can use it as a tool to enhance the learning process. Going back to the subject of pressure, a brilliant way to relieve it and boost confidence for a child is to let them know they are not alone in struggling. Learning together with a child promotes healthy open communication and can allow the child to teach you too. As they say, the best way to learn is to teach. An additional tip, if you’re struggling to hold their attention, get them to teach you; most children will definitely embrace this opportunity.

Find resources

A wealth of online resources for learning and teaching lie at your fingertips. If there is anything you are unsure of when it comes to a specific subject, there will be something out there that suits both you and your child. Don’t hold back; spend a couple of hours internet browsing to determine what will work best for your situation. Once you find some good resources, supporting your child’s learning journey will be much easier.

Create a learning space

One helpful thing you can do is to create a space that is specific to learning. Both of you will find the time much more beneficial if there are no other distractions and you feel as relaxed as possible. This might be a spare room, but you can even do it within a section of a room in your home or even a garden or terrace. A neutral zone can work wonders in improving concentration and enthusiasm. Creating a learning space isn’t just about the area you use, either. It is essential to pick a time that suits you and your child. There is no point in trying to learn if there are distractions, so ensure the time you choose is perfect for giving your all.

Communicate with other parents and teachers

If you are struggling to find a method that works with your child, then talk to those around you. First of all, see what other parents are doing to support their child’s learning at home. Maybe they have found something that works brilliantly. Also, ask your children’s teacher’s what they would recommend. Teachers are highly trained in this regard and will be able to give you some incredible advice that you may not have tried yet. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice because you are guaranteed to be surrounded by a fountain of knowledge when it comes to your child’s education.

Try different teaching techniques

Not all methods are going to be perfect for you, so it is crucial to keep trying until you have found something that works best. Unfortunately, facilitating a child’s learning isn’t black and white, as all children are different and learn in their own way. When supporting a child’s learning at home, you will need to try and test various techniques until you have found the right one. There are many things you can do. One of the most common is scaffolding, where you teach a subject with slightly decreasing levels of support until the child has grasped the concept. Other children might prefer a project based learning approach where you both work towards a goal to achieve.
It is worth looking into the many different teaching and learning techniques to figure out which one would work best in your home. Thanks to the internet, it isn’t too difficult to find out what they are, and within moments of reading, you will be able to determine if it is suitable for your child. In addition, ask your child’s teacher what type of learner they are and what works best for them when they are in the classroom. However, seeing as you are not their teacher and they are at home, it will need to be adjusted slightly.

Need to know more?

If you would like to know more about how parents can support their child’s learning at home, feel free to contact Bromsgrove International School Thailand today. Our highly qualified and experienced staff have been providing an excellent education for students in Bangkok for over twenty years, so there isn’t much we can’t help you with. We would be thrilled to aid your child’s learning journey, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Need to know more?
If you would like to know more about how parents can support their child’s learning at home, feel free to contact Bromsgrove International School Thailand today. Our highly qualified and


Deciding on the right school for your children is no minor task. You need to consider its location, facilities, reputation, tuition fees, and, above all else, its curriculum. When it comes to curriculum, you will notice two programs that dominate the majority of reputable international schools. That is the British curriculum and International Baccalaureate. Today, we want to give you some insight, so you can gain some understanding of what they are and which one might be right for your child.
To start, we want to clarify that both of these models have a brilliant reputation throughout the academic world, but, unfortunately, neither is perfect for everybody. Not only is it important to consider which learning approach is more suitable for your child, but also, what can they get out of it. School curriculum’s primary function is to help a child excel beyond school and throughout their adult life, so which curriculum can carry your child furthest?

A brief introduction to both curriculums

British curriculum – This is based on the UK national curriculum. Assessment is taken in the form of exams and coursework through secondary (iGCSE) and sixth form (A-Level). It is renowned for its in-depth focus on specific subjects, flexibility, and being academically rigorous. Though it isn’t as widespread as IB, it is considered a top choice for gaining access to some of the best universities, specifically those based in Britain.
International Baccalaureate – This is a much more recent framework that was founded in Switzerland in 1968. It consists of three primary programs: Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and its Diploma Program (DP). It is a popular choice due to its holistic approach and focus on critical thinking. It is currently used in over 4000 schools around the globe and is geared toward international educational institutions.

The British curriculum’s pros and cons

Pros

  • Flexibility: When students reach secondary, they will have the choice of picking subjects to suit their interests and aspirations. For example, if a student wants to be an engineer, they can choose subjects such as maths and physics, whereas someone more inclined towards the arts may choose English Literature or Media Studies.
  • Recognition: Universities and employers around the world recognise these qualifications. The dedication needed to complete an A-level course is often commended, giving universities confidence in a student’s understanding of their subject.
  • Specialisation: Because students can pick subjects they are more interested in, the course material allows enough time to go into extreme detail. This allows a student to fully understand the subjects they are studying. There are no brief explanations in the British curriculum and no stone goes unturned.
  • Structure: with the assessments being primarily exam based, it provides a clear and straightforward grading system that is much easier to revise. A promising aspect of grading is that it is marked by external examiners, so there is no bias, and you can be sure students have genuinely achieved their grades.

Cons

  • Not always holistic:Due to its rigorous focus on specific subjects, it doesn’t always explain how subjects are interconnected. Depending on the school, there can sometimes be a lack of community involvement and personal development.
  • Pressure: Due to grades relying heavily on the final examination, there can be a lot of pressure during the final months. This might create a lot of stress for students who don’t cope well with pressure.
  • Limited breadth: With a focus on a smaller amount of subjects, students might miss out on a broader education. It is important to make sure schools using the British curriculum also have extensive clubs and extracurricular activities to choose from.

International Baccalaureate pros and cons

Pros

  • Critical thinking: one of the most beneficial factors of an IB curriculum is the emphasis on critical thinking. Students are encouraged to make decisions backed by evidence and always question the sources of knowledge.
  • Holistic approach: IB also focuses on a student’s overall development, rather than solely academics. This might include personal growth, social development, community involvement, sports activities, and academic achievement.
  • Research skills: During the final year of the IB program, students are required to produce a large essay where they will need to put their research skills and critical thinking capabilities into practice. Over the years, students learn numerous skills to work towards this goal.
  • Breadth: the curriculum ensures a rounded education that touches on multiple subjects. Though it may not go into extensive detail on particular subjects, it gives students a taste of everything.
  • Worldwide recognition: Universities and institutions around the world value the IB curriculum. Many across Europe will have entry requirements tailored to the program.

Cons

  • Complexity: Multiple components to IB can make the grading system intricate and difficult to fully understand. It can be difficult juggling so many different subjects at the same time.
  • Little specialisation: While many subjects are explored, it doesn’t go into a level of detail near that of A-level or iGCSE courses.
  • Intensity: Students often find the breadth of subjects and multiple examination techniques extremely intense and demanding.

Want to know more?

While both of these curriculums have their strong points, there are some crucial things to consider. The best thing to do is to talk to a school in person and find out what they can offer. Often, international schools will follow one curriculum, but take some positives from others and blend them into their teaching practice. For example, a school may teach the British curriculum with a holistic approach, a broad selection of extracurricular activities, and a focus on critical thinking. If you would like to find out more about what curriculum would suit your child best, feel free to contact Bromsgrove International School. We are proud to have been producing excellence for over twenty years, and our highly qualified staff would be happy to answer any of your questions. Remember, when making such a big decision, accept all the guidance you can get.


Extracurricular activities (ECAs) can play a vital role in a student’s growth and development. These activities are additional subjects that a student can participate in outside of regular school hours. They help students discover their passions and learn new skills, giving them a feeling of purpose and help increase self-esteem. Not only do ECAs promote positive growth, but they can be helpful when it comes to university applications. When a university sees these additional subjects on a student’s resume, they know that the student is driven, passionate, and suitable for further studies.

Today we will talk about the many benefits of taking part in ECAs, why it is important to encourage them, how they help with further education, and give you an idea of the kind of ECAs you will expect to find in an international school.

What are the benefits of extracurricular activities?

Improves academic studies – We know that it might sound a little contradictory, but extracurricular activities really do help children to excel in academics. Rather than dividing a child’s attention, the much-needed break from studies improves their focus during school. In addition, when a child finds something they are passionate about, it promotes a sense of purpose and creates a positive outlook towards all aspects of their daily lives.

Enhances their social skills – Joining an extracurricular activity not only means learning a new skill, but it involves becoming part of a group where all students will share similar interests. This doesn’t just go for sports ECAs, either. Even learning a musical instrument means being part of a team. This environment can work wonders on a child’s social capabilities.

Boosts confidence – At some point, all parents have probably witnessed their child’s confidence levels drop from not achieving the desired grade or being unable to do something others can. Exploring various options for extracurricular activities can ensure that a child finds something they enjoy and be good at. This can be highly confidence-boosting for children, which in turn, helps with their studies and other aspects of their lives. When people lose confidence in one thing, it can often lead to losing it in another. Maintaining a high level of confidence in students through ECAs can keep them motivated to stay on top of their studies and be generally happier.

Allows them to explore new hobbies and interests – The great thing about ECAs is that a child can take their time to explore various options until they find something they love. If a child decides they do not enjoy the ECA they have chosen, nothing is stopping them from picking another, and another, until they can settle for one that suits their interests. Often, we see students explore multiple ECAs and finally fall in love with the one they least expected.

Discover a world beyond school – As adults, we are very aware of the importance of a good education. Unfortunately, not all children see it this way. School can be a difficult time, often leaving them feeling tired and overworked. Of course, this isn’t because it is tiresome or arduous; it usually comes from a lack of choice and feeling like it is all there is to life. Allowing a child to get involved in ECAs gives them the freedom they desire to explore a world outside of school. This can have an incredible impact on a child’s energy levels and increase productivity elsewhere.

Develops time management and self-motivation – It can be surprising how a child’s time management is enhanced when they are driven by an activity they want to do. Extracurricular activities can give a child the motivation they need to dramatically improve their punctuality. For example, if your child struggles to get up for school in the morning, giving them a reason to want to get out of bed is the way to go.

How can extracurricular activities help with a university application?

It might not be a necessary part of the criteria to get into university, but they generally favour applicants who have taken part in ECAs. This is because they can show the university more about the applicants’ character, interests, achievements, and motivation. This can tell them how a student is likely to contribute to their community. When university courses have limited placements, extracurricular activities can give a positive insight into the student’s personality, giving them the upper hand.

What extracurricular activities are good for children?

The only person who can make this decision is the child. There are a number of options out there, so it is good to let them see them all before making any decisions. Here are a few popular choices to give you an idea of what subjects and activities you are likely to find when exploring ECA options in an international school.

Sports – These are a very popular choice with students and are almost guaranteed to build social skills and confidence and give them a sense of achievement. Popular sports ECAs include football, basketball, swimming, golf, and cricket.

Performing arts – Being involved in performing arts is a fantastic way for children to express themselves, make friends, improve self-esteem, and discover a new passion.

Learning a musical instrument – Learning an instrument is a great way to improve motivation, time management, and patience and feel proud of their achievements.

Clubs and Societies – A popular choice for extracurricular activities is joining debate societies, chess clubs, maths clubs, and so on. These clubs and societies allow a child to take their skills further by participating in country-wide or even international competitions.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn more about available extracurricular activities and their benefits for your children, contact Bromsgrove International School Thailand today. BIST is proud to host over 40 extracurricular activities for its students. Our experienced team can give you all the help and information you need to help you make the right decisions for your child to excel. So, get in touch, and let’s achieve excellence together.

The first time you wave goodbye to your children during that all-important leap into the world of university can be a daunting feeling. Wondering if they are equipped with the physical and emotional skills they need for a life of independence is sure to be a looming thought.

Fortunately, there is no better place to prepare a child for this stage of their life than boarding school. Boarding schools provide so much more than an education; they offer a supportive environment that promotes the growth and development a child needs to tackle any real-world situation. As a result, your child will be fully ready for whatever life throws at them and have an air of confidence and self-assurance that most students are still yet to achieve.

In short, boarding school can be the best place to prepare your child for university. But, as well as preparing them, they are also an incredible place to reassure parents and guardians, making the move to university a much more fun and relaxing experience where you can focus less on worrying and more on cherishing the moment.

What will a boarding school environment do to help prepare for university?

Firstly, boarding schools will guide students to be proficient in self-management. It is one of the only places a child will learn to manage their time correctly and become familiar with routine and household tasks. On top of this, the social aspect of a boarding school environment will provide tremendously positive emotional development, so there is no need to worry about them struggling to make friends when they start uni.

What life skills will a boarding school provide?

Of course, there are the basic skills needed to get by in day-to-day life, such as self discipline, punctuality, and time management, but boarding schools will offer so much more. One of the best things about boarding is being surrounded by highly trained and experienced educational staff that will know precisely what their students need to be ready for anything, especially university.

If a child is struggling in any aspect of their life, the staff and teachers will be there to help them. This can range from emotional support and counselling to baking cakes or academic development/tutoring. The list really is endless when it comes to equipping a child with the skills needed to thrive in life beyond school.

Further thoughts

As you can see, there is really no place like boarding school to prepare a child for university. If you want your child to be confident, independent, socially equipped, and ready for life at university, there is no better way. At Bromsgrove, we genuinely believe in achieving excellence together, and thankfully, we have the staff and facilities needed to do just that.

If you would like to know more about our boarding school or onsite facilities across our campus in Thailand, then don’t hesitate to get in touch today. We are highly experienced and dedicated to providing an environment that promotes academic and mental growth for every one of our students. We are now in our 21st year of providing excellence and preparing children for the next cornerstone in their lives. If anyone knows exactly how to prepare a child for university, it is undoubtedly Bromsgrove International School, Thailand.

When considering boarding school, feelings can easily be mixed. It is a tremendous step for both the children and guardians involved. You might ask yourself how being away from home is going to be better for your child. Well, boarding school can actually work wonders for a child’s development and success in later life. Today, we are going to focus on some of the major areas of growth that are dramatically enhanced in students who attend boarding school. We will also go into detail about what we think the five main benefits are for children who attend boarding school. We have seen an abundance of success at Bromsgrove International School, so if you are undecided about boarding school, maybe this can help.

1) Social Capabilities

One thing that everyone worries about concerning their children’s school life is how they are getting on socially. It is easy for children to be shy or lack confidence in social situations. Partly, this can be as simple as being unfamiliar with such a social environment. Children at boarding schools rarely struggle with this because they are surrounded by opportunities to socialise in so many ways that they will quickly excel in their social capabilities. Here are a few reasons why boarding school benefits a child’s social skills.

Making lifelong friends – Boarding schools allows children the opportunity to truly get to know each other. This means that the friends they make are far more likely to stick together and be with each other for life.
Building confidence – Because children will constantly be in a social environment, they become familiar with all kinds of social situations. This creates an incredible amount of confidence early on.
Team working skills – When students are at boarding school, they will learn how to work together much better. This is down to their living situation, extracurricular activities, playing sports, studying together, and going on field trips.
Exposure to different cultures – Children will be introduced to other children from entirely different backgrounds. This sort of exposure is excellent for familiarising children with foreign countries and cultures, creating a well-rounded individual.
Networking beyond school – A combination of all these factors not only means socialising in a friendly way but having the skills to network beyond school and stand a better chance of a successful future.

2) Mental and Physical health improvement

Boarding schools provide everything a child needs to improve both their mental and physical health. Contrary to common belief, children who attend boarding school will leave more grounded and emotionally ready for the real world than anybody else. On top of this, they will have the privilege of a number of healthy habits to take with them into adulthood.
Developing a structured life – This is something that even adults can struggle with. Boarding school students will be so familiar with a healthy lifestyle structure that anything else will seem obscure. This can have fantastic benefits on mental health, personal development, and motivation.
Having a varied and healthy diet – At boarding school, children are provided with a healthy and nutritious diet, with a variety of meals that they might not get at home. This will help with both physical and mental health and also help them develop their tastebuds.
Getting exercise – One of the biggest bonuses is the options for exercise and how it is incorporated into every student’s routine. Forming these habits in early life will increase the chances of living a healthy lifestyle beyond school.
Having a sense of belonging – The social network at a boarding school will give children a sense of belonging that they won’t get anywhere else. This is a great way to build self-worth and confidence.

3) Academic excellence

It is no surprise that students who attend boarding school are often much higher achievers and excel academically. This is partly because boarding schools are able to pick the best curriculum, but there are also many other factors why this might be.
Access to the best facilities – As a boarding school is funded differently than most schools, they are able to build a campus with the best facilities you can get. From science labs to performing art spaces, a boarding school will provide children with a chance to explore their subjects in detail.
Ample supervised study time – During the evenings, boarding schools will ensure a supervised time when students can do their homework and study. Having this daily study slot is a great way to increase their chances of success.
Additional educational opportunities – Children also have access to additional educational opportunities such as debate and maths clubs or even a chance to enter nationwide competitions in certain subjects, giving them an abundance of additional practice and revision.
Constant peer support – Students are constantly surrounded by their peers, meaning that they always have a support network around them. Sometimes, it can be difficult for children to approach their teachers if they are struggling, so having this network is a massive help.

4) Around-the-clock support

Even when students find themselves struggling at boarding school, they will have the privilege of twenty-four-hour professional support workers who know precisely what is needed for them to feel fantastic within no time. Here are some of the ways a child is supported at boarding school.
Guidance counsellors – Whenever a child is lacking direction or feeling down, trained guidance counsellors will be able to provide the support to figure out why they feel this way and improve it.
Student academic support – If a student is struggling academically, they will be provided with a member of the academic support team who can guide them through their studies at a pace that suits them. With the help of educational support, every student has the opportunity to excel.
Onsite nurses – Whenever an accident occurs or a child feels unwell, boarding schools provide around-the-clock nurses who can make sure they are well looked after. Having onsite nurses means a child can receive medical attention much quicker than at home.

5) It is way more fun

Of course, as adults, we know that all of the above is significantly important in terms of a child’s growth and development. However, they might not always see it this way. One thing they will notice, though, is that a boarding school can be way more fun than a regular school. Once a child experiences the fun to be had at boarding school, they never want to go to an ordinary school again.
Some of the fun to be had involves regular weekend excursions, extracurricular activities, having more independence, and always getting to hang out with friends. When done right, boarding schools are an excellent place for a child to be, and they really will be the best times of their life.

Still undecided?

If boarding school is something you have been considering but you have more questions, talk to Bromsgrove International School today. We have been providing a world-class education to our students in Thailand for over twenty years. Our highly qualified staff will gladly talk you through every finite detail of our boarding school and its great benefits. School life at Bromsgrove International is one of the best that can be provided. We are constantly updating our facilities and curriculum to promote excellence in every one of our students.