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Asian University’s July International Summer University
Susan Joyce
Monday, July 5, was the start of the 2010 Summer
University programme at Asian University. A second programme will start in
August.
Beatrix from Austria.
The undergraduates and postgraduates from six different
countries will be together for three weeks for an Asian Experience based in
different parts of Thailand. Initially they are on the Asian University
campus, then after a weekend on Koh Samet, they stay at the Sea Breeze Hotel
in Jomtien. The next weekend is a visit to the north, to Chiang Mai, and
then the final week is based in Bangkok. With a variety of lectures, visits
and fun to look forward to, the participants are set to make the most of
their visit to Thailand.
The photographs show the first evening. After a welcome
dinner and a big welcome from University President Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya,
and the programme organiser, Keith Cheeseborough, the Bi Si ceremony was
held outside in the courtyard of the university. The stars shone down on the
group, as they were told about the significance of the string and enjoyed
the atmosphere with their new friends.
Dr Apichat and Julia.
Dr Vip.
Hands of friendship.
Eva (Austria), Aminath (Maldives), Tasha (Bhutan),
Beatrix (Austria) and Jenni (Finland).
Rotary youth exchange leader opens English school
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The head of the Rotary Youth Exchange program for
District 3340 celebrated her 37th birthday by doing what she enjoys
most: helping children advance their educations.
In her welcoming speech, Onanong said the school is
aimed at students whose English-communications skills have started to
backslide due to shyness or other reasons.
Onanong Siripornmanut, a member of the Plutaluang
Rotary Club, used the occasion to mark the opening of On Academy, an
English-language school at Soi Sattahip and Sukhumvit 14 in Sattahip.
Opening ceremonies were held June 30 with monks and flowers at
Dhebprasart Temple.
In a welcoming speech to guests, Onanong said the
school is aimed at students whose English-communications skills have
started to backslide due to shyness or other reasons.
“With our Communicative Approach Technique, there are
some things that can be done for students to feel more comfortable and
confident,” she said. “Until recently the only way of getting correct
training was through experienced teachers and English language centers.
On Academy now gives you another choice.”
Onanong Siripornmanut solemnly performs a religious
ceremony to mark her 37th birthday and the opening of her new school.
Onanong began teaching English in Singsamut School in
1980 and was so good she was flooded with tutoring requests. When she
took early retirement, she decided to start her own school, as well as
assist students with the Rotary overseas exchange program, which
requires both verbal and written English tests.
The school offers private and group lessons by
“edutainers” in a homey setting and encourages students to use English
as much as possible. The academy also offers translation services.
“The edutainers are more flexible and can fill in
knowledge gaps, help students keep up or even jump ahead in their
studies,” she said. “Our edutainers form a mentoring relationship with a
child and take a holistic approach to improve understanding, motivate,
improve study skills, increase organizational skills and shift the child
towards a positive attitude. We want to help them to reach their full
potential.”
Rotarian friends wish Onanong much success with her
new school.
St. Andrews School joins “Plant one million trees for King” campaign
Andy Emery,
Geography Teacher at St Andrews School
St. Andrews International School joined the national
campaign of “Plant one million trees for HM the King”, when staff and
students planted 500 trees on their site. The campaign is designed to
plant one million new trees on behalf of His Majesty the King throughout
Thailand. It aims to highlight the concerns of deforestation that has
previously taken place in the country.
Jaena and Jasmine getting involved.
The Head at St Andrews, Andy Harrison says, “As soon
as we heard about the project we wanted to be involved. We want students
at our school to realize the importance of an eco-friendly society and
understand the part they can play in the future. We all know what a
beautiful country Thailand is and we need to do all we can to protect
it; the fact that it is the King’s campaign makes it all the more
special.”
Students and staff planted five different varieties
of tree around the site; three fruit bearing trees and two types of
hardwood. Seesa-ang, coordinator of the school project explains, “The
idea is for our students to look after their environment. Students will
plant and look after their tree and watch it grow with them as they
progress through school. After they have left St. Andrews, the tree will
be their lasting legacy.”
If anyone wants to find out more about the ‘Plant one
million trees for HM the King” campaign they can send the school an
email on [email protected]
Students carefully plant their trees.
Science trip reveals the wonders of the underwater world
Sharks, rays, turtles and coral
Snorkeling on an island with the Royal Thai Navy
SEALS.
Jasmine, Year 8
student at St Andrews School
Recently, Year 8 undertook an ecology field trip to
Underwater World in Pattaya. After leaving school we made our way to
Sattahip Natural History Museum, where we learned a lot about the Royal
Family, and the Royal Navy and what they do for Thailand. To make our
way to the museum, we had to climb around 300-400 stairs, by the end
some of us were crawling!
Looking for sharks at Underwater World.
During our visit to the museum, some of the Royal
Thai Navy SEALS took us on a boat to an island where we ate lunch. Then
we were taken on a boat where we could snorkel, amongst the most
beautiful coral. After the snorkeling, we made our way to Underwater
World, where we were staying the night. When we arrived, we were greeted
by smiling staff, and there was an opening speech by Khun Bernard (GM).
After we were put into groups, the boys who were diving, took off and
got ready to dive with Steve (our dive instructor) while the rest of us
did games and activities.
Students releasing turtles back into the sea.
Next it was the girls turn to dive, and they were
joined by Mr. Williams. After the diving we all had some supper and got
ready for bed. We slept in the tunnel, beneath the sharks, rays, turtles
and fish. Once the lights were turned off we could see all the fish
swimming restlessly. It was an amazing sight!
The following morning, we were showered and ready by
7:30 a.m. Most of us were up and about by 6:30 a.m.! Before breakfast we
had a goodbye speech from the general manger and staff from Underwater
World and after breakfast we made our way to the local turtle sanctuary,
run by the Royal Thai Navy. The Royal Family has asked the Royal Thai
Navy to care for and guard some islands for turtles as they are an
endangered species. We were shown around and luckily we were given three
baby turtles that we could release into the sea. Jade, Bright and Thomas
had the honour of sending the little turtles to their new life.
We all had a lot of fun; everybody left the trip with
smiles on their faces and memories that will last forever! A big thank
you to Mr. Williams, Mr. Frost, Mr. Langston, Mr. Mallia and Khun Lek.
Also a special thank you to Khun In for arranging the trip!
St Andrews selected to assist
in Thailand Education Hub Project
Mr Harrison leads a workshop for Thai teachers.
Andrew Harrison,
Head Teacher and Managing Director, St Andrews International Schools
Staff at St. Andrews International School, Green
Valley extended a warm welcome to the 40-member group of teachers and
committee members of Education Hub project from Narinukul School, Ubon
Ratchathani last week. The school is one of only 12 schools across the
country to be selected by the Thailand Ministry of Education to start up
a new international education section for Secondary departments this
year.
During the morning all involved were very
enthusiastic to share experiences and ideas. They agreed it was a very
valuable process and something that can be built upon further in future
meetings.
Andrew Harrison, managing director of St. Andrews
group of schools, chaired the workshops and gave a presentation on St
Andrews’ views on international education. The group also had time to
tour the schools facilities, met with staff and students and engaged
themselves in observation and discussions.
Mr Harrison said, “This visit builds upon our long
tradition of being involved in such projects. We are always keen to
learn from others and hopefully share some of our knowledge in our
pursuit of offering the best education we can. Thailand should be proud
of its Education Ministry for establishing such forward looking
projects.”
The morning was too short to take in everything and
will be the start of many more opportunities for the two schools to
exchange and share ideas. Further visits to both schools and exchanges
of students and staff will also be looked at in the future.
Thai teachers observe international education in
action.
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