Chaofah City
Chaofah City
Weekly Update #6, 27 September 2024
Announcements
Thai University Fair
We are excited to invite you to the Thai University Fair on Friday 4th October 2024 at our Chaofah City campus. This annual event is a unique opportunity for both parents and students to meet with representatives from leading Thai universities.
At the fair, you’ll have the chance to ask questions about course options, admission requirements, and explore various academic pathways, gaining valuable insights into your child’s future university journey.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/RqxKfUNbrdcBXKTw9
Event Details:
📅 Date: 4th October 2024
⏰ Time: 08:30 – 11:30
📍 Venue: School Sports Hall
We look forward to seeing you there!
HeadStart English Camp
The 2nd HeadStart English Camp will take place tomorrow, Saturday 28th September, at HeadStart Chaofah City campus with over 300 students from Thai schools who will be joining.
We are really excited and are looking forward to welcoming everyone tomorrow.
Friday Market Next Week
With over 20 vendors already booked for next Friday’s Market, it promises to be a big community event! We look forward to seeing you in the Atrium on Friday 4th October from 2:40pm.
Mandarin Language Day @ Chaofah City Campus
We are excited to invite you to a vibrant Mandarin Language Day event on Saturday, 5th October, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at HeadStart Chaofah City campus!
Upcoming Events
Yearbook Photoshoot 2024
Our annual photoshoot for the whole school yearbook is coming soon. This is your child’s chance to capture the smiles and laughter they share with their classmates and to preserve memories of friendships, achievements, and experiences at our ever-growing Cherngtalay campus. Our professional photoshoot will take place from Monday 7th October to Thursday 10th October. Your child’s homeroom teacher will communicate which day their class will have their photos taken. We look forward to capturing and sharing their bright smiles!
October Half-term Football Camp
Join our October Half-term Football Camp from Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th October (3 days) at HeadStart International School Chaofah City campus.
This is the perfect opportunity for players to play fun football and develop new skills in a positive environment.
Camp starts at 09:00am (drop off after 08:30am) and finishes at 2:00pm with lunch provided! Open to students in Year 2 to Year 8. Players will be split into the appropriate groups, depending on their age and abilities.
Expect high-quality coaching, lots of fun and medals to be won! To sign up please contact Head Coach Stef Frost [email protected]
Sign up today. Limited spaces available!
Meetings & Presentations
Thai University Applications & Admission Requirements meeting on 24.09.24
Thank you very much to our Thai parents for showing your interest and for attending the presentation regarding the Thai University admission and admission with our Thai management team this week. We hope you find the presentation informative and useful for you to plan for your child’s future studies.
Please find a copy of the presentation here:
Thai University Application Parent Meeting 24 September 2024
Parent Meeting: Introduction to the IGCSE Curriculum on Tuesday 1st October
We invite parents of Secondary students, especially Years 7 to 9, to join us for our latest parent meeting when our Secondary Academic team will talk you through the IGCSE curriculum and options for your child. We look forward to seeing you there! Tuesday 1st October 2024 from 8:15-9:15am in the Secondary Hall (on the 4th floor).
HeadStart University Fair 2024
On the evening of Monday 23rd September, HeadStart’s Chaofah City Campus buzzed with excitement as the annual University Fair took place, offering students a dynamic and insightful evening filled with opportunities, advice, and hands-on workshops.
At 5:30pm, the workshops began, with an impressive lineup of guest speakers and interactive sessions. From ‘Getting into Medicine’ to ‘What is Hospitality?’ sessions, students were spoilt for choice. Other highlights included the ‘Study in Spain, Study in Europe’, workshop, IELTS preparation, and hands-on sessions like the ‘Coffee Aroma Workshop’. Each session provided practical insights, tips, and tailored advice on various study pathways, helping students make informed decisions about their future.
Following this, the main event commenced at 6:30pm in the Sports Hall – the University Fair itself. With over 40 leading universities and organisations from across the globe, including St Andrews, Durham University, University of British Columbia, Arts University Bournemouth, and Monash University, students had the unique opportunity to meet representatives and explore a wide range of career and study options. Whether they were considering studying in Europe, Asia, North America, or closer to home, the wealth of information and guidance available was impressive.
By 7:30pm, the fair drew to a close, and as representatives packed away their displays, the students left with brochures, advice, and, most importantly, inspiration for their next steps in life.
HeadStart’s University Fair once again proved to be a pivotal event for students, equipping them with the knowledge and connections they need to pursue their dreams. A huge thank you to all the participating universities, speakers, prefect helpers, and staff for making the evening a success. The Sixth Form Team
Meet the Team
We are pleased to introduce you to our wonderful Secondary Pastoral Team who have the day to day responsibility of fostering a positive learning environment free from disruption. Ms Nikki Uhure (Assistant Head of Lower Secondary) and Ms Emily Graham (Assistant Head of Upper Secondary) lead the pastoral team at Chaofah City Campus and they have a wealth of experience having worked in pastoral fields at other international schools as well as schools in the UK. They have a love of learning and aim to inspire all students to be the best versions of themselves. They are supported by the Pastoral Coordinators (PCOs), who work more closely with students alongside our Homeroom Teachers to ensure every child at HeadStart has a personalised and fulfilling learning experience. The Lower Secondary PCO team are Mrs Davidson (Year 7), Mr Sumsion (Year 8), Mr Sadler (Year 9), and Ms Niemand (Year 10). The Upper Secondary PCO team are Ms Nacey (Year 11), Mr Guarino (Year 12), and Ms Tuppen (Year 13).
The Pastoral Team at HeadStart promotes an environment of respect, collaboration, resilience, and kindness whilst helping all students achieve their goals to their highest abilities taking into account the unique and diverse community that we have. The Pastoral team are here to support students, staff and parents and believe that communication is key. Feel free to contact any of the Pastoral Team members at any time.
House News
6 weeks into the new school year and we are excited to introduce a new feature to our Weekly Update – sharing the HeadStart Chaofah City Current House Positions! With a range of events successfully navigated by our House Teams so far, including but not limited to Weighing Your Waste, Giant Jenga, Capture the Flag and BURNBALL!, our Primary and Secondary students are contributing to the team effort. The Blue Tigers are out in front, with the Green Dragons and Yellow Cheetahs hot on their paws! The Red Phoenixes are not out of it yet though, so come on you Reds! Be inspired by your Red Phoenix teammates over at our Cherngtalay campus, who are currently in first place! There is still a long way to go before the Term 1 House Prize is awarded… Ms Norman – House Coordinator
PE & Sports News
Smashin’ It – Samui 7’s
Good luck to our HeadStart Chaofah City Panthers U15 Girls football academy squad who, at time of writing, are on their way to Samui and plan to smash it at this weekends Samui 7’s football tournament. Go Panthers! Mr Carter and Coach Frost – Director of Sport and Head Football Coach
First Game of the Season for Over 15 Girls
The first game of the season for our Headstart Chaofah City Panthers Over 15 Girls saw us host the UWC Senior Girls.
The same match up has always produced fantastic end-to-end games in the past and this one was no different! The HeadStart girls couldn’t have started the game any better and were quick to go ahead. Overall, a great game for both teams as they were challenged technically, physically and mentally due to both teams continually pushing to get the win. Great Work Girls! Coach Frost – Head Football Coach
Languages Department
Year 8 French Students Learn Through Play
This term, our Year 8 French students have been having fun while learning by playing a game called “One Pen, One Dice.” In this lively activity, students competed against their classmates to translate sentences into French on various topics we’ve studied so far, including school, subjects, teachers, and uniforms. The game not only encouraged healthy competition but also helped reinforce vocabulary and grammar in a dynamic way. It’s been a great way to combine language learning with fun, engaging all students in the process! Ms Rodts – French Teacher
Foundation
Stay & Play Mornings
Welcome, and thank you for joining us as we kick off the year with our theme, “All About Me.” It was wonderful to see parents and carers coming together, connecting, and building a supportive community. The children were excited to explore their classroom, proudly showing the independence they’ve developed as they navigated the space and demonstrated the friendships they’ve already begun to form. Their confidence and sense of belonging truly shone through, and it was heartwarming to witness.
A special thank you to all the parents for your participation and involvement in the activities. Your enthusiasm and support helped make the day even more special for the children, and we truly appreciate your positive energy. We look forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead, filled with growth, discovery, and memorable moments for both children and families alike. The Foundation Teaching Team
📷 Please find a full album of photos from each of our All About Me! Foundation Stay & Play events here:
Primary
Primary Stars of the Week
In this week’s Assembly, Primary Stars of the Week were awarded for the Learner Attribute of ‘Open-Minded’. Students were celebrated for many different reasons: being open to a change in their classroom routine, showing interest in those with different lives from them, taking part in a variety of ECAs, and trying new foods in the dining hall. Congratulations to all of our Stars of the Week! Ms Cusworth – Deputy Head of Primary (Pastoral)
Year 6 Learning About Living Things and their Habitats at Aquaria
During the Year 6 field trip to Aquaria, students focused on our science unit about living things and their habitats. They participated in a scavenger hunt, looking for different organisms and noting their characteristics. As they explored the various exhibits, they gained a better understanding of aquatic ecosystems. The experience allowed them to connect what they learned in class with real-life examples, making for an informative day. Overall, it was a valuable outing that complemented our studies. The Year 6 Teaching Team
Library News
We have selected a new group of library monitors who will help us enhance the library experience for all students. Their dedication and enthusiasm will play a crucial role in maintaining our library’s welcoming atmosphere.”
Congratulations to our new library monitors! Stella (5 Yellow), Lisa (4 White), Amy (4 Yellow), Nida (5 White), Serene (5 White) and Kim (5 White). Khun Mai – School Librarian
Primary Science VAPP Students Earning their Bunsen Burner License
Over the past few weeks, our Year 6 Very Able Pupils Program (VAPP) participants have been experiencing an exciting transition. These budding scientists have been stepping out of their regular classrooms and entering the world of secondary science. During this time, they’ve been learning essential lab skills and, most importantly, how to work safely in a real laboratory environment. Their hard work and dedication paid off this week when they were awarded their Bunsen Burner Licences. This achievement demonstrates that these young scientists have proven themselves capable of working safely and efficiently with lab equipment, particularly the iconic Bunsen burner.
To celebrate this achievement, our Year 6 VAPP students wasted no time putting their newly acquired skills into practice. Their first major investigation? Solving one of life’s most delicious mysteries: how to make the perfect cup of Milo! Through this investigation, students are conducting proper scientific experiments, gathering data, and exploring variables like temperature and mixing techniques—all while honing their ability to think like real scientists. Mrs Marsh – Head of Science
Secondary
Year 12 A Level English Students Get Performative
The obvious difference with drama vis a vis poetry and prose is that it has a dynamic performative element.
What better way for students to reflect on the importance of characters’ actions, reactions, stagecraft and the positioning of the audience than to engage with a text in a creative and collaborative way.
Thus, they performed the opening of The Importance of Being Earnest.
I wondered which Oscar Wilde quote best fit as an appropriate pairing with these photos and decided this one worked well: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” Mr. Pollicutt – Head of English & EAL
BTEC Travel & Tourism Receives Distinguished Visitor
HeadStart Chaofah City campus was privileged to welcome Mandy Shaw, a distinguished lecturer from HTMi Hotel and Management University, Switzerland, as a guest speaker for our BTEC students. Mandy delivered an inspiring presentation, reinforcing the immense value of the BTEC qualification. She highlighted how the practical approach and hands-on skills that students develop through the program are exactly what businesses are seeking in today’s competitive job market.
During her talk, Mandy shared invaluable techniques on how students can achieve high grades in their coursework, offering specific strategies to maximise their potential. Additionally, she provided a fascinating glimpse into life at HTMi University, showcasing the exceptional academic environment, the vibrant student community, and the numerous opportunities the university offers. It was an insightful and motivational session that left our students feeling empowered and excited about their future prospects. Ms Jones – BTEC Coordinator
English VAPP Students Reimagining the Present for the World Scholar’s Cup
‘Reimagining the Present’ is the enigmatic theme to 2024’s World Scholar’s Cup. This week, a number of excited new recruits joined the English VAPP to begin to explore the voluminous syllabus.
We started by considering a number of different reamigings of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. (1942). Whether one sees this painting as a homage to solitude or as a paean for a lost era of root beer floats, the odds are good that you see it often. However, perhaps less well known are the various, more modern takes on Hopper’s original, which led us to explore the question: what are the feelings conveyed in the painting and what modern ideas are these recast paintings seeking to explore?
| Are You Using that Chair | Banksy |
| Boulevard of Broken Dreams | Gottfried Helnwein |
| Nighthawks Revisited | Red Grooms |
| Nighthawks | Moebius |
Next week will get even more fun as the students start to develop their debating skills. Stay tuned for an update for when we will attend a regional event. Mr Pollicutt – Head of English & EAL
Student Success Outside School
Congratulations to Zeen (2 White) and Zen (5 White) for participating in the 5km Doraemon Run Thailand by MCOT held in Phuket on 14th September 2024.
Congratulations to Puff (5 Yellow) for reaching the semi finals of the Under 10 Singles tournament at the Thanyapura Youth Tennis Open over the weekend of 14/15th September 2024.
Congratulations to Pie (5 Blue) for being a semi-finalist in both the Under 10 Singles and Doubles at the Thanyapura Youth Tennis Open over the weekend of 14/15th September 2024.
To share your child’s success outside of school, scan the QR code and complete the form. We will invite your child to receive their reward at Monday Morning Flag raising and celebrate their success through our various media channels! We look forward to hearing from you.
Promotions from Around the Island
Important Dates
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