Weekly Update #25, 13 March 2026

Inspire the Next Generation: Host a Year 11 Student for Work Experience

Our HeadStart community is filled with diverse and successful professionals, and we are looking to you to help inspire our Year 11 students. From 8-12 June 2026, we are running our annual Work Experience programme, and we need welcoming environments where our students can learn.

By hosting a student at your workplace, you provide them with an invaluable glimpse into the professional world. It is a fantastic opportunity for our parent community to actively participate in shaping the futures of our young adults and share the realities of your industry.

If your organisation can offer a placement for this one-week period, please reach out to Ms. Khan ([email protected]). Your involvement makes a significant difference to their educational journey and is greatly appreciated.

Celebrating Curiosity at the Year 7 Science Fair

Our Year 7 students have been exceptionally Inquisitive this term, and we are excited to showcase their hard work at the upcoming Science Fair. Please join us in the Secondary Hall on Friday 13th March from 14:20-15:00, to see their scientific explorations come to life.

Come Join our Term 2 Thai Culture Club

We are delighted to invite our Thai national students to join our Term 2 Thai Culture Club on Saturday, 21 March 2026, from 09:00 to 12:00 at our Cherngtalay campus. This special morning celebrates our local heritage through engaging and hands-on experiences.

If your child is interested in taking part, please contact their Thai teacher for further information and registration. We look forward to welcoming our students for a wonderful morning of cultural connection.

Russian Language Day Term 2

We invite everyone to celebrate Russian Language Day, which will take place at our Cherngtalay Campus on 28 March from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Program highlights:

• Talent show

• Workshops

• A shared meal

To participate in the talent show, prior registration is required, as the number of performers is limited by the duration of the event. Please make sure to register in advance.

We would greatly appreciate it if each family could contribute to the shared table by bringing a traditional dish or drink.

To attend the event, please complete the registration form. This will help us organize the celebration more effectively:

We look forward to seeing you!

Приглашаем всех желающих на День русского языка, который состоится 28 марта с 9:00 до 12:00 в кампусе Cherngtalay.

В программе:

• фестиваль талантов;

• увлекательные мастер-классы;

• cовместный обед в тёплой и дружеской атмосфере.

Для участия в шоу талантов необходима предварительная регистрация, так как количество выступающих ограничено временем проведения праздника. Просим зарегистрироваться заранее.

Мы будем признательны, если каждая семья внесет вклад в общий стол, подготовив традиционное блюдо или напиток.

Для участия просим заполнить регистрационную форму. Это поможет нам организовать мероприятие более эффективно.

С нетерпением ждём встречи с вами!

HeadStart Alumni Return to Share University Experiences

Sixth Form students recently welcomed HeadStart alumni Reece, Jasmine and Robert from the Class of 2022 back to school for a UPrep talk about the transition from school to university or in Jasmine’s case, vocational qualifications in the luxury yachting industry.

The alumni took part in a panel discussion where they reflected on their experiences of leaving Phuket, applying to university and adapting to life in a new country. They shared practical advice about the application process, the realities of independent study and the challenges of settling into a different academic and cultural environment.

Students heard about what surprised them most when moving abroad, the biggest culture shocks they experienced and the skills from school that proved most useful once they started university. The alumni also spoke honestly about the difficulties of leaving home and how they learned to manage independence and responsibility.
The session concluded with an open question and answer discussion, giving current Sixth Form students the opportunity to ask about university life, visas, settling into accommodation and what they should focus on now to prepare for the transition ahead. The UPrep Team

BTEC Curriculum Presentation

Thank you to the parents who joined our recent presentation on the BTEC curriculum. The session highlighted how BTECs provide a valuable, coursework-driven alternative to IGCSEs and A-Levels across subjects like Business, Sport, Applied Science, and Engineering. We also covered how this pathway equips students with crucial skills, such as critical thinking and time management, directly supporting our 100% pass rate and helping graduates secure placements at top universities globally.

Thai Parent s assembly BTEC curriculm at HeadStart

Upcoming Tuesday Parent Meetings

We warmly invite parents to join our upcoming Tuesday morning meetings at the Chaofah City campus. Over the next few weeks, we will be hosting informative sessions in the Primary Hall from 08:30, covering a range of important topics to support your child’s journey. Join us to discover effective strategies for managing online safety at home for Primary students and attend a dedicated Thai-language workshop focused on navigating teenagers and mental health. We look forward to welcoming you to these sessions to share valuable insights and connect with our school community.

UPrep Parent Talk: Navigating UK and Netherlands Universities

We warmly invite you to our next UPrep Parent Talk in the Secondary Hall on Wednesday, 18th March at 08:30, focusing on university pathways in the UK and the Netherlands. Held every other Wednesday, these regular sessions are a key part of how we prepare students and their families for the next academic stage. This upcoming “By Parents, For Parents” session offers a special opportunity to hear directly from those who have recently navigated the university journey. We are honoured to welcome Mr Jazon Edouard, the school’s Founder and CEO and father of five, and Mr Nick Cunningham, whose son graduated last year and is now studying at the University of Leeds. Both will share their personal perspectives on supporting students through applications, preparing for the transition to university life, and the practical lessons they have learned, followed by a Q&A to help families effectively plan for life after school.

Navigating the Digital World: Combating Online Bullying Together

As our students increasingly navigate the digital world, protecting their online wellbeing is a vital priority for our school community. Online bullying, defined as ongoing hurtful behaviour towards someone online, can take many forms and severely impact a young person’s mental health. By understanding these challenges and proactively fostering safe digital environments, we can help our students feel secure, confident, and supported both in and out of school.

Tackling this issue requires a collaborative approach between home and school. We encourage parents to stay vigilant by observing their child’s behaviour after using technology and noting any signs of anxiety or withdrawal. Keeping the lines of communication open is equally important; regular, non-judgemental chats about their digital lives can make it easier for children to open up if an incident occurs. Furthermore, empowering your child to use online reporting tools or block offenders gives them a sense of control, while reinforcing that you are always there to support them.

We understand that managing these online challenges can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate them alone. To provide ongoing support, we have attached a comprehensive guide from National Online Safety this week, offering practical tips on how to identify and combat cyber-bullying. If you have any immediate concerns about your child’s online wellbeing or would like further guidance on supporting them, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Cusworth ([email protected]) at any time. We are always here to support you and your family.

Jessica Manton – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 7

We are delighted to share that Jessica Manton has received an excellent set of university offers to study Contemporary Music Performance and related courses in the UK. These include offers from BIMM Brighton, Bath Spa University, Goldsmiths – University of London, the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) London and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. These offers recognise Jessica’s dedication to developing her musical ability and creative performance skills throughout her time at school.

Since joining HeadStart in August 2019, Jessica has demonstrated a strong commitment to music and the performing arts. She has developed her musicianship through regular drum and piano lessons and achieved notable success through school music events, including placing second in Battle of the Bands. Her creative contributions have also been recognised with two CAPA HeadStart awards and multiple Student of the Month awards. Jessica’s wider achievements include receiving the IGCSE Travel and Tourism Subject Award and completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, where she also took on the role of team leader.

Beyond her academic studies, Jessica has been an active member of the school community. She contributes through volunteering, including supporting younger students in Reception and Early Years and participating in beach clean initiatives. She has also gained valuable practical experience through work experience at NH Boat Lagoon Resort, further developing organisational and communication skills relevant to her interest in events management. Congratulations to Jessica on this impressive range of offers. We wish her every success as she prepares for the next stage of her journey in music and the creative industries.

Matilda Wright – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 12

We are delighted to share that Matilda Wright has received an impressive set of offers to study Criminology and related subjects in the UK. These include offers from the University of Exeter, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

During her time at HeadStart, Matilda has developed a strong academic interest in criminology and psychology. She is currently completing an Extended Project Qualification exploring the impact of eyewitness testimony in legal trials, demonstrating thoughtful research and analytical thinking around real-world legal issues. She also won the Apprentice challenge in Y12 with Bain & Co.

Beyond the classroom, Matilda has contributed to school life through her involvement in Student Council and participation in the Football Academy and football ECA. Congratulations to Matilda on receiving this excellent range of offers. We wish her every success as she prepares to begin the next stage of her academic journey in criminology.

Global Flavours and Outstanding Performances

What an incredible celebration of our diverse global community at our recent International Day! The atmosphere was vibrant from start to finish, filled with fantastic community spirit and an amazing array of international food shared generously across the cultural tents. It was a joy to watch our students and community members take to the stage, delivering outstanding traditional performances that truly showcased the rich tapestry of cultures we have here at HeadStart.

A massive thank you to everyone who made this event such a resounding success. To the parents who dedicated their time to organising the community tents, the students who practised tirelessly for their performances, and the staff who helped coordinate the day, your hard work and collaboration are what make our school so special. Thank you for coming together to celebrate our diversity and for making it a truly fun and unforgettable afternoon.

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: International Day 2026

24 Hours to Make a Difference: A Triumph of Community and Sport

Thank you to all the Academy athletes, coaches, and parents who rallied together for our ‘24 Hours to Make a Difference’ event at the Chaofah City Campus. From the AquaPanthers swimming through the night to our football and basketball academies competing tirelessly throughout Saturday, the dedication shown by our students was an excellent display of resilience and teamwork. It was rewarding to see our community unite at the culminating BBQ, celebrating these sporting achievements while successfully raising vital funds for the Life Home Project to support vulnerable children and families here in Phuket.

We are proud to announce that the total raised was a fantastic 355,700 Thai baht. This money will be delivered to our chosen foundation – Life Home Project – so that they can begin the urgent work needed on their facilities. Congratulations to the following students who managed to contribute the highest donation for their respective academy:Swimming – Aisha (7 Blue Cherngtalay) and Lissy (10 Blue Chaofah City)
Football – Kaitlyn (10 Blue Chaofah City)
Basketball – Phoenix (6 Blue Chaofah City)

Check out the video below for the highlights of one of HeadStart’s most exciting community events of the year!

Science Club

Our Science Clubs offer a wonderfully engaging environment where students can explore the world through fun and surprising experiments. Each week, these hands-on trials allow our young investigators to tackle complex ideas in an accessible and highly enjoyable way. These practical sessions are a highlight for many students, providing a space where natural curiosity leads to exciting weekly discoveries.

Aqua Panthers Secure Second Place at BISP Invitational

This past weekend, 102 of our Aqua Panthers competed in the BISP Sea Eagles Invitational against 16 teams from 8 different countries. Our swimmers delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd overall with a massive 1,724 points. A true testament to the daily dedication of our athletes and coaches, the team broke an incredible 14 school records and secured numerous personal best times across the weekend.

A special congratulations to our High Point award winners:

• Alisa (4 White Chaofah City): 1st place, 8 & Under Girls

• Yasmin (7 Yellow Chaofah City): 1st place, 11-12 Girls

• Fima (8 Blue Chaofah City): 2nd place, 11-12 Boys

• Lochy (4 Blue Cherngtalay): 3rd place High Point, 8 & Under Boys

We are incredibly proud of the effort and determination shown by every swimmer, and we extend a huge thank you to the families who came to support them. We look forward to seeing everyone poolside for the PISAC Championships on the weekend of 8-10 May! Coach Brown – Head Swim Coach

Foundation & Primary Swim Galas

This week, we had a fantastic series of Swim Galas across the school, with events for Foundation children and Years 1, 2, and 4. Each day brought great excitement to the pool as our swimmers raced, cheered on their teammates, and showed wonderful determination in the water.

It was fantastic to see so many swimmers giving their best effort in the water. A special congratulations goes to Alisa (4 White) who broke the Year 4 Girls 25m Breaststroke school record—an incredible achievement!

We also had some great team competitions throughout the week. Congratulations to all of our teams for their enthusiasm and support of one another.

Team Results:

Reception:1st – Red Phoenixes, 2nd – Green Dragons, 3rd – Blue Tigers, 4th – Yellow CheetahsEarly Years:1st – Yellow Cheetahs, 2nd – Red Phoenixes, 3rd – Blue Tigers, 4th – Green DragonsYear 1:1st – Blue Tigers, 2nd – Red Phoenixes & Green Dragons (tie), 3rd – Yellow CheetahsYear 4: 1st – Red Phoenixes, 2nd – Green Dragons, 3rd – Blue Tigers, 4th – Yellow Cheetahs

A huge thank you to all of the parents who came to support, as well as the timers, teachers, and coaches who helped make these events run smoothly. These events take a lot of teamwork, and we truly appreciate everyone who helped make the week such a success.

It is always wonderful to see our swimmers growing in confidence and skill each year. We love watching them become faster, stronger, and more excited about being in the pool.

We look forward to finishing the year with our Year 3 and Year 5 Swim Galas in June, which will be another great opportunity for our swimmers to shine.

Thank you again for your support, and congratulations to all of our swimmers!

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Swim Galas 2026

HeadStart Students Selected for Provincial Thai Etiquette Competition

The Thai Department proudly hosted its annual internal Thai Etiquette Competition on 6 March, 2026. This cherished tradition celebrates the grace and beauty of Thai culture, encouraging students to express the finest Thai values, cultivate self-discipline, and preserve Thailand’s rich cultural identity. The selected students will go on to represent the school at the Provincial Level Competition:

• Reception: Bhudyn, Jayden, Patrick, Patther, Phoebe, Annabelle, Nari, Khongkwan, and Prim

• Upper Primary: Tiger, Puth, Legend, Sophie, Vale, and Proud

• Lower Secondary: Pumpkin, Tonboon, Khunpon, Sophie, and Alicia

A special thank you to Khun Nannapat and Khun Warangrat, our HeadStart Thai parents, for serving as judges for this competition. We truly appreciate your time and dedication!

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Thai Etiquette 2026

Reading Buddies

Recently, Thai First Language students participated in special reading activities. This project provides a wonderful opportunity for Year 9 students to promote reading with Year 3 students. The older students read Thai stories to the younger ones, sharing life lessons about kindness and self-care. They also practised coaching skills by helping younger students with difficult words, explaining Thai idioms, and guiding them in reading comprehension and interpreting the meaning of the stories.

The activity also included a waste-sorting learning activity, connecting with the Year 3 topic on global warming while helping students learn new vocabulary and understand how to care for the environment. This project helps nurture Thai cultural values, empathy, and a caring relationship between older and younger students.

Year 9 went all out! They not only read but performed a story for Year 3 students. They created costumes and props especially for this performance. The classroom filled with laughter and excitement—proof that a good story never gets boring. Since these activities, we’ve noticed younger students greeting their seniors in the hallways, which is heartwarming to see. Our students are truly connecting across grade levels.

A special thanks to Kru Fon, Kru Kan, and Kru Song for preparing and coaching Years 7, 8, and 9 for these wonderful activities.

Year 2 Discover Chinese Heritage Through Movable Type Printing

In the Year 2 Mandarin as First Language classroom, students began a unique cultural journey by exploring movable type printing, an invention from China 1,000 years ago. After learning about the history and principles of this traditional technique, the classroom quickly turned into a small printing workshop filled with curiosity and creativity. Working in groups, students carefully selected the character blocks, arranged them, applied ink, and printed classical Chinese poems onto paper. As the clear lines of poetry gradually appeared, the children’s faces lit up with excitement and pride. One student happily shared, “So this is how people printed books in the past!” Through this hands-on experience, students not only discovered the wisdom of traditional Chinese culture but also enjoyed the fun of learning through collaboration and practice. Wenhui Zhong – Mandarin Teacher

在二年级的中文第一语言课堂上，学生们开启了一场别开生面的文化体验之旅——探索中国一千年前发明的活字印刷术。在了解这一传统技艺的历史与原理后，课堂很快变成了一个充满好奇与创造力的小小印刷坊。学生们分组合作，小心翼翼地挑选字模、排版、上墨，再把一首首古诗印在纸上。当一张张清晰的诗句慢慢呈现时，孩子们脸上露出了惊喜与自豪的笑容。一位学生兴奋地说：“原来古人是这样印书的！”通过亲手体验，学生们不仅感受到了中国传统文化的智慧，也在合作与实践中体会到了学习的乐趣。

Year 1 Explore the Underwater World

The underwater world came to life for our Year 1 adventurers during their visit to the aquarium. The children were particularly captivated by the uniqueness of the axolotl and the variety of magnificent sharks they saw. Beyond the marine tanks, they also spent time observing various reptiles, allowing them to see the distinct characteristics of different animal groups firsthand. This hands-on experience perfectly complemented our science lessons, turning classroom definitions into real-world observations. The Year 1 Team

Tourism Advert Design – Learning at the Pool

This week, our Year 11 BTEC Travel & Tourism students took their learning outside the classroom and down to the swimming pool!

As part of their marketing unit, students took on the role of a marketing team tasked with promoting a brand-new water park. Working in groups, they designed their own water park concepts and then created and filmed a TV-style advertisement to promote their attraction.

Students used a range of creative filming ideas including diving, water polo, and volleyball to bring their adverts to life. By using the pool environment and their imagination, they were able to create exciting and engaging adverts while demonstrating their understanding of key marketing skills.

It was a fun and practical way for students to apply their learning and showcase their creativity in tourism marketing. Mr Kasim – BTEC Travel & Tourism Teacher

Celebrating Student Success at the International Biology Olympiad

Almost 120,000 students took part in the International Biology Olympiad from over 1800 schools worldwide. Of the 12 HeadStart students who took part, three achieved the Bronze awards, putting them in the top 40% of students worldwide, and one student, Conor, attained a Gold award which puts him in the top 5% worldwide!

The International Biology Olympiad is a well-regarded competition that is run by the university of Warwick and the Royal Society for Biology. Any student who took part received a one year membership to the Royal Society of Biology and was able to answer incredibly difficult, approaching university-level biology content, showing adapt problem-solving skills and logical reasoning.

Our biology team are incredibly proud of all the Year 12 & 13 students who took part. The Biology Olympiad is aimed towards Year 13 students, so having two Year 12 students also take part and achieve a bronze award shows fantastic achievement. Well done to our Biology Olympians! The Secondary Science Team

Sign Up for Phuket’s Premier Running Event

We are delighted to share an opportunity for members of the HeadStart community to join one of Phuket’s most popular international running events – the Phuket Laguna Marathon. Organised by one of our very own HeadStart families, this year’s event promises to be a wonderful celebration of community and fitness with options for all the family. Taking place over the weekend of 13-14 June 2026, there are shoter distance races for young runners and those new to the sport, while the main event will take place in Sunday 14 June. Scan the QR code in the poster and use the the code to get a special 10% discount on the registration available to all HeadStart families.

A Night of Theatre for HeadStart Families: “The See Saw Tree”

HeadStart families are warmly invited to enjoy “The See Saw Tree,” a beloved environmental play brought to life in a special co-production by Theatrix Thailand and The Litter Club. Running at Junkyard Theatre (next to IKEA) from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on April 30, as well as May 1, 3, 7, 8, and 10, this inspiring production blends storytelling, music, and live theatre. It is a fantastic opportunity for our community to enjoy an evening out while exploring important themes of environmental responsibility. Tickets are 500 THB for students and 650 THB for adults, with a 10% discount for groups of ten or more. For details or to book, please visit www.thelitterclub.org/events or contact Joel (0936 490 066) or Josh (0966 396 252).