Weekly Update #30, 01 May 2026

Chaofah City Campus Parent Committee Term 3 Meeting

On Thursday 28 May, the Chaofah City Campus Parent Committee will hold their Term 3 meeting with the school’s management team. Should you have any questions you would like answered or points to be raised at this meeting, please contact the Parent Committee directly via email at [email protected] by no later than Wednesday 20 May. The Parent Committee looks forward to hearing from you and working with you for the betterment of our school and its wider community.

For more information about the HeadStart Parent Committee, its role and involvement in working with our school leadership, visit our website: HeadStart Parent Committee.

Don’t Be Late for a Very Important Date

Step through the looking glass and witness spectacular student talent as Alice the Musicalcomes to lifeat our Cherngtalay campus! With rehearsals now in full swing, our CAPA performers, Choir and Dance Company are demonstrating immense commitment by combining rigorous practice, creative set design and seamless teamwork to build a truly magical Wonderland on stage. To see this hard work pay off, secure your tickets today for an unforgettable evening down the rabbit hole!

• Date: Wednesday 13 May

• Time: 18:00

• Price: 300 THB

• Campus: Cherngtalay Campus

• Booking Form: Alice in Wonderland: The Musical

Parent Meeting: End of Year Assessments, Reports and Grades

Securing a clear picture of academic progress ensures teachers can target support, stretch capabilities and celebrate student achievement. To detail how we achieve this at HeadStart, we recently hosted a Primary Parent Meeting focused on our approach to assessment and reporting. Thank you to everyone who attended. For those unable to join us, we have attached the presentation slides outlining how we measure student learning against Age-Related Expectations (ARE).

The workshop helped explain how teachers monitor progress during daily lessons, alongside details about the upcoming Term 3 exams and standardised GL Progress Tests in English, maths and science. Students will take these assessments during regular school hours from 11 to 29 May. These final assessments help generate the Progression Markers and Effort grades featured in your child’s end-of-year report. Term 3 reports will be available on the parent portal on 23 June, ahead of our Parent Teacher Conferences on 25 June.

Parents Meeting Assessment and Reporting in Primary April 2026

Preparing for Oxbridge Success

Navigating the admissions process for the UK’s most prestigious universities is a complex but highly rewarding challenge. To support our families in this journey, we were delighted to welcome so many parents and students to our latest UPREP workshop for an inside look at the Oxbridge application process. Guest speaker and Oxford alumna Dr Siripattra Kusuwan Na-Ranong, alongside Year 13 student Conor, who recently celebrated receiving a successful offer from Cambridge, shared invaluable insights into navigating the unique collegiate systems, preparing for rigorous admissions tests, and mastering the tutorial-style interview process.

The session broke down the core components of a highly competitive application, emphasising the importance of strong IGCSE and A-Level profiles, independent super-curricular research, and targeted personal statements. As students begin to consolidate their university choices, we encourage them to log into Unifrog to explore recommended reading lists and to book a drop-in session with our University Counsellors to refine their applications.

Talk 14 2025 26 Applying to Oxbridge

Navigating the Dual Digital World: Russian Language Parent Workshop

Is your child safe in a “dual digital world”? In Phuket, students frequently navigate between global platforms like YouTube and Roblox and regional apps such as Telegram and VK. This dual-presence presents a unique set of modern challenges, both obvious and hidden. We invite you to a practical workshop exploring our “Digital Compass” for online safety. This session moves beyond theory to address the latest digital risks, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI), providing a practical toolkit to ensure security and balance at home.

• Date: Tuesday, 5 May

• Time: 8:30am to 9:30am

• Location: Chaofah City Campus (Primary Hall)

UPrep Drop-In Session

Gain expert guidance on your child’s higher education journey in a relaxed setting. Our University Counsellors invite parents to a UPrep Drop-In session on 6 May at 8:30am.

Hosted at Nakita’s Cafe on the first floor, this informal morning provides a dedicated space to discuss global university pathways, application strategies, and successful enrolment. Whether you are beginning to research options or need specific advice regarding top-tier universities, our team is available to answer your questions and help structure your child’s academic future.

Alexandra De Rosa – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 10

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Alexandra De Rosa, who has secured multiple offers to study in the creative and design fields at leading international institutions. Alex has received offers from SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences for Communication Design, ArtEZ University of the Arts for Cross Media Design, and IED for Graphic Design programmes in both Málaga and Barcelona.

During her time at HeadStart, Alex has consistently demonstrated creativity and passion for the arts. She has contributed to school productions through set and prop design, created visual materials for the music team, and explored the intersection of fashion and technology through independent research. Her artistic interests are further reflected in her engagement with art and dance, as well as customer service skills aquired completing work experience at the Pullman Phuket Panwa Hotel. A creative, motivated and resilient student, Alex approaches opportunities with enthusiasm and a strong desire to develop her skills across different media.

We congratulate Alexandra on her achievements and wish her every success as she continues her journey in the creative industries.

Soodpreda Srikatanyoo (Baimon) – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 9

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Soodpreda Srikatanyoo (Baimon), who has secured excellent offers in highly competitive healthcare fields in Bangkok. Baimon has received an offer from Mahidol University for Pharmacy and an offer from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) for Medicine, which is currently his preferred option.

Throughout his time at HeadStart, Baimon has demonstrated a strong commitment to the sciences, supported by his EPQ exploring the connection between neuroscience and personality, as well as valuable hands-on experience at Hua Hin Governmental Hospital. Alongside his academic work, he has contributed to the Sunny Side Up Project teaching English in local schools and completed both Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards.

We congratulate Baimon on his achievements and wish him every success as he prepares for a future career in healthcare.

Lighting Up the Dance Floor at Our Inaugural Junior Prom

Our inaugural Junior Prom for students in Years 7 to 9 at the Ramada Chaofah was a resounding success. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for students from both the Chaofah City and Cherngtalay campuses to come together in a celebratory setting, and it was fantastic to see the enthusiasm with which they embraced the “Northern Lights” theme. Students arrived dressed in a wide variety of creative interpretations, contributing to a vibrant and visually striking atmosphere throughout the evening.

We extend our sincere thanks to our Chaofah City Deputy Head Boy and Girl, Vlad, and Alicia, as well as Noumea and Fionn, our Cherngtalay Campus Head Girl and Head Boy, for their dedication and support in the preparation of the event. Their willingness to give their time earlier in the day to assist with decorating and setting up the venue played a significant role in ensuring the evening ran smoothly. In addition, they organised and led a number of engaging activities, including games such as musical chairs, which were thoroughly enjoyed by students and helped to build a sense of fun, inclusivity, and community.

Students also enjoyed the refreshments provided throughout the evening, with a selection of food and fizzy drinks available, allowing them to relax and socialise in a comfortable environment.

As the evening progressed, the event transitioned seamlessly into an opportunity for students to enjoy the dance floor. The energy and enthusiasm displayed during the dancing and singing towards the end of the evening reflected the positive spirit of the occasion and ensured that the prom concluded on a high note.

This first Junior Prom, designed specifically for Secondary students in Key Stage 3, marks an important addition to our school’s calendar of events. It was extremely encouraging to see how well the format was received, and we are delighted with its success. We now look forward to building on this momentum and hearing about the Senior Prom scheduled for next month.

📸 A full album of photos can be found here: Junior Prom 2026

Going Green and Growing Strong with FOBISIA

Collaborating with a network of British international schools across Asia ensures our community benefits from shared expertise and regional standards. As a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA), HeadStart connects with educational leaders to strengthen crucial practices in areas such as safeguarding, professional development, and student wellbeing. The latest FOBISIA newsletter highlights a growing regional commitment to environmental action and student voice. These wider themes closely mirror our own ongoing initiatives to reduce environmental impact, empower our students, and build sustainable habits across our school. Read the complete FOBISIA update via the link to discover more about the collaborative network supporting our students and staff.

Federation of British International Schools in Asia eMagazine: Issue 50

Navigating the Digital World: Combating Mental Health Misinformation

As children increasingly turn to digital platforms for information, equipping them to critically evaluate online content is essential for protecting their mental wellbeing. While platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer vast amounts of media, they also frequently host unqualified influencers sharing unverified mental health advice. This exposure can lead young people to misunderstand complex clinical terms, self-diagnose inaccurately, and adopt unhelpful coping strategies. By relying on digital content rather than expert support, students may inadvertently delay seeking the professional help they truly need.

Tackling this challenge requires a united front between home and school. We encourage parents to foster open, non-judgemental conversations about what their children are viewing online, helping them to discern fact from fiction. Jointly guiding young people to identify reliable, evidence-based sources builds their digital literacy, resilience, and confidence.

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 mental health misinformation online. If you have any immediate concerns about your child’s digital habits or wellbeing, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Cusworth ([email protected]) at any time. We are always here to support you and your family.

Panthers Teams Head to Bangkok Patana International 7s Tournament

Good luck to the eight HeadStart Panthers teams flying to Bangkok today for the Patana International 7s tournament, marking our largest touring group to date! The players have demonstrated excellent commitment during recent training sessions, fine-tuning their defensive strategies through valuable internal fixtures between our U11 and U13 squads. We are looking forward to two exciting days of competitive football, where teamwork, friendship and enjoyment will undoubtedly create fantastic memories on and off the pitch. Go Panthers!

Basketball Teams Ready for Two Weeks of Competition

Good luck to all our Panthers basketball teams competing at the PISAC Tournament in their respective age divisions over the coming two weeks. We look forward to seeing competitive action on the court, backed by our HeadStart supporters. Remember that teamwork, collaboration and sportsmanship are the keys to creating great memories. Go Panthers!

PISAC Badminton: North Campus Takes Gold on Home Court

The shuttlecocks were flying and the stakes were high at our Cherngtalay campus this week as the U13 PISAC Badminton Championship came to a thrilling conclusion. In a display of tactical depth and athletic prowess, HeadStart Cherngtalay officially claimed the championship title, while their counterparts from Chaofah City secured bronze with BCIS completing the medals taking silver.

A Test of Versatility

The tournament’s unique format pushed players to their limits. Each school fielded a balanced squad of four boys and four girls, competing across three disciplines: Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. The diversity of the events meant that success relied on the collective strength of the roster rather than individual players. Cherngtalay’s path to gold was built on strong performances across all disciplines. The doubles matches were a highlight, where student coordination and communication proved to be deciding factors.

Final Standings

While Cherngtalay team stood atop the podium, our Chaofah City players demonstrated strong resilience and teamwork to take home the bronze. This outcome cements the Cherngtalay campus as a rising powerhouse in the Phuket International Schools Athletics Conference (PISAC) and sets a high bar for the future at HeadStart international school’s sports teams.

Young Chess Strategists Shine in the Under 8 Category

Forty strategists brought their best tactics to the board during our recent chess tournament, maintaining a highly competitive atmosphere throughout the event. It was particularly encouraging to see 11 players in the Under-8 category showing focus, determination, and a willingness to compete. Following the matches, participants enjoyed a celebration for Georgiy’s birthday, making his overall tournament victory even more of a special occasion.

Congratulations to our top performers. Georgiy(6 Blue Chaofah City) secured the overall win (8.5), followed byBogdan(8.0, 6 Blue Chaofah City) andPoppy(6.0, 9 White Chaofah City), who also claimed the Best Girl title ahead of Eliana (3.5, 4 Yellow Cherngtalay) and Elsa (3.0, 2 Blue Cherngtalay). In the Under-8 category,Raphael (2 Blue Cherngtalay) took the lead (5.5), closely followed by Beatle (5.0, 2 White Chaofah City) and Misha (5.0, 2 Yellow Cherngtalay). Next on the board is our Parents, Teachers and Students competition in May, paving the way for the grand inter-school finale in June.

World Book Day Activities in the Library

Cultivating a lifelong love of reading was at the heart of our World Book Day celebrations during English Faculty Week. The library transformed into a space for literary exploration, challenging students to combine creativity with their knowledge of popular fiction.

Students grabbed their art supplies for “Add Your Own Cover to Your Favourite Book”, putting their own creative spin on the stories they love most. Meanwhile, the “Harry Potter Quiz” put students’ magical knowledge to the test as they teamed up to answer challenging questions about one of their favourite book series (if the number of wizards who came to school for World Book Day is anything to go by!). A huge well done to everyone who took part, collaborated with their peers, and demonstrated such fantastic literary knowledge!

Recommended Reading: Supporting Teenage Wellbeing

Navigating the teenage years presents unique challenges, and we recognise that growing up today can feel more complex than ever. While we offer dedicated counselling support in school and explore mental health through our PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) programme, there are many additional resources available to support student wellbeing at home. If you have concerns, please reach out to our pastoral team, and consider sharing some of these highly recommended books with your teens:

You Are Awesome by Matthew SyedAn excellent all-round choice focusing on confidence, resilience, and learning from mistakes. It is easy to read, full of real-life examples, and serves as a great starting point for practical, understandable advice.Stuff That Sucks by Ben SedleyThis visual and honest book helps teenagers understand that their thoughts are not always facts. Based on real psychological strategies, it is a strong option for those seeking practical ways to manage stress and overthinking.Turtles All the Way Down by John GreenFor those who prefer fiction over traditional advice books, this engaging novel explores anxiety and intrusive thoughts. It provides a relatable story that helps readers understand mental health challenges and how others might feel.The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens by Lisa M. Schab
A practical, step-by-step workbook filled with tasks, questions, and reflection activities. This is an ideal option for students who prefer hands-on activities to build their confidence and self-esteem rather than simply reading.

Students Transform Household Items into Living Dictionaries

Our students have been stepping away from their screens and turning everyday household items into living dictionaries for the ‘Membean Go’ challenge. This interactive competition asks students to visually capture the essence of complex words using real-world scenarios, transforming vocabulary acquisition into a highly creative process.

As showcased in her final photograph, Mila (9 Blue) took the challenge straight to her living room, teaming up with her very patient dog to help define the word “abnormal”:

“Once I got my opportunity to participate in the ‘Membean Go’ competition, I instantly thought of picking the word ‘abnormal’. You can make anything abnormal, even if it is the most basic object that surrounds you at the moment. My dog, Binnya, has been the most captivating presence in my house, although he behaves deliriously from time to time. He is already extraordinary; however, I wasn’t content with that yet. This made me open my fridge and cupboards to grab objects with my eyes closed and later beg my poor pet to remain motionless for a few seconds while I took the photo that I am very proud of.”

Applying Critical Thinking in the UKMT Mathematics Challenge

Thirty-eight of our Year 7 and 8 students from across both campuses put their problem-solving skills to the ultimate test in the prestigious UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge. As one of the largest school mathematics competitions in the world, the event is designed to stretch high-attaining learners and encourage advanced mathematical thinking.

Working independently on their laptops, our students dived into a series of brain-teasing multiple-choice questions. The challenge required them to apply logical reasoning, demonstrate critical thinking, and crack some genuinely tricky mathematical puzzles.

It takes a great deal of focus and an inquisitive mindset to take on an international competition of this size. We commend all participating students for their resilient approach and fantastic effort, and we look forward to sharing the official results once they are released!

Expanding University Pathways in European Hotel Management

Representing HeadStart International School on the recent Switzerland counsellor study tour was an exceptionally valuable and professionally enriching experience, providing deep insight into pathways in Hospitality, Hotel Management and Culinary Arts that will directly benefit our students considering these fields. Across visits to the Swiss Education Group institutions – including Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland, César Ritz Colleges Switzerland, Swiss Hotel Management School and HIM Business School – the university tours were outstanding, offering detailed information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, paid internships, and student accommodation, all delivered through a highly organised and thoughtfully curated programme.

A particular highlight was learning how the SEG model integrates paid internships with world-renowned organisations, giving students authentic industry exposure while also allowing them to offset accommodation and tuition costs through earnings. Conversations with current students reinforced the strength of the SEG ethos of “learning by doing,” and hearing first-hand internship testimonials brought this philosophy to life. The opportunity to network with university guidance counsellors from around the world was equally influential, providing valuable perspectives on global counselling practice and how other schools support students pursuing these routes.

The culinary and hospitality experience itself reflected the excellence of the institutions. From tours of the Mosimann Collection and insight into the influence of renowned chef Anton Mosimann, SEG Ambassador, to Michelin-star-inspired dining experiences, the trip embodied the standards students can aspire to within these programmes. Throughout, we were exceptionally well looked after, while also experiencing the breathtaking setting surrounding Lake Geneva, Montreux and beyond, which added to the sense of place and prestige.

This visit has strengthened our understanding of Swiss hospitality education and significantly enhances the advice we can offer HeadStart students interested in hospitality, business management and culinary arts. The combination of academic rigour, paid industry placements, global connections and student-centred support makes these pathways particularly compelling, and the insights gained will be invaluable in guiding students considering this route. – UPrep Team

BTEC Engineering Students Forge Ahead with Toolmakers Clamp Project

Transforming raw mild steel into fully functional Toolmakers Clamps, our inaugural BTEC Level 3 Engineering cohort has successfully completed their first major manufacturing project. Working collaboratively, the students ran independent risk assessments and produced every component themselves using centre lathes, milling machines and fabrication techniques. By turning M6 screw parts and milling fixed jaws to tight tolerances, they assembled clamps that meet strict engineering specifications.

Building on these foundational skills, the team is now redesigning everyday workshop tools for additive manufacturing on our new Bambu 3D printer. This rapid transition from subtractive machining to 3D printing in a single term highlights a brilliant first year for BTEC Engineering at HeadStart, equipping students with the hands-on experience, problem-solving skills and technical confidence needed as the next generation of designers.

HeadStart Students Shine

We are delighted to congratulate our students on their significant achievements in recent music and sports competitions, representing HeadStart with pride on both local and international stages!

• Nathan(4 Yellow) successfully participated in the Tennis 10s Matchplay Tournament (Under 10) on 29th March 2026, organised by Kahli Phuket Tennis Academy.

• Elsie(2 Yellow) andEdie(4 Blue) competed at The Bangkok Gymnastics Moose Game Invitational Meet on 4-5 April 2026.Elsiewon Gold on Floor, and Silver on Bars, Beam, and Vault.Edie won Gold on Beam, Silver on Bars and Floor, and Bronze on Vault.

• Jia(5 Blue) has been officially approved and registered as a rhythmic gymnastics athlete with the Korea Gymnastics Association, qualifying her to represent Korea in future national and international competitions.

• Jia(5 Blue),Isabella(2 White),Veronica(4 Blue),Mia(1 White), andCharlotte(2 White) achieved fantastic results at the MMC Gymnastics Competition 2026!Jiawon 5 Gold, 3 Silver, and 1 Bronze medal.Isabellaearned one 1st place, one 2nd place, and two 3rd place finishes.Veronicawon 3 Gold and 3 Silver medals.Miaachieved 1 Gold, 1 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals.Charlotte took home 1 Gold and 2 Silver medals.

• Cayla(3 Yellow) achieved 1st position in the Girls 8 Under category at the U.S. Kids Golf Thailand Championship 2026. She will be joining the next tournament in California in July.

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.