Weekly Update #32, 15 May 2026

HeadStart Art Exhibition 2026 – Celebration of Creative Mastery

Students from our IGCSE and A-Level Art and Design courses are set to unveil a stunning collection of work at the upcoming HeadStart Art Exhibition 2026. This prestigious event, held at the Phuket Cultural Center in partnership with Phuket Rajabhat University, marks the culmination of a rigorous two-year programme of study for our student artists.

The grand opening on 22 May from 4:30pm to 7:00pm will feature intimate live music performed by our performing arts students and the opportunity to celebrate our students’ achievements in excellent company. The exhibition will remain open from 22 to 27 May, showcasing the extraordinary creative journeys and technical mastery of our Secondary and Sixth Form cohorts. We invite the whole community to join us in celebrating the exceptional talent and creative resilience of our students as they mark the end of this significant academic stage.

Event Details:📅Date: 22 May (Grand Opening)

🗓️ Exhibition Dates: 22 to 27 May

🕓 Time: 4:30pm to 7:00pm

📍 Location: Phuket Cultural Centre (Phuket Rajabhat University)

Parent, Teacher and Student Chess Tournament

Ready to test your strategic skills against the wider HeadStart community? Join us for the Parents, Teachers and Students Chess Tournament on Saturday 23 May at the Chaofah City Campus. Operating under a Swiss System with 10 minutes plus 5 seconds per move, this community event welcomes players of all experience levels to compete and connect. The attendance check begins promptly at 11:00am. Entry is 250 THB for early registrations or 500 THB on the day, which includes free pizza for all participants.

Thai Culture Club

Immerse your child in the vibrant traditions of Thailand at our upcoming Thai Culture Club on 23 May! Hosted at our Cherngtalay Campus from 09:00 to 12:00, this morning offers tailored, hands-on activities designed to engage different age groups in fun and active cultural discovery.

Early Years and Reception students will explore the life cycle of a chicken and the benefits of eggs through a themed activity titled “The Hen and the Big Eggs”. Years 1 to 3 will craft traditional ‘Cicada’ toys and participate in “Amazing Thai Plays”, while Years 4 to 6 will learn the art of folding pandan roses and making local desserts in “The Scent of Pandan Leaves”. We invite parents to join in the fun! If you and your child would like to participate in these engaging activities together, please contact their Thai teacher for further information and registration.

Mandarin-speaking Parent Workshop: Navigating the Dual Digital World

Inviting all Mandarin-speaking parents to our latest parent workshop on Tuesday 19th May from 8:30-9:30am in the Primary Hall. Equip your family with the tools to navigate the complexities of global and regional apps in our upcoming practical workshop. Children frequently switch between platforms such as YouTube and Roblox, alongside apps highly popular within the Mandarin-speaking community like WeChat and Douyin. This environment creates a unique set of modern challenges that are both visible and hidden.

Moving beyond theory, we will work together to build a reliable digital compass for online safety. You will learn about the latest digital risks, including the impact of artificial intelligence, and gain a practical toolkit to help restore balance and security within your family. We look forward to seeing you there!

Introduction to Military Service for Year 10 Parent Meeting

Welcoming all parents of Year 10 boys who are Thai nationals and therefore eligible for Military Service. This meeting will explain how HeadStart supports your child with this civic duty, the expectations and timetable of events taking place throughout Year 10. See you on Thursday 21st May from 8:30-9:30am in the Primary Hall (2nd floor).

Emma Palop Roca – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 6

We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Emma Palop Roca, who has secured multiple offers to study Architecture at leading UK universities including the University of Bath, Cardiff University, the University of Reading and the University of York.

During her time at HeadStart, Emma has demonstrated strong academic commitment and a clear interest in the built environment. Her achievements include subject prizes in Geography at both IGCSE and A Level, as well as a Silver award in the National Scientific Thinking Challenge and completion of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has also developed her linguistic skills through studying Chinese, achieving HSK Level 4.

Beyond the classroom, Emma has pursued a range of extracurricular interests including aerial skills and padel, reflecting both creativity and discipline. Her work experience at Siriroj Hospital has further developed her organisational and interpersonal skills. A resilient, principled and creative student, Emma demonstrates strong time management and a commitment to her goals.

We congratulate Emma on her achievements and wish her every success as she progresses to the next stage of her academic journey.

Federico Solaroli – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 4

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Federico Solaroli, who has secured offers to study engineering and physics in the Netherlands. Federico has received offers from Eindhoven University of Technology for both Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering.

During his time at HeadStart, Federico has demonstrated a strong passion for physics, reflected in his achievement as IGCSE Student of the Year in Physics. He has further developed his interest through hands-on involvement in the school’s prep room, supporting the preparation of practical experiments for both physics and chemistry.

Beyond the classroom, Federico has shown long-standing commitment to leadership, having served as Head Boy in Year 6 and as a prefect for two years, contributing to a total of nine years in student leadership roles. He has also supported younger students by assisting in Year 7 lessons, demonstrating both initiative and a willingness to help others learn. An inquisitive, resilient and collaborative student, Federico aspires to pursue a career in academia as a university lecturer and researcher in physics.

We congratulate Federico on his achievements and wish him every success as he progresses to the next stage of his academic journey.

Sean Corley – Enrolled at HeadStart since Early Years

We are pleased to celebrate the achievements of Sean Corley, who has secured multiple offers to study International Hotel Management. Sean has received offers from AIHM Bangkok, Vatel and HTMi, and is currently awaiting a decision from CETT in Spain.

During his time at HeadStart, Sean has demonstrated strong engagement both in and out of the classroom. He has been an active member of the football academy and has pursued interests in Muay Thai, reflecting his commitment and discipline. His involvement in student council highlights his willingness to contribute to the school community.

Sean has also gained valuable practical experience through working at a summer camp supporting younger children, as well as through placements with 5 Star Marine and the Pullman Hotel. These experiences have helped him develop key skills in communication, teamwork and customer service, all of which are well aligned with his chosen field. An open minded, collaborative and courageous student, Sean shows strong potential for a successful career in the hospitality industry.

We congratulate Sean on his achievements and wish him every success as he takes the next step in his journey.

Ingfah Rongrueangkul – Enrolled at HeadStart since Year 3

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of Ingfah Rongrueangkul, who has secured an impressive range of offers for medical programmes in Thailand including Mahidol University (BSBM), Chulalongkorn University (BSAC and BbTech), CICM Medical School and KMITL Medicine.

During her time at HeadStart, Ingfah has demonstrated strong academic curiosity and a growing interest in the sciences. She has engaged in a range of supercurricular activities, including neuroscience-focused MOOC courses, participation in the Biology Olympiad and involvement in both national and international science competitions. Her academic achievements are complemented by recognition through Student of the Month and an IGCSE subject prize in music.

Beyond the classroom, Ingfah has been highly involved in the school’s creative and service-based activities. She has played key roles in CAPA productions, including as part of the lead cast, and contributed to school events such as Battle of the Bands. Her commitment to service is reflected in her involvement with the Sunny Side Up programme, as well as wider volunteering initiatives. Ingfah has also taken on leadership responsibilities as an Eco and Welfare Prefect, demonstrating a commitment to supporting both the school community and the environment. Her work experience at Siriroj Hospital provided valuable insight into the medical field, alongside her participation in medical workshops and volunteering in blood donation initiatives. A collaborative, kind and inquisitive student, Ingfah shows strong potential for a future in healthcare or related fields.

We congratulate Ingfah on her achievements and wish her every success as she takes the next step in her academic journey.

Digital Wellbeing and TikTok Safety

While TikTok offers a vast stream of entertainment, its fast-paced algorithm frequently exposes young users to significant digital wellbeing risks. From age-inappropriate content and harmful challenges to the pressures of addictive design and targeted in-app spending, the platform presents a complex environment. Unrestricted access can lead students to encounter misinformation, inappropriate interactions, and trends that negatively influence their critical thinking and mental health.

Equipping young people to safely navigate this space requires a united front between home and school. We encourage parents to initiate open, non-judgemental conversations about their children’s viewing habits and online interactions. Utilising tools like Family Pairing and discussing the reality behind persuasive algorithms builds their digital 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 configuring safety settings and recognising the signs of excessive screen time. 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.

Term 3: Focusing on Sustainable Communities

As part of our Term 3 focus on Sustainable Communities, the HeadStart Eco School team has three important updates and opportunities for our community to get involved.

Community Beach Clean

Join us on Sunday 31 May at Rawai (meeting at We Cafe) from 9:30am to 10:30am. This will be the final beach clean of the academic year, as well as the last HeadStart beach clean for Mr Gratton, Mr Dempsey, and Petr. We are hoping for a strong turnout to earn House points and make this final effort a significant one. We will also be launching a new environmental initiative alongside this month’s clean. Please bring water, sunscreen, a hat, antibacterial gel, and gloves if required.

HeadStart Eco School Website Launch

To support our campaign for raising awareness and collaborating with the wider Phuket community, the Eco School team has launched a dedicated website. The site is packed with information, resources, and updates on our current projects.

Visit the HeadStart Eco School Website

Project Update: Sustainable Fish on the Menu

As part of our Primary Awareness campaign, we are seeking your feedback on the school menu and the choice of foods served. We invite parents to complete a short questionnaire to share your thoughts. The survey is available in multiple languages and takes less than five minutes to complete. We look forward to hearing your opinions.

Complete the Sustainable Fish Questionnaire

Second Place Finish for the Aqua Panthers at PISAC Championship

The Aqua Panthers delivered another outstanding performance this past weekend at PISAC 2026, finishing second overall as a team. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout from our swimmers, with athletes from both campuses coming together to compete, support one another, and proudly represent the Panthers community.

One thing that stood out throughout the entire meet was the incredible sense of community between our athletes, parents, and coaches from both campuses. Relay teams combined swimmers from both schools, friendships continued to grow poolside, and the support shown between teammates during races was exceptional. It was great to see swimmers cheering each other on every session and celebrating one another’s successes as one united team.

The coaches were extremely proud of the effort, attitude, and determination shown by all swimmers across the weekend. Every swimmer from our team achieved at least one personal best time, which is a fantastic reflection of their hard work and commitment in training.

Special congratulations goes to our High Point Award winners:

• Daniil (3 White, Cherngtalay Campus) – 1st Place, 8 & Under Boys

• Lochy (4 Blue, Cherngtalay Campus) – 2nd Place, 8 & Under Boys

• Se-A (4 White, Chaofah City Campus) – 3rd Place, 8 & Under Girls

• Harry (8 White, Chaofah City Campus) – 3rd Place, 11–12 Boys

• Christian (8 Blue, Chaofah City Campus) – 4th Place, 11–12 Boys

• Pavel (8 White, Chaofah City Campus) – 4th Place, 13–14 Boys

The team also had many swimmers qualify for finals and several athletes achieve personal best times in every event they competed in, highlighting the depth, commitment, and continued progress across the entire programme.

This meet marked our final competition in Phuket for the year, making it an especially meaningful way to close out the local season. Looking ahead, we are excited to have four qualifiers representing the Aqua Panthers at the Singapore National Swimming Championships, as well as a group of 30 swimmers heading to Bangkok for the Patana Summer Sizzle in June.

Thank you to all of our Aqua Panther families for your continued support throughout the season. Your encouragement, positivity, and commitment help create such a strong team culture and allow our swimmers to continue growing both in and out of the pool.

We are incredibly proud of the entire team and excited for what’s ahead. Go Aqua Panthers!

Fin-tastic Discoveries at Aquaria

Swapping their classroom for the ocean floor, our youngest learners brought their sense of wonder to a hands-on exploration of Aquaria during our recent field trip. The children observed marine life closely as they explored the underwater environment and discovered a wide variety of sea creatures, including sharks, colourful tropical fish, and playful otters. A key highlight of the day was watching the mermaid show, which captured everyone’s imagination. The trip provided a valuable opportunity for the children to learn more about marine life through real-life experiences, while also building confidence, curiosity, and lasting memories with their peers.

Celebrating Attenborough’s 100th Birthday Through Art

Honouring the legacy of a true champion of the natural world, HeadStart students showcased their remarkable observational skills and artistic talent in the Natural World Photography Competition. Marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on 8 May, the competition challenged students to capture the beauty and complexity of nature through their own lenses.

The submissions were outstanding, highlighting our students’ technical skill, creativity, and deep appreciation for the natural world. By taking up Attenborough’s mantle, these young photographers have proven themselves to be principled advocates for the planet. Through their lenses, they remind us of the delicate ecosystems we must all work to protect.

A special congratulations goes to our overall winner, John, who secured the top prize with a highly detailed photograph of an underwater scene. Mr Guarino and Ms Tuppen

Aiming High in the IGCSE Literature Exams

While it is too early to say if the Year 11 class of 2026 will match or exceed the 2025 Literature IGCSE results of 100% A-C and 47% A-A, our teachers have ensured students are thoroughly prepared. This included dedicated pre-exam support on the day of their prose and poetry papers. Keep up the excellent effort, Year 11! Mr. Pollicutt – Head of English

Year 10 Gather Evidence for Unit 2 Coursework

Stepping into the role of mystery shoppers provided Year 10 Travel and Tourism students with a practical test of their customer service evaluation skills. As part of their IGCSE Unit 2 assessment, the cohort visited Aquaria Phuket to analyse how local attractions cater to diverse demographics. By observing live operations and reviewing the services on offer, students gathered primary evidence for their coursework. This practical foundation strongly positions them to draft their final Unit 2 coursework with authentic, evidence-based recommendations.

HeadStart Students Shine

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

• Emmali(9 Blue) passed with Distinction in her Grade 8 Piano Performance, awarded by The Associated Board of the Royal School of Music.

• Leo(8 Blue) took 2nd place in the 85cc Class Motocross Race at the A.R. Motorbike Sponsored Kawasaki Enduro cross #2.

• Rio(5 Yellow) earned a Silver Award in Kangaroo Math Thailand 2026 for an outstanding performance in the international mathematics competition.

• Hedy(2 White) reached the Semifinal of the Under 8 Girls singles at the AssetWise Tennis 10s Championship Thailand, and was crowned Champion of the Under 8 Girls category at the Kaihli Phuket Tennis Academy tournament.

• Veronika(4 Blue) won 1st place in Hoop, 3rd place in FreeHands, and 2nd place all-around at the Crystal Cup Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational Tournament in Xian, China.

Parents Pickleball Cup

RaccoonPB is hosting Phuket’s first School Parents Pickleball Cup, offering an active way for families to connect on the court.

Taking place on Saturday, 6 June at The Peak Racquet Park, the tournament features two divisions to accommodate all skill levels. The Beginner Division is designed for those with a DUPR under 3.5 and no competitive sports background, while the Open Division welcomes more experienced players. Teams consist of pairs with no gender restrictions, and entry is THB 800 per person.

The event includes cash prizes, vouchers, and a lucky draw, with spaces limited to 12 pairs per division. Interested parents can register before 25 May by visiting the booking link.

📲 Registration Form

🗓️ Deadline: 25 May, 2026