Advertorial How St. Andrews Green Valley teaches more than just academics

[CharlieH]

 

There’s a feeling at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley that words alone cannot explain. But if we were to point fingers, it is perhaps, the result of a curriculum that values curiosity as much as achievement. All part of a curriculum that nurtures each student’s potential, and teachers who are there to offer support along every step of the way.

Personalised education for great results

“We believe very much in personalised learning and trying to vary our education to the strengths of all of the students,” shared Kevin McGee, Head of Secondary at St. Andrews, Green Valley. 

Small class sizes provide individual attention, and teachers work closely with students to meet, and often exceed, their goals.

Green Valley students consistently outperform global averages in the IB Diploma Programme, with an average of 34 points in the last 5 years, higher than the worldwide standard of 30.5. Over 40% of IB grades were 6s and 7s, equivalent to A and A* at the A-Level, while IGCSE students saw 55% of their grades at A or A*.

But numbers, while impressive, are only part of the equatio. St. Andrews Green Valley teaches beyond the classroom, helping students gain the skills necessary to thrive in university and life beyond.

This approach is the reason many parents choose Green Valley. “Besides academic excellence, what I realised about the school is that they focus a lot on developing character,”  says Joey, a parent from Singapore. 

 

 

“We enrich our curriculum with a lot of outdoor learning. We teach our students about eco-literacy because we really want them to be at the forefront of developing sustainable education in the future,” explains McGee.

That’s why students can often be found learning in all over Green Valley campus during school hours.

During his 17-year tenure teaching science at Green Valley, Mr. Frost transforms the entire campus into a functioning laboratory for fieldwork. His students can often be found analysing the school lake's water quality, measuring nutrient concentrations.

Other faculty members make significant contributions as well. As Green Valley's IB Diploma Coordinator, Mr. Emery supervises environmental stewardship projects. One notable initiative involves students rehabilitating withered orchids before replanting them on school grounds. 

Students also undertake more ambitious environmental projects. Year 10 students Tiffin and Matilda have created a butterfly garden to enhance biodiversity. Meanwhile, Amy and Rhianna lead an initiative collecting plastic bottle caps for conversion into medals, reducing plastic waste in landfills.

The opportunity to experience everything

 

Music, sport, and drama are valued just as much as mathematics and science at Green Valley. “We like students to experience everything, and we think that’s very important,” notes McGee.

Students have plenty of opportunities to explore their interests through extracurricular activities. From performing arts to competitive sports, this international school in Thailand has the programme, the facility, and the expert coaching to support their growth. 

Others discover their strengths on the field. And the school continues to expand its athletics programme, with students training in football, basketball, and swimming.

A community that lasts a lifetime

 

 

Ask the students what makes Green Valley special, and the word that comes up again and again is community. “I know everyone here [...] I’ve managed to make such great friendships over the years that I hope I’ll cherish forever,” Marina reflects when asked about her experience at the school.

Teachers are deeply involved in their students’ growth, working with students individually to help them find paths that make sense for them rather than pushing them toward a singular definition of success. 

“We try to work very closely with our parents, too, so that we have a triangle with all of us working together towards the students goal,” says McGee.

For many, this personal attention makes all the difference. Thanks to that level of support, nearly 100% of Green Valley graduates go on to higher education, with many securing places at top universities worldwide.

And even after they leave, many alumni remain connected to the school. Those who have moved on still feel tethered to this place, to the experience of growing up in a school that let them be more than just a name on a class list.

To catch a glimpse of life at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, Register here.

For more information, follow the school on Facebook.

 

 

 

Sponsored - Original article by The Thaiger

 

 

Sometimes, learning happens outside of classroom walls