His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, recognises four AISB students for outstanding achievement across academics, the arts and international competitions. The Australian International School Bangkok (AISB) was honoured to welcome His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, to our Sukhumvit Soi 31 campus on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, for a special ceremony recognising four AISB students in the OPEC Outstanding International School Student Awards 2026. The awards are presented by Thailand’s Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC), Ministry of Education, and recognise outstanding students from international schools across Thailand for achievements spanning academics, sports, the arts, leadership and other pursuits. Our School Choir opened the ceremony with Tsuki, meaning “The Moon”, a Japanese folk song performed in recognition of the Japanese families within our school community, followed by Bound for South Australia, reflecting AISB’s Australian heritage. Celebrating Our Students Evelyn Intaraphrom was recognised for her outstanding achievements in the Arts. She has competed in international music competitions across Japan, Taiwan and Singapore and, in 2025, received a Plaque of Honour recognising her as an “Outstanding Youth Who Brought Reputation to Thailand.” Derek Kongkam was recognised for his commitment to academic excellence and achievements in international competitions. His recognition reflects his dedication, application and consistent performance in his academic work. Katewadee Kongkam received an award for her exceptional academic achievement and success in external international competitions. Her achievements reflect her enthusiasm for learning, resilience and willingness to challenge herself. Aiyara McWilliam was recognised for creating an outstanding sculpture that brought together learning from Science and Visual Arts and won the Individual category in the Royal Society of Biology (UK) BioArtAttack3D competition. Her work demonstrated creativity, curiosity and the ability to connect ideas across different areas of learning. The four awards reflected a wide range of student achievement, from academic performance and international competition to music, visual arts and interdisciplinary learning. A Message for AISB Students Ambassador Kang shared three key messages with our students about their futures, the world around them and what it means to be part of an Australian school in Thailand. 1. You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out Ambassador Kang began by speaking about what students might do after they leave school, whether that means university, work or another pathway. For some students, those decisions may still feel a long way away; for others, they are approaching quickly. His message was not to feel pressured to have every answer immediately. It is okay not to know exactly what degree you want to study, what career you want to pursue or what direction you want to take next. 2. Learn to Understand the World Around You His second message was about the importance of looking beyond your own subjects, hobbies and interests. Students today have access to more information than ever before, but being informed requires more than simply seeing or remembering information. Ambassador Kang encouraged students to question what they encounter, consider where information comes from and recognise the difference between facts, opinions and misinformation. Developing the ability to question, evaluate and think independently is increasingly important in a world shaped by social media, algorithms and rapidly changing technology. “You live in a world where information is everywhere. But information and knowledge are not the same thing. And information and truth are not always the same thing either.” 3. Being Part of Australia’s Connection with Thailand Finally, Ambassador Kang reflected on what it means to be part of an Australian school in Thailand and encouraged students to see themselves as part of the wider relationship between the two countries. He spoke about the role young people can play in strengthening those connections through curiosity, cooperation, openness to different perspectives and an understanding of the world beyond their own borders. “You are all Australian ambassadors to Thailand because you either study or work at this school... The world you’re growing up in will need more curiosity, more cooperation, more courage, more willingness to listen, and more people prepared to look beyond their borders.” We extend our sincere thanks to His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang for joining us at AISB and for sharing such thoughtful and inspirational messages with our students. Congratulations again to Evelyn, Derek, Katewadee and Aiyara on their outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition in the OPEC Outstanding International School Student Awards 2026. To learn more about Ambassador Kang's perspective on what it means to be an Australian school in Thailand, click here - Link to Article

During his visit to AISB, His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang reflects on Australian values, identity and the relationship between Australia and Thailand. The Australian International School Bangkok recently welcomed His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, to our Sukhumvit Soi 31 campus for a special visit with students, teachers and school leaders. During the OPEC Outstanding International School Student Awards 2026 ceremony, Ambassador Kang reflected on what it means to be part of an Australian school. He invited students and teachers to consider what “Australian” represents beyond nationality or the school’s name: "When people ask you, ‘Where do you go to school?’ and you tell them you go to the Australian school, what does that imply beyond the actual fact that that is the name of your school?" The Values Behind Being Australian For Ambassador Kang, what makes an Australian school distinctive is not simply just its name or curriculum, but the values and ethos that shape how people learn, work together and contribute to the wider community. He highlighted six values he associates with Australia: “Australia is known for a number of core values: fairness, integrity, diversity, democracy, egalitarianism, mateship. And I hope that is what your school tries to project here in Thailand.” His message was that being Australian is not only about nationality. It can also be reflected in how people treat one another, work together, respect different perspectives and contribute to the communities around them. At AISB, those ideas are reflected in our own core values of Wellbeing, Respect, Integrity, Community, Personal Best and Global Outlook, and in the way students are encouraged to learn, participate and support each other. Building Connections Between Australia and Thailand Ambassador Kang also reminded students that the relationship between Australia and Thailand extends beyond governments and diplomacy. Through education, cultural exchange and everyday connections between people, students and teachers are already part of that relationship. “While I am the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, you are all Australian ambassadors to Thailand because you either study or work at this school.” It was a reminder that being part of an Australian school in Thailand also means looking beyond borders, learning from different perspectives and contributing to the connections between our two countries. Experiencing AISB in Action Following the ceremony, Ambassador Kang toured AISB’s Sukhumvit Soi 31 campus and met students and teachers across the school. He visited our libraries, science laboratories, classrooms and Innovation Centre before continuing through the Primary learning spaces and newly renovated Amaroo Campus. The tour also highlighted how AISB’s Australian educational approach is reflected across the school, from the Australian Early Years Learning Framework through to the Australian Curriculum, with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning, curiosity, critical thinking and a balanced approach to education. The visit provided a fitting conclusion to Ambassador Kang’s presentation, connecting Australian values, education and identity with the everyday life of the school. It also offered a reminder that being an Australian school in Thailand is shaped not only by curriculum, but by the values, relationships and perspectives students carry with them beyond the classroom. Ambassador Kang’s reflections offered a simple but meaningful perspective: being Australian can extend beyond nationality, through openness to others, shared responsibility and the connections we build across borders. We thank His Excellency Mr Pablo Kang for visiting AISB and for inviting our students and teachers to reflect more deeply on what being part of an Australian school can mean. To learn more about the achievements of AISB students recognised in the OPEC Outstanding International School Student Awards 2026 click here: Link to Article

Discover AISB Sukhumvit Sukhumvit Soi 20 campus Join us for our upcoming Open Day and explore our Early Years campus for children aged 1.5 years to 6 years old. At Soi 20, young learners are supported in a warm and nurturing environment where they can play, explore, build confidence and develop meaningful connections as they begin their learning journey. Open Day Details: 📅 29 September ⏰ 10 AM 📍 AISB Sukhumvit Soi 20 Register here: https://www.australianisb.ac.th/open-day-and-events We look forward to welcoming your family to our boutique international school.

Quick Links Our Director's Update Early Years Update Primary Update Secondary Update STEAM Teaching and Learning Our Director's Update Dear Parents and Friends, A very warm welcome to the 2026–2027 academic year at AISB! It has been wonderful to see our campuses come alive again as students and staff return, classrooms fill with energy, and friendships are renewed. We are also pleased to welcome many new students and families to our community, as well as new staff. We hope you have already begun to feel a strong sense of belonging and connection within our school. The beginning of a new academic year is always an exciting time. It brings new opportunities to learn, explore interests, develop new skills and set personal goals. Our focus remains on ensuring that every student feels supported and encouraged to achieve their Personal Best, both academically and personally. As we look ahead, there is much to look forward to across AISB. From engaging classroom learning and STEAM experiences to sport, performing arts, After School Activities and opportunities to contribute to our community, we look forward to seeing our students make the most of everything the year has to offer. Thank you to our students, families and staff for such a positive start to the year. We look forward to another year of learning, growth, connection and community together. Warm regards, Henri Bemelmans Director Celebrating Success Celebrating Our 2026 IGCSE & A Level Results 🎓 AISB is proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2026 IGCSE and A Level students. Our IGCSE cohort achieved an outstanding 99.6% pass rate, with 40% of grades at A–A* and 86% at A–C*. These results reflect the dedication, resilience and Personal Best of our students, alongside the support of our teachers and wider AISB community. Our A Level students also reached an important milestone, achieving a 95% pass rate as they take their next steps towards universities and opportunities in Thailand and around the world. Congratulations to all our students, families and teachers on these achievements! Read more about our 2026 IGCSE and A Level results https://www.australianisb.ac.th/post/aisb-celebrates-outstanding-2026-igcse-and-a-level-results Early Years Update Written by Sheridan Musto, Head of Early Years and Soi 20 Campus It has been a busy and exciting first few weeks at Soi 20 as we have welcomed our children and families back for another school year, along with many new students joining our community across Early Years, Foundation and Year 1. The beginning of a new school year is an important time for building connection, belonging and a sense of security. Our teachers have been spending these first weeks getting to know their children, establishing classroom routines and helping everyone become familiar with their new environments. For some children, starting or returning to school is an easy transition, while others may need a little more time, reassurance and support. This is a very normal part of the settling process, particularly for our youngest learners. Our teachers work closely with children and families during this time, supporting each child at their own pace while gently building confidence and independence. Already, we are seeing children becoming increasingly comfortable with their routines, forming new friendships and developing a strong sense of belonging within their classrooms. Learning, Playing and Exploring Across the campus, our classrooms and learning environments are coming to life. Children have been busy exploring new resources, engaging in play, sharing ideas, creating, building, investigating and learning alongside their peers. In Early Years, play continues to be at the heart of our approach. Through carefully planned environments and meaningful interactions with teachers, children are developing their communication, social-emotional, physical and thinking skills throughout their day. Our outdoor spaces are equally important, and this year we are excited to have extended our playground into a new green space that we have affectionately named The Meadow. The additional space provides even more opportunities for active play, exploration, imaginative experiences and connecting with the natural environment. Our Foundation and Year 1 students have also been enjoying chess during outdoor play. It has been wonderful to see children gathering around the boards, learning how the pieces move, challenging their friends and developing their problem-solving and strategic thinking, all while enjoying being outdoors. Making a Splash! We are very pleased to welcome Ms Lauren, our new Foundation swimming teacher, to Soi 20 this year. Our Foundation students have made a fantastic start to their swimming lessons, developing confidence in the water while continuing to build important swimming and water-safety skills. Swimming is always an exciting part of the week for our children, and we look forward to seeing their skills and confidence grow throughout the year. Connecting With Our Families A big thank you to all of our parents who joined us for our Meet the Teacher sessions over the past week. These sessions are an important opportunity for families to learn more about what happens within their child’s classroom, what children will be learning throughout the year and the routines and expectations that support them each day. Most importantly, they allow us to continue building strong partnerships between home and school. We greatly appreciate the time our families took to join us, ask questions and learn more about their child’s year ahead. Thank you also to our teachers for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and passion for teaching with our families. Our Soi 20 Community One of the things we value most at Soi 20 is the opportunity for children to feel known, connected and part of a close school community. Whether it is a Nursery child taking their first steps into school life or a Year 1 student confidently navigating the campus, we want every child to feel that Soi 20 is a place where they belong. We are incredibly proud of the positive start our children and staff have made. There is already so much learning, laughter, curiosity and connection happening across the campus, and we are looking forward to all that the year ahead will bring. Primary Update Written by Hannah Carew, Head of Primary What a wonderful start to the new academic year! We are incredibly proud of all our students who have settled back into school so positively, enjoying learning, playing and reconnecting with friends. It has also been wonderful to see our new students seamlessly join the AISB community and begin forming new friendships. This year, we are fortunate to have our newly designed and renovated Lower Primary Campus, providing a wonderful transition for our Foundation and Year 1 students as they move from their Early Years environment into Lower Primary. It has been fantastic to see the children embracing their new learning spaces. Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Meet the Teacher Afternoons. There was certainly a wonderful buzz across our campuses throughout the week! On Friday 28th August, we also celebrated our first Spirit of AISB Challenge Day. Students and staff enthusiastically participated in activities designed to strengthen our sense of community and celebrate our school values in action. September brings many more opportunities for our community to come together, including our Australian Father’s Day Donuts for Dad breakfast, Student Council elections for Years 5 and 6, Next Stop Puberty parent workshops, and Bounce Back assemblies. Alongside these events, our students will continue to enjoy many new and engaging learning opportunities across the Primary School. We look forward to another exciting month of learning, connection and community at AISB! To stay informed about what is happening in your child’s classroom, please remember to read your child’s weekly Homeroom newsletter, which is emailed home every Friday. Secondary Update Written by James Worland, Head of Secondary The 2026–2027 academic year has got off to a fantastic start in Secondary, with a real sense of energy, enthusiasm and community across the school. Our opening days gave students the opportunity to reconnect with friends, welcome new members of our community and take part in a range of activities designed to build relationships across year groups. It has been particularly pleasing to see students embracing new opportunities, supporting one another and settling so positively into the routines and expectations of the new school year. As we move further into the term, we are excited to build on this strong start and continue providing students with opportunities to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom. With a busy programme of learning, activities, events and community opportunities ahead, there is plenty to look forward to. Secondary Movie Night We are also delighted to have begun connecting with our Secondary families through events such as the Year 7 Meet and Greet and our Senior School Parent Information Session, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen these partnerships throughout the year. Building Strong Foundations in Homeroom The school year has begun with a wonderful sense of purpose in our Secondary Homeroom classes. One of the first activities every class has completed is the creation of a Homeroom Charter. This is a shared agreement that is co-constructed by students and their Homeroom teacher. Rather than being given a list of rules, students work together to discuss the type of classroom community they want to be part of. They identify how they want to treat one another, how they want to be treated, and the behaviours that will help everyone feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. We are proud of the thoughtful conversations taking place across our Homeroom classes. Year 7 Daintree - Example Homeroom Charter Preparing Students for Their Future with Unifrog Careers education at AISB Secondary is a journey that develops alongside each student. Beginning in Year 7 and continuing through to Year 12, our programme encourages students to build self-awareness, investigate pathways, and take increasing ownership of their subject selections and future aspirations. Throughout Term 1, every Secondary student will be mentored through the Unifrog platform by their Homeroom teacher during dedicated Homeroom sessions. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests, reflect on their strengths, and begin connecting their learning with future possibilities. As students progress through Secondary School, Unifrog becomes an important tool for exploring subject choices, career pathways, university options, apprenticeships, and opportunities around the world. More importantly, it helps students develop the confidence and agency to make informed decisions about their future. STEAM Update Written by Mr Gareth Openshaw, Head of STEAM Onwards and upwards in the STEAM department! We hit the ground running at the start of the year, with every class buzzing with activity from day one. STEAM is all about interdisciplinary approaches to real-life problem solving, and that is exactly what we strive for at AISB. While we are fortunate to have an incredible team of specialist teachers across our STEAM subjects, the real magic happens when we connect them. By collaborating across homerooms and specialist disciplines, our team has designed learning units anchored in our first overarching theme of the year: Identity and Belonging. A New Approach in Primary - To create a more cohesive experience for our students, the Primary School has updated how lessons are delivered at the Innovation Centre. Previously, Primary students studied Visual Art and Design during one semester and Digital Technologies in the other. While this offered broad exposure, it limited opportunities for cross-subject integration. To solve this, students will now experience a 4–5 week rotation between subjects. This new format allows specialist teachers to meet with classes more frequently and co-design tightly integrated units. Ultimately, this gives our students a richer, more meaningful learning experience, showing them firsthand how multiple disciplines work together to solve real-world challenges. Creative and Performing Arts We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2026 school production, Alice in Wonderland! Following an incredibly competitive round of auditions, we are thrilled to have officially cast this year’s production. We were blown away by the confidence, creativity and talent on display, with students bringing their own imaginative interpretations to the wonderful and eccentric characters of Wonderland. It was also fantastic to see so many new faces stepping forward to audition. The cast will now begin rehearsals as they prepare to bring this magical, curious and wonderfully strange world to life. From Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole to encounters with some of Wonderland’s most memorable characters, this promises to be a fantastic production filled with creativity, energy and plenty of theatrical magic! Save the date! Parents are warmly invited to join us for the Parent Performance on Thursday 3 December at 4:30pm. We look forward to sharing this exciting production with our school community! Sports and ASA We are thrilled to announce that all sports trials have now been completed, and our teams are ready to take on an exciting term of competitive sport! A huge thank you to every student who came out to try their best — your energy and enthusiasm set the tone for a fantastic season ahead. This year, our sports program continues to grow, with five competitive teams: 🏈 Football 🏊 Swimming 🏸 Badminton 🏀 Basketball 🏐 Volleyball (new addition this year!) We're especially excited to welcome Volleyball as our newest addition to the sports program. We can't wait to see this team develop and grow throughout the season. About BISAL Our school proudly competes as part of the BISAL (Bangkok International School Athletic League), competing within the Southern Conference. Throughout the term, our teams will face off against other schools within the league through both Super League matches and weekend tournaments. Super League matches — played on weekdays Tournaments — played on weekends Super League Season This term, we're proud to have the following teams representing our school in the BISAL Super League: U18 Football U13 Basketball U15 Basketball These teams will compete in matches throughout the week. Fixtures will be shared in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for updates on when and where to cheer on our athletes! Tournaments to Look Forward To Mark your calendars! Here's what's coming up this term: Tournament Date BISAL Badminton Tournament 26 September 2026 BISAL U18 Football Tournament 3 October 2026 BASIS Swim Meet 31 October 2026 BISAL U13 Basketball Tournament 7 November 2026 BISAL Basketball Tournament 28 November 2026 Soi 20 After School Activities & OSHC Update It has been an exciting first week of our Term 1 After School Activities (ASAs)! Children have begun exploring a wide range of experiences, from sports and swimming to science, technology, creative and interest-based activities. This first week has provided an opportunity for children to become familiar with their teachers, routines and activity spaces, while teachers begin to understand each child’s interests, strengths and individual starting points. Soi 20 ASA Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BqnPrJ3XJ/ In Swimming ASA, children are developing their swimming skills alongside important water and pool safety knowledge. This week, children practised walking safely around the pool, listening to adults using both their eyes and ears, giving others enough space in the water and keeping their hands to themselves. Teachers are also getting to know each swimmer’s current abilities so that skills can be developed and appropriately challenged throughout the term. Our Computer Coding ASA also got off to a busy start. Children shared their ideas about coding and explored how computers have developed and why coding is important. Through introductory drag-and-drop activities, they began learning to recognise directions, follow a sequence of steps, complete tasks and use problem-solving skills to work through different levels. In Mad Scientists ASA, our young scientists put on their lab coats to investigate the question, “Where does the colour go?” Using leaves, rubbing alcohol and paper towel chromatography, the children explored how the pigments inside leaves can be separated to reveal different colours. This hands-on investigation encouraged children to observe closely, make discoveries, ask questions and begin developing an understanding that everyday natural materials can contain more than we can initially see. OSHC – Time to Play, Connect and Unwind Our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) programme provides children with a comfortable, nurturing environment at the end of their school day. Rather than extending the school day with more formal lessons, our programme provides opportunities for child-initiated and child-led play, creativity, exploration, social interaction and quieter experiences. Children might choose to create and construct, explore resources, play with friends or simply have some time to relax. These experiences continue to support the EYLF, including children’s sense of wellbeing, agency, creativity, communication, relationships and confidence as learners. For our younger children who still need daytime sleep, mattresses and a comfortable rest space are available, allowing their individual sleep and rest needs to be supported while attending OSHC. We have loved seeing the children begin their ASA and OSHC experiences this week and look forward to sharing more highlights with families as the term continues. AISB Chess Championship 2026 Chess is a valued part of school life at AISB, giving students opportunities to develop concentration, strategic thinking, problem-solving and resilience through play. We’re excited to bring students together for the AISB Chess Championship 2026, where they can put their skills into practice, challenge themselves and enjoy the game alongside fellow chess players. The championship is a chance to celebrate not only competitive play, but also the dedication, focus and sportsmanship that students demonstrate throughout their chess journey. Whether they are experienced players or still developing their skills, every student is encouraged to take part, enjoy the challenge and learn from the experience. Good luck to all our players! ♟️🏆 Explicit Instruction at AISB This month, we are revisiting an article shared last year to prepare for an upcoming series on our four pillars of school-wide pedagogy. Together, these pillars form the foundation of our shared approach to high-quality learning and teaching. Explicit Instruction at AISB: Supporting Every Learner At AISB, our school-wide pedagogy is centred on High-Quality Learning and Teaching, designed to ensure every student is supported, challenged and able to reach their full potential. This approach is guided by four key pillars: explicit instruction, differentiated instruction, collaborative learning, and assessment for learning. Together, these pillars shape how teaching and learning take place in our classrooms. Teachers use clear and structured instruction to build essential knowledge and skills, adapt learning to meet the needs of individual students, create opportunities for collaboration and inquiry, and use assessment to guide next steps in learning. Underpinning this approach is our moral purpose of creating a safe, supportive and engaging environment where students develop strong academic foundations alongside critical and creative thinking, effective communication, and personal, social and global awareness. One of the key approaches underpinning our teaching and learning is explicit instruction. This approach ensures that students clearly understand what they are learning, why they are learning it, and how to be successful. Explicit instruction involves teachers making learning goals, success criteria and key concepts visible to students, guiding them step-by-step through new knowledge and skills before providing opportunities for practice and application. Research consistently shows that explicit instruction is a highly effective teaching approach when combined with strong curriculum design and high-quality classroom practice. Educational researcher Allan Luke describes explicit instruction as teaching where learning goals, expectations and key knowledge are made clear and transparent to students, allowing teachers to guide learners step-by-step through new skills and concepts (Luke, 2013). Large-scale research studies and guidance from the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), highlights the impact of clear explanations, modelling and guided practice in supporting student achievement. At AISB, explicit instruction forms an important part of our teaching approach, ensuring students build strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking while being supported to understand not just what they are learning, but how to be successful. Educational researcher Professor Allan Luke explains that explicit instruction is characterised by clear learning goals, structured teaching and transparent expectations for students. In this model, teachers carefully guide students through new concepts, model strategies, and provide feedback to support understanding. This approach helps ensure that all students, regardless of background or prior knowledge, have access to the essential skills required for learning success. At AISB, explicit instruction is particularly important in the early development of literacy and numeracy. Teachers break complex skills into manageable steps and demonstrate how to apply them. For example, in reading lessons students are explicitly taught sound–letter relationships, vocabulary and comprehension strategies. In mathematics, teachers model problem-solving strategies and guide students through worked examples before students practise independently. Research from Australian education organisations supports this approach. The Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) highlights explicit instruction as a high-impact teaching practice because it provides clear explanations, modelling and guided practice that support student learning. However, explicit instruction does not mean passive learning or a narrow curriculum. As Luke notes, explicit teaching is most effective when it forms part of a broader teaching repertoire and curriculum approach, rather than being the sole method used in classrooms. At AISB, explicit teaching is combined with inquiry, collaboration, discussion and real-world learning experiences so students can apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. Our teachers follow a structured teaching cycle that includes: Clear learning intentions so students understand the goal of the lesson Teacher modelling, where strategies and processes are demonstrated Guided practice, allowing students to apply new skills with support Independent practice, where students build confidence and mastery Feedback and reflection, helping students understand how to improve This approach ensures that learning is accessible to all students while maintaining high expectations and intellectual challenge. Ultimately, explicit instruction supports our goal of ensuring that every child feels confident and capable as a learner. By combining clear teaching with engaging learning experiences, we help students build the foundational skills, understanding and confidence they need to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom. At AISB, quality teaching remains the most powerful influence on student learning. Through explicit instruction and thoughtful curriculum design, we continue to create classrooms where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to succeed. References Luke, A. (2013). On explicit and direct instruction. ALEA Hot Topics. Australian Literacy Educators’ Association. Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO). (2023). Explicit instruction explained. Australian Education Research Organisation. https://www.edresearch.edu.au Mark Pearce Deputy Head of Primary Head of Teaching and Learning EAL - English as an Additional Language From an EAL perspective, explicit instruction is essential in supporting multilingual learners to access the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 and engage successfully with age-appropriate learning. Many EAL students are developing English language proficiency at the same time as learning new concepts and skills across all curriculum areas. Clear learning intentions, success criteria, teacher modelling and guided practice help make both the content and language demands of learning visible and accessible. Explicit teaching of vocabulary, language structures and subject-specific language enables students to participate more confidently in classroom discussions, reading and writing tasks. In line with the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0, EAL learners benefit from differentiated support that recognises their individual stages of English language development while maintaining high expectations for learning. Through purposeful scaffolding, opportunities for guided practice and regular feedback, teachers can gradually support students towards greater independence and confidence. At AISB, explicit instruction plays an important role in ensuring that EAL students are supported to develop the language, knowledge and skills they need to access the curriculum, participate fully in learning and achieve their individual potential. Timothy Dickens Head of EAL That's all for this month! We hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter. If you have any feedback or news you'd like to share for our next newsletter, please send us an email at enquiries@australianisb.ac.th.

Amaroo — a beautiful place to begin. 🌿 Join our upcoming Open Day to discover our newly renovated Amaroo campus for Foundation & Year 1 students. Our new learning space has been thoughtfully designed for children aged 4.5 to 6, creating a warm and nurturing environment for the first years of their school journey. Designed for Foundation & Year 1, Amaroo is a place where young learners can explore, build confidence, make connections and develop a lifelong love of learning. Open Day Details: 📅 30 September ⏰ 9 AM 📍 AISB Sukhumvit 31 Register here: https://www.australianisb.ac.th/open-day-and-events We look forward to welcoming your family to our boutique international school.

As our 2026 graduates begin their university journeys, they take with them the knowledge, confidence and experiences gained during their time at AISB. From Law and Biological Sciences to Aeronautical Engineering, our graduates are now pursuing their passions at universities in Thailand, the UK and Australia. Pimmada, who studied at AISB for 10 years, has begun studying Law at Thammasat University. As one of the first students to graduate after completing her entire secondary education at AISB, Pimmada’s achievement represents a significant milestone for both her and the wider school community. Roman graduated with B grades in both Mathematics and Physics and is currently considering universities in the UK and Australia, having received scholarship offers to study Aeronautical Engineering. During his time at AISB, Roman demonstrated strong academic achievement alongside outstanding leadership, culminating in his graduation as the recipient of the DUX Award. Sora has begun his studies in Biotechnology at Kasetsart University. Joining AISB in Year 9, Sora progressed through both his IGCSE and A Level qualifications, with a particular focus on Science. His journey highlights the opportunities available to students as they progress through AISB’s secondary and senior years. These journeys represent more than the next step in education. They reflect the dedication of students, teachers and families, and the importance of providing students with the knowledge, confidence and support to pursue their ambitions with purpose. As the 2026 graduates begin this exciting new chapter, AISB congratulates them on their achievements and wishes them every success for the future.

Get ready for a day of strategic thinking, friendly competition and personal best at the AISB Chess Championship Tournament 2026. Open to AISB students who enjoy chess, this one-day tournament provides an opportunity to challenge themselves, develop their decision-making skills and experience tournament-style play in a supportive school environment. Whether students are experienced players or simply enjoy the game, the focus is on learning, improving and enjoying the challenge. Event Details Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026 Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM Location: AISB Soi 31 Campus – Clarendon Building Format & Play 6 Rounds Total Players will compete in six matches throughout the day, following a Swiss-style pairing system to create balanced and fair matchups after each round. 15 Minutes per Game – No Increments Each player will have 15 minutes on the clock, encouraging quick thinking, time management, concentration and thoughtful decision-making under pressure. Flexible Groupings There are no fixed age divisions. If natural groupings based on age or experience become clear through registration, adjustments may be made to support fair and enjoyable play for everyone. Limited to 24 Participants To maintain a focused and well-managed tournament environment, registration is limited to 24 AISB students. Early registration is recommended to secure a place. Registration Tournament Fee: 1,000 THB The fee includes lunch and snacks for the day. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Qo6rmTut011rFX4iXvYXzr6csFKv712kZlYlNWeQTbo/preview?edit_requested=true The AISB Chess Championship brings students together to challenge themselves, sharpen their thinking and enjoy the game. It is a chance to build confidence, practise respect and sportsmanship, connect with others, and strive for their Personal Best. We look forward to welcoming our young chess players for a day of strategy, focus, respect and friendly competition at AISB.

Australian International School Bangkok (AISB) is celebrating another strong set of Cambridge IGCSE and A Level results, with students achieving excellent outcomes that reflect their commitment, resilience and Personal Best. Strong IGCSE Results The 2026 IGCSE cohort achieved a 99.6% pass rate, with 40% at A*– A and 86% of grades awarded at A*–C. Secondary Principal Mr James Worland highlighted how the results were a reflection of the sustained effort of students and the support they received throughout their AISB journey. “We are incredibly proud of our 2026 IGCSE cohort for the effort and resilience that has led to these incredible, world-class results. Many students in this group have been part of the AISB community for years, and their success reflects the strength of the programmes and teachers who have supported them throughout their journey, giving them an excellent foundation as they now move confidently into A Levels, the next phase of their AISB journey.” Celebrating Our A Level Students Our 2026 A Level students have reached an important milestone, with a 95% pass rate. More importantly, these results mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our graduates are now progressing to universities and opportunities across Thailand and around the world, taking with them the knowledge, confidence and experiences they have developed throughout their AISB journey. “I am incredibly proud of our 2026 A Level students, whose achievements reflect a genuine commitment to our core value of Personal Best. They can now look ahead with confidence and pride as they take the next steps towards the exciting opportunities that await beyond AISB.” - Mr James Worland, Secondary Principal Read our AISB University Success Stories to discover where some of our graduates are heading next and how their AISB journeys have shaped their next steps.

Written by Ms Tara, Model United Nations Advisor While many teenagers spent their Saturday scrolling through social media, from 6am-7pm our AISB students spent theirs devoted to debating global crises, negotiating international policy, and practicing the art of diplomacy. AISB proudly sent a delegation of seven Year 9 students (and a Year 8) to participate in the Norwich 4th Model United Nations (NISMUN 2026), hosted by Norwich International School Bangkok. The conference brought together students from more than 15 schools across Bangkok and beyond to tackle complex global issues through collaboration, critical thinking, and debate. Representing AISB were: Plookboon (PB) – Year 9 Maria Surkhab – Year 9 Dorrigo Abigail – Year 9 Dorrigo Amina – Year 9 Dorrigo Karina – Year 8 Yarra Sophia – Year 9 Litchfield Alisa – Year 9 Dorrigo Maithreyi – Year 9 Dorrigo The delegation represented AISB with professionalism, confidence, and intellectual curiosity throughout the conference. Students researched international issues, defended national positions, collaborated with peers from other schools, and learned firsthand that solving global challenges requires far more listening than shouting. Several AISB students earned special recognition for their outstanding performance: Plookboon (PB) Charoenkul received an Honorable Mention Award, recognizing exceptional participation, diplomacy, and debate skills. Alisa (Alice) Kumpeeraparb earned the Best Position Paper Award, a distinction awarded for producing one of the conference's strongest written policy submissions. These awards reflect not only academic excellence but also the perseverance, preparation, and confidence required to compete alongside some of the region's strongest young delegates. Model United Nations experiences like this help students develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom: public speaking, research, negotiation, leadership, empathy, and the ability to see issues from multiple perspectives. In a world increasingly defined by complex global challenges, these are skills that matter. AISB congratulates all eight delegates for representing our school with distinction. Whether bringing home awards or contributing thoughtfully in committee sessions, each student demonstrated what it means to be a globally minded learner. The future may not have all the answers yet—but after watching these students in action, it is clear that it is already asking the right questions. Congratulations, AISB delegates! We look forward to seeing where your voices take you next.

Dear Parents and Friends, The 2025-26 academic year is drawing to a close, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share some reflections with you. Over the past week, through various assemblies and gatherings, we have celebrated the incredible achievements of our students. We honoured both their academic successes and their commitment to our school values of Wellbeing, Respect, Integrity, Community, Personal Best, and Global Outlook. We also celebrated our Year 6 students’ completion of Primary School and their readiness for High School. Perhaps the most significant event of this final week is the Graduation of our Year 12 students. This year, AISB graduates seven students, and we take this opportunity to congratulate each of them on this major milestone—the completion of their formal school education. Their final Cambridge exam results are still a couple of months away, but supported by their teachers and families, each student has already mapped a pathway forward to further education. Congratulations to our graduates! May the experiences you shared within the AISB community—not just academically, but through lifelong friendships and the values instilled during your time here—provide you with a solid foundation for your journey ahead. I direct the following quote, often misattributed to Michelangelo, particularly to our graduates, though it applies equally to all of our students: “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Dream big and aim high! Stumbling blocks are as much a part of life as success, and they are just as important, provided that we reflect upon them and use those experiences to inform our futures. Aiming high and reaching for your dreams is the true key to success. You may just be surprised by what you can achieve, and I am confident that great things lie ahead for each of you. Of course, we have also marvelled at the early years and primary school concerts that took place over the past few weeks. The talent in our school is truly amazing! Performance is a big part of what we do at AISB. It is part of our effort to provide students with memorable experiences that build confidence and teamwork while also allowing students to both discover and pursue their talents. The students worked so hard, practiced so beautifully, and through their performances, completely blew us away. We are so incredibly proud of every single student. My congratulations and thanks also go to all the staff who invested so much time and effort into making these performances such a success! Farewells and Gratitude At this time of year, we always say farewell to some of our students and staff. To the staff who are leaving AISB: we are deeply grateful for your many contributions throughout your time at our school. Thank you again for all you have done to help our school learn and grow, each of you in your own unique way. We wish you and your families all the very best for the future and hope that you will keep in touch. To our departing students: whether you are moving to new schools, new cities, or new countries, we wish you and your families every success. Thank you for being part of the AISB family—we will miss you all! I would like to make a special mention of Mr. Michael Bryce, who will retire from full-time education at the end of this year after almost 50 years of service and leadership. Working alongside the AISB secondary staff over the past three years, Michael has established a strong foundation on which the Secondary School can continue to grow. Professional development, policy, programs, and staff and student wellbeing are all in a better place because of his leadership and hard work. Thank you, Michael, for your contributions to AISB and for the guidance you have given to students and staff alike. We wish you and your wife, Vicky, every happiness for a long, healthy, and restful retirement. Finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks to each and every one of you for your support this year: To our students: For trying your best in class, keeping up with your work, and supporting your classmates throughout the year. To our teachers: Who have guided and worked diligently with their students so that everyone could achieve their personal best. To the leadership team: Your tireless, behind-the-scenes work in support of our students, teachers, and staff cannot be understated. To our parents: Who have provided the loving environments and support from home that allowed your children to fully engage with the programs we provide. For now, I wish you all a very relaxing holiday—whether you manage to escape Bangkok for a few weeks or plan to stay at home and enjoy some quiet time! For those who are traveling back to your home countries, I hope you have a wonderful, special time reconnecting with family and friends. Take care and stay safe, everyone. Enjoy your break! Sincerely, Henri Bemelmans Director, AISB

Written by Tara Dunphy, Yr 9 & 10 Cambridge Enterprise IGCSE Teacher Today, a group of Australian International School Bangkok (AISB) Enterprise students had the privilege of spending the morning at UNICEF Thailand Headquarters, where they explored how one of the world's most impactful organizations works to improve the lives of children across the globe. Students engaged directly with UNICEF's Communications Director, Fundraising Coordinator, and Budget Officer, gaining valuable insights into the diverse careers and departments that support UNICEF's mission. Through interactive discussions, students learned about UNICEF's history, organizational structure, and the social impact of its programs both in Thailand and around the world. The visit provided a unique opportunity to explore real-world enterprise concepts in action. Students discovered how UNICEF partners with local businesses and governments, how funding decisions are made, how campaigns are designed to inspire public support, and how success is measured through key performance indicators that extend far beyond financial donations. They also learned about negotiation, stakeholder engagement, employee motivation, and the personality traits that contribute to success within international organizations. One particularly powerful takeaway was learning how even small recurring donations of just $1 or $5 per month can collectively create significant positive change for children and families in need. Students were inspired by UNICEF's ability to leverage innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship to solve complex challenges facing children today. The group also learned about UNICEF Thailand's partnership with Big C to address health-related issues and discussed emerging challenges that have become increasingly important over the past decade, including climate change, digital safety, and other evolving threats to child wellbeing. AISB students were proud to contribute to the community through the donation. Additionally, UNICEF will help distribute the donated food from our Conlon family, to families within the Khlong Toei community. Students were given a special tour of both UNICEF's historic headquarters and its newly expanded facilities. They learned that Bangkok will soon become home to UNICEF's new Asia-Pacific Regional Office, which will officially open on July 1, 2026. The consolidated regional headquarters will provide oversight and technical support across 36 countries and territories, strengthening UNICEF's ability to serve children throughout the region. The visit also highlighted UNICEF's newly established Centre of Excellence on Children and Climate Resilience, which will support research, knowledge sharing, and policy development aimed at protecting vulnerable children from the growing impacts of climate change. To conclude the experience, students received a special gift: Teddy Blu, UNICEF's beloved blue-nosed bear. The blue nose symbolizes UNICEF's commitment to ensuring that whenever a child is in danger or in need, help can reach them as quickly as possible—regardless of who they are, where they live, or what circumstances they face. It serves as a powerful reminder that every child deserves protection, opportunity, and hope. AISB extends its sincere gratitude to UNICEF Thailand for welcoming our students, generously sharing their expertise, and inspiring the next generation of socially conscious leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Read more about Year 9 Entrepreneurship in Action in the link below: https://www.australianisb.ac.th/post/year-9-enterprise-students-demonstrate-growth-agency-and-entrepreneurial-mindset

Our Year 2 students recently presented Chickalita!, an engaging musical that combined music, drama, movement, and storytelling. Before the musical began, students delighted the audience with a special pre-show performance of Lemon Tree. Their confident singing and enthusiastic stage presence set the tone for a morning of celebration and performance. Families and staff gathered to celebrate the students' learning as they performed the story of Chickalita, a young chicken who leaves her farm in pursuit of her dream of becoming a singer. Through a series of challenges and encounters, the story explored themes of perseverance, friendship, and staying true to yourself. Developing Performance Skills Throughout the production, students demonstrated the skills they have been developing during rehearsals and classroom learning. They performed with increasing independence, followed choreography, sang as part of an ensemble, delivered lines to an audience, and worked together to move the story forward. Students from Kangaroos, Platypus, Quokkas, and Bettongs classes each contributed to the production through a range of musical numbers, including Spring Chicken, Heaven Help a Chicken Farm, What Came First?, This Chicky's Gonna Move!, Cross the Road, I'm Gonna Sing, and People With Dreams. Learning Through Collaboration Productions such as Chickalita! provide students with opportunities to develop communication, cooperation, and self-management skills in an authentic context. Success on stage relies on students supporting one another, remembering their responsibilities, responding to cues, and contributing to a shared outcome. The performance also highlighted the importance of persistence and practice, with students working over many weeks to prepare for the production. Celebrating a Shared Achievement The musical concluded with all four Year 2 classes coming together for a whole-cast finale, celebrating the collective effort that made the performance possible. We congratulate our Year 2 students on their commitment throughout the rehearsal process and their willingness to participate, take risks, and perform in front of an audience. We also thank our teachers, music staff, and families for their ongoing support in helping students prepare for this special event.