Learning at Charter

Environment plays a crucial part in the success of your child’s education. We pride ourselves on our warm, welcoming, safe and friendly atmosphere, that allows students to explore their passions and develop their own unique personality and identity.

Of course, academic success is important. It opens many doors and our students gain admission to some of the most prestigious universities around the world and achieve some of the best exam results in Thailand. You can expect us to push your child so that they are as academically successful as possible. However; there is far, far more to a Charter education than a string of outstanding exam results!

It is essential that students are able to express their ideas, so their language skills will be nurtured, with extra support available for those that need it. Making mistakes is how we learn. A safe environment means students are happy to take risks and push themselves, knowing that their teachers are there to help them through those difficulties.

We broadly follow the English National Curriculum, but in a modified form so that it is enriched by and suitable for our setting in the heart of Bangkok. Our bespoke curriculum means that there is a seamless transition as your child progresses through the school. The foundations for success and a love of learning are put in place in our Early Years programme, which ensures that students are ready to take on the IPC in the primary school. Which in turn gives each student the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the Secondary school. In Year’s 10 and 11 students follow an iGCSE programme which then leads to A Levels in their final two year’s of school.

EYFS

Our school is a nurturing and friendly learning community, which cares for and educates children of all cultures. We provide a happy and safe environment where children love coming to school. Our philosophy is that happy children make for highly effective learners.

 
EARLY YEARS

Our Early Years curriculum is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework for England, but adapted for our international student community and setting here in Bangkok. Our team of experienced and highly qualified Early Years specialists follow a child-led active learning approach that nurtures emotional and social development, alongside building strong academic foundations. The children have a balance of working independently, collaboratively with their peers and alongside adults. There are also small group sessions during the Foundation Stage day (for example, phonics and numbers).

Parents have a central role in helping to support the transition from home to school and supporting children in their first steps towards greater independence. The children enjoy having the stability of their Class Teacher and classroom, whilst also benefiting from some subject-specialist teaching. Students are encouraged to develop their intercultural understanding across the curriculum.

The four themes of the Early Years Foundation Stage underpin our practice:

A UNIQUE CHILD – every child is unique, who is constantly learning and can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS – children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships

ENABLING ENVIRONMENTS – children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their experiences respond to their individual needs, with a strong partnership between home and school

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. All areas of learning and development are equally important and inter-connected.

 
CURRICULUM AREAS

There are seven areas of learning and development in the Foundation Stage. All areas are important and interconnected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive.

 
PRIME AREAS

Communication and Language:
Supporting the development of emotional well-being, fostering confidence and self-assurance, forming friendships, and guiding the learning of sharing, taking turns, and managing feelings and behaviour.

Physical Development:
Emphasizing the growth of coordination, control, manipulation, and movement. Improving physical skills not only builds confidence but also instils the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle and cultivates a positive sense of well-being. Additionally, it involves developing self-help skills and independence in managing personal hygiene.

Personal, Social, and Emotional Development:
Promoting the enhancement of listening skills for better understanding and attention. Encouraging the development of speaking skills to improve vocabulary and fluency in communication with others.

These areas are our primary focus, once the children have a basic level of skills in these areas they are ready to further develop skills within a specific area, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied.


SPECIFIC AREAS

Literacy: Children will be surrounded by a diverse range of books, learning the sounds of letters, and even taking their first steps in writing. It’s a journey into the joy of language that starts right from the beginning.

Mathematics: Children will be matching, counting, sorting, and exploring patterns playfully. From shapes to measures, we will be using stories, songs, games, and imaginative play to make math enjoyable and interactive.

Understanding the World: This area lays the groundwork for Science, Geography, History, Design Technology, and even computer skills (ICT). It’s about developing the essential knowledge and skills to understand the world around them.

Expressive arts and design: Being creative allows children to connect one area of learning and another and extend their understanding. This area develops music, art, dance, role play and imaginative play.

KS1

Our school prides itself on being a nurturing, friendly learning community, which cares for and educates children of all cultures. We aim to provide a happy and safe environment where children love coming to school. Our philosophy is that happy children make for highly effective learners.

Within Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) children build on the learning from the Foundation Stage, with a rich variety of experiences, both in and outside their classrooms. The children continue exploring, developing curiosity and working independently, in pairs, small groups and in whole class settings. Developing, self-regulation, independence and intrinsic motivation are key features of learning in this stage.

Physical development and social and emotional development remain key focuses, alongside academic learning. Students follow a carefully considered blend of English and international curricula that has been adapted to meet the needs of our international community. These are grounded by a foundation of academic rigour, and underpinned by our Schoolwide Learner Outcomes which develop students holistically, to become independent, active, self-motivated learners. We pride ourselves on the inclusive and diverse nature of our curriculum, supporting the needs, abilities, strengths and talents of each child whatever they may be.

Our team of highly-qualified and experienced teachers and teaching assistants work hard to ensure that all students are engaged and challenged. Small class size helps ensure that our teachers get to know our learners and can personalise every child’s learning experience, enabling them to be the best they can be in all areas.

Curriculum

The Key Stage 1 core curriculum includes a range of subjects taught by class teachers, such as Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Art and Design, Humanities (History and Geography), and Computing/Digital Literacy. These subjects are seamlessly integrated into a creative, topic-based curriculum, that fosters challenging, innovative, and engaging learning experiences, allowing students to connect their knowledge to real-life situations. Throughout the academic year, each year group delves into 4-6 topics, providing a context for delivering core curriculum objectives.

At the beginning and end of each unit, there are designated entry and exit points that provide opportunities for students to express their understanding. This is often a highlight, appreciated by both students and parents alike. Witnessing the pride students take in acknowledging their progress and showcasing their learning is truly delightful.
Subjects such as Thai, Thai as a Foreign Language, Music, Physical Education and Swimming are taught exclusively by specialists throughout Key Stage 1 to ensure that maximum progress is made across these subject areas.

KS2

Our school prides itself on being a nurturing, friendly learning community, which cares for and educates children of all cultures. We aim to provide a happy and safe environment where children love coming to school. Our philosophy is that happy children make for highly effective learners.

In Key Stage 2: Years 3-6, we continue to develop the child academically, socially and emotionally. Children take a more active role in their learning, recognising that the responsibility for becoming a life-long learner begins with them.

Students follow a carefully considered blend of English and international curricula that has been adapted to meet the needs of our international community. These are grounded by a foundation of academic rigour, and underpinned by our Schoolwide Learner Outcomes which develop students holistically, to become independent, active, self-motivated learners. We pride ourselves on the inclusive and diverse nature of our curriculum, supporting the needs, abilities, strengths and talents of each child whatever they may be.

Our team of highly-qualified and experienced teachers and teaching assistants work hard to ensure that all students are engaged and challenged. Small class size helps ensure that our teachers get to know our learners and can personalise every child’s learning experience, enabling them to be the best they can be in all areas.

Curriculum

The Key Stage 2 core curriculum includes a range of subjects taught by class teachers, such as Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Art and Design, Humanities (History and Geography), and Computing/Digital Literacy. These subjects are seamlessly integrated into a creative, topic-based curriculum, that fosters challenging, innovative, and engaging learning experiences, allowing students to connect their knowledge to real-life situations. Throughout the academic year, each year group delves into 4 – 6 topics, providing a context for delivering core curriculum objectives.

At the beginning and end of each unit, there are designated entry and exit points that provide opportunities for students to express their understanding. This is often a highlight, appreciated by both students and parents alike. Witnessing the pride students take in acknowledging their progress and showcasing their learning is truly delightful.

Subjects such as Thai, Thai as a Foreign Language, Music, Physical Education and Swimming are taught exclusively by specialists throughout Key Stage 1 to ensure that maximum progress is made across these subject areas.

Philosophy:

The Secondary School at Charter International provides a high quality international curriculum designed to enable all students to achieve their full potential academically as well as developing into well rounded adults that encompass Charter’s broader values: through the guidance of our well qualified and experienced staff our students become responsible citizens, are internationally minded, develop into critical thinkers, and impress as effective communicators.

Our graduates take away world-class qualifications and go on to attend prestigious universities across the globe. Our community atmosphere uniquely provides a personal and caring environment where students can access a high quality education and take advantage of a full range of extracurricular activities ranging from sports, enterprise, politics, robotics, to music and the arts. The small school size means teachers know students well, can support them through the changes that happen in the Secondary years and make sure they are able to achieve their potential and genuinely love coming to school.

Curriculum

KS3

At Charter International School the curriculum in years 7, 8 and 9 students follow a broad and balanced curriculum that lays the foundations for the IGCSE courses students will go on to study in years 10 and 11 and then A Level in our Sixth Form. From the moment students make their transition from the Primary school they will begin to develop the skills and independence required of Secondary school students and will become essential in both their academic and broader development as well rounded global citizens.

All subjects are taught by specialist teachers and the majority of lessons are taught in mixed ability homeroom groups throughout the key stage. As well as following a core curriculum of Maths, English, Science and Languages, students are able to experience a truly holistic education through the addition of timetabled lessons in Arts, Music, Drama, History, Global Perspectives, Geography and Physical Education. Students will also have access to extra curricular activities in a wide range of areas from robotics to sport as well as annual residentials appropriate to their age.

Philosophy:

The Secondary School at Charter International provides a high quality international curriculum designed to enable all students to achieve their full potential academically as well as developing into well rounded adults that encompass Charter’s broader values: through the guidance of our well qualified and experienced staff our students become responsible citizens, are internationally minded, develop into critical thinkers, and impress as effective communicators.

Our graduates take away world-class qualifications and go on to attend prestigious universities across the globe. Our community atmosphere uniquely provides a personal and caring environment where students can access a high quality education and take advantage of a full range of extracurricular activities ranging from sports, enterprise, politics, robotics, to music and the arts. The small school size means teachers know students well, can support them through the changes that happen in the Secondary years and make sure they are able to achieve their potential and genuinely love coming to school.

Curriculum

KS4
In KS4 students when students begin their iGCSE qualifications a degree of choice is introduced to allow students to develop their individual interests and talents in greater depth and begin to specialise on the subjects they enjoy and succeed in the most.

Although some students may have a good idea of their future career, it is important that students make choices now that will keep open as many career paths as possible. For this reason students are strongly advised to take a broad and balanced selection of iGCSE subjects. All of our students take English, Mathematics and an MFL as well as choosing five option subjects, ranging from individual sciences, Geography, History, Business, Economics, Art, Music, ICT and Computer Science. This means in total they will study 8, 9 or even 10 iGCSE subjects depending on the pathway they take, which is more than sufficient to meet the demands of universities anywhere in the world. Support from staff and events throughout the year are on offer to help students make the right choice.

Philosophy:

The Secondary School at Charter International provides a high quality international curriculum designed to enable all students to achieve their full potential academically as well as developing into well rounded adults that encompass Charter’s broader values: through the guidance of our well qualified and experienced staff our students become responsible citizens, are internationally minded, develop into critical thinkers, and impress as effective communicators.

Our graduates take away world-class qualifications and go on to attend prestigious universities across the globe. Our community atmosphere uniquely provides a personal and caring environment where students can access a high quality education and take advantage of a full range of extracurricular activities ranging from sports, enterprise, politics, robotics, to music and the arts. The small school size means teachers know students well, can support them through the changes that happen in the Secondary years and make sure they are able to achieve their potential and genuinely love coming to school.

Curriculum

KS5

The Charter Sixth Form aims to prepare students to meet the requirements and demands of a competitive workplace in a personalised and community based setting. Our students pursue International A Levels with the Cambridge International Examinations board in a supportive and diverse environment. Our program not only focuses on academic excellence but also provides comprehensive guidance for university applications and careers, embedded within the curriculum.

Typically students will take 3 to 4 A Levels studied over two years depending on their needs and aspirations for the future. This is the time where students can truly focus themselves on their specific interests and passions. With experienced teachers and a rigorous curriculum not only do our students excel academically, but also develop critical thinking skills and a strong portfolio of additional interests, preparing them for top universities worldwide. In order to graduate our Sixth Form students are encouraged to pursue extracurricular involvement and community service, fostering personal growth and cultural awareness.

IF YOU WANT IT WRITTEN MORE IN DEPTH PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

At Charter we are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and holistically. Our team of experienced specialists work collaboratively with teachers to provide tailored support for students with a range of learning needs, to ensure that all students can fully access the curriculum.

Our school operates in alignment with the SEND Code of Practice, employing a graduated response system to address the unique needs of each student.

What does the Learning Support and EAL Department do?

The Learning Support and EAL Department works with a diverse range of students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) and those who have high levels of attainment and are working above age related expectations (enrichment).

Children who require additional support are enrolled in a two-tiered system, receiving varying levels of support based on their individual needs. This support could include:

  • In-class support: Teachers and TAs receive assistance in implementing strategies to help students learn effectively within the classroom.
  • Personalized intervention: Targeted support for students needing additional help in English, Math, social communication, or emotional well-being.
  • Regular assessments: Ongoing monitoring of student progress and identification of any areas of need that might hinder a child’s learning potential.
  • Close communication: Collaboration with parents, external agencies, and professionals to ensure coordinated support.
  • Individual Education Plans (IEPs): Development of IEPs for children receiving additional support.

 

EAL support

The EAL team works closely with teachers and TAs to help create inclusive learning environments which can be accessed by all learners, reducing the need for children to be withdrawn from mainstream lessons.
If students have very limited English proficiency, they are entered into the EAL intervention group. This is a tiered system, with each child attending group sessions based on their current level of English proficiency. Children are regularly assessed, and if they have made appropriate progress, they can move to the next level or graduate from the intervention completely. It is our aim to have children return to mainstream English lessons as soon as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Whole School Learning Support Coordinator Lucy Wilkins at [email protected] if you would like more information.