BRIGHTON COLLEGE BANGKOK – Memorable Experience
One of the exciting activities we have offered at Brighton College Bangkok this year has been our Sixth Form visit to our sister school in the UK, Brighton College, England’s Independent School of the Year 2019.
January 2020 marked the first international visit of Brighton College Bangkok’s Year 12 pupils to their sister school, Brighton College UK. It was especially significant as it was the first international trip for the Sixth Form, which opened last August.
Pupils and staff flew to the UK full of excitement and anticipation, keen to strengthen the close ties between the schools and enable the Bangkok pupils to gain insight into and experience one of the most successful independent schools in the UK.
Attending lessons in their chosen A Level subjects allowed pupils to make connections with their peers and staff in the UK that will last well beyond the duration of the visit, and benefit them as they continue their journey through A Level study. The pupils were particularly fortunate to be able to join an ‘Options at 18’ event, with a panel of distinguished guest speakers and a dedicated team from the UK school providing invaluable advice and guidance on the university application process.
During the visit to Brighton College UK, our Sixth Form pupils enjoyed a tour of the school with its magnificent blend of traditional buildings and modern, state of the art facilities, including a brand new Sports and Science Centre. They were also active participants in workshops related to Critical Thinking and Presentation Skills.
A visit to the University of Sussex gave our pupils the opportunity to ‘get a feel for’ a UK university with a tour of the campus, a talk from the head of the international department, and a workshop from one of the professors.
As well as school and university-based activities, the group made the most of their time in Brighton, one of the UK’s most dynamic and energetic cities, visiting local attractions such as Brighton Pier and the Royal Pavilion. They also spent a day in London, where destinations included the usual tourist sights plus the Imperial War Museum and famous shopping areas!
Talking about their experience, one Year 12 pupil reflected: “Some of us have never been to the UK before, so getting to simply experience the weather and culture was eye-opening. Shadowing pupils and participating in the workshops at BCUK was enjoyable and informative, whilst having ‘buddies’ meant we made new friends along the way. We also got to visit and tour the University of Sussex. The tour was led by three incredibly knowledgeable international pupils (this could be us in the future!) – it gave invaluable insights into university life and the real highlights of their facilities. The best part of our UK trip was getting to spend time with each other. It really gave us a taste of what living with others might be like, whether that is cooking breakfast or organising a dishwashing rota!”
Another said: “The trip was an eye-opening experience for the whole Sixth Form. We got to encounter a way of life that is very different to ours. Living together was a challenge and sharing a space taught us to become independent yet mindful of how our actions affect each other. The trip taught us essential skills we will require when we grow up. We also had the chance to explore Brighton and London. The trip gave us the freedom to explore, to find activities we wanted to do and places we wanted to visit. It really highlighted the unexplored world around us. It was an unforgettable trip that will leave an impression on me for the rest of my life”.
Another Sixth Form pupil said: “The visit to the UK was valuable as it allowed me to experience another culture and what it would be like to live there, away from home and outside my comfort zone. The trip brought all of us, the whole Sixth Form, closer together. Spending time at BCUK enabled us to share experiences and different points of view with pupils the same age who live on the other side of the world”.
Mike Walton, our Head Master, said: “We are grateful to staff and pupils in Brighton for welcoming our group. We are delighted that pupils from both schools had a chance to get to know each other – I know many will keep in touch about shared ideas, plans and opportunities”.
Brighton College Bangkok is hosting some special events for prospective pupils and parents later this year, including our A Level Scholarship Day and Open House event. The school welcomes current Year 11 pupils who would like to apply for a scholarship to study A Levels in our Sixth Form. Our Open House for all year groups is on Friday 1st May, from 08:45. Everyone is welcome to meet our pupils, staff and the leadership team, and enjoy a tour of our world-class facilities. Please visit the school website or contact the Admissions Department on 02 136 7898 for more information.
About Brighton College Bangkok
Brighton College International School Bangkok opened in September 2016 and is the sister school to Brighton College UK, England’s top co-educational school and the Independent School of the Year 2019, as voted by The Sunday Times. The school offers academic excellence with a culture of curiosity, confidence, and kindness. An iconic 20-acre (50 rai) campus is located in Krungthep Kreetha, east of Bangkok. Easily reached from major highways, the school is a 30-minute drive from downtown Bangkok and a 15-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Brighton College Bangkok provides education for children aged 2 – 18.
Brighton College Bangkok follows the British curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and a choice of 21 different A Level subjects to help children reach the world’s best universities. Pupils benefit from outstanding teaching and pastoral care delivered through a traditional House system. They enjoy world-class facilities for Sports and Performing Arts on a state of the art campus. Above all, Brighton College Bangkok gives all pupils a caring, supportive and tolerant environment in which they can thrive and develop a lifelong passion for learning.
Tel: +66 (2) 136 7898
