Schools are competitive places but one that has begun to stand out in both academic and "life" lessons is grounded in the firm belief in Buddhism.
Students gather inside an auditorium to share their thoughts as part of an open, inclusive approach to learning at Panyaprateep School in Nakhon Ratchasima. PHOTOS BY CHAMLONG BOONSONG
Panyaprateep School in Nakhon Ratchasima was founded with holistic human development in mind. Students acquire not only occupational skills, but also learn how to contribute to society and to look inward, said school director Withit Rachatatanun.
Teaching and activities at the secondary boarding school are influenced by Buddhism that centres on achieving inner peace, mindfulness and the truth of life as intended by its founder, Thawsi Svasti-Xuto. Her primary school, Thawsi on Sukhumvit Soi 71 in Bangkok, shares the same teaching philosophy.
Sited on an 82-rai compound in Ban Nong Noi village in tambon Pak Chong sub-district in Pak Chong district, Panyaprateep School features a natural landscape and a lush environment suited to the physical and mental development of its students. Yet it is a small, private school with just 52 students from Mathayom 1 to 6 (grades 7 to 12).
The compound of Panyaprateep School is divided into three zones: For study, recreation and sports, plus a living laboratory of ecology and agriculture with sustainability as the key to human-nature co-existence.
The founder's vision is for the school to evolve into a community of people determined to acquire knowledge, improve their lives and create true and long-lasting happiness.
Students of Panyaprateep School attend Buddhism lessons each week. Buddhism takes on an integral part in the syllabus because life should be a constant learning process and Buddhism is the religion of learning, according to Mr Witit.
Students practise after-school meditation and there is a session for them to discuss their problems, including those that are personal, and experiences.
Panyaprateep School director Withit Rachatatanun.
In class, the students are taught various subjects and learn how to be independent, as well as being taught right from wrong. The classes also point the way to the importance of being dependable and helpful to others
"The school management does not think that material well-being is everything in life. We think people should conduct themselves with decency, have self-respect and adhere to morality," Mr Witit said.
The curricula of Panyaprateep School adopt a distinct theme of "Two on the outside, two on the inside and two classes" in its teaching.
"Two on the outside" is about being constantly mindful and appreciative of one's actions and what is around us. For example, in eating, one should know what he is consuming, its worth and value as well as where the food came from.
Socially, students are educated about ways to live with others amicably and harmoniously in society and to speak the truth.
"Two on the inside" refers to the awareness of one's own emotions and the cultivation of knowledge needed to attain the truth of life — a subject which also tackles ignorance," Mr Witit said.
"To let go of concerns is to be free from obsession and to stop causing suffering to oneself.
"Students are encouraged to think for themselves and to have constructive thoughts. Useful sciences of the West are also included in the curricula of the school."
What characterises a special feature of the school is the creation of the "Two Classes" concept, which aims to educate the students as well as their parents and the teachers themselves.
The school management recognises that teaching should be extended to parents of the students and the teachers themselves. No one is immune to learning, according to the school.
Students are encouraged to follow an "open approach" to learning intended to stoke inquisitive minds and compel students to be critical of issues around them. They are asked to bring up problems for which more than one solution can be tailored. Teachers then urge the class to debate probable solutions instead of just telling the students what the answers are.
At the same time, everyone should know their emotional and physical limits, and when they have "off moments" they should control their anger for a well-balanced lifestyle.
During class, parents and teachers share their experiences and exchange views on child rearing. Both groups learn from each other.
Mr Witit pointed out no task is too big when it comes to forging teamwork and human relations in order to have empathy.
The school also runs studies into the sufficiency economy where students, teachers and staff go back to basics. They make non-consumer products from organic materials, such as biodiesel which is produced using used vegetable oil. There is also a termite repellent made from concocting creepers and weeds, and drinks from herbs and leaves of plants such as rice and mint grown in the school backyard. The school also grows fresh fruits, including guava, banana and pumpkin.
Many subjects require hands-on learning. In carpentry class, for example, students are taught to handle tools as they apply their full concentration to the work at hand. At the same time, the subject affords them a close look at and a feel for real wood.
Students learn not only carpentry but also practical living skills. Social contribution activities are undertaken regularly. For example, they go out to repair playgrounds for kindergarten students in nearby schools.
The school gives serious consideration to the need to contribute to society and to oneness. The act of helping others can return a reward in kind to the students.
"We can train ourselves and be happy with our work," Mr Witit said.
Students take care of themselves by washing their dishes after every meal, keeping the toilets clean in the dormitories, consuming healthy food and being aware of the beneficial use of medicinal herbs grown at the school.
Punyaporn Charnpinitpote, a Mathayom 4 student, said she was satisfied with the teaching at the school and will apply what she learns to her future career and life. She finds lessons at the school useful. Through them, she understands nothing should be taken for granted.
"The school teaches the value of everything. What we do must be for the interest of ourselves and society. It's about accepting who we are and others," she said.
Staff of private companies tour the school to look for ways to apply Buddhism-based teaching to their own businesses.
Students pray before meals, which is widely practised in the school in appreciation of the nutritional value of food.
A plan for the day’s activities is carefully laid out by a student reflecting adherence to Buddhist principles. Students are encouraged to plan their day as many subjects require hands-on learning.
A tour of the school takes visitors to a building made from clay. The building is used for classes and shows how a man-made structure can blend in with nature.