Opening just a few short weeks ago, The Invictus International Programme (IIP) is one of the newest institutions to join Bangkok’s growing number of international schools. Leading the trilingual school through the high pressured opening stages Claire Bell, Head of Invictus International Programme, explained why the school is destined to stand out from the crowd in Thailand’s extremely competitive education sector.
Claire Bell BEd, MA, NQPH , Head of Invictus International Programme
After a two year stint opening the British International School in Iraq, where the seasoned educator and SEN teacher not only founded the institution but also launched its Special Education Needs department and turned it into the top-rated school in the region, Claire Bell had developed a growing reputation for her high level of competence, passion for teaching and an exceptional dedication to the development of children, of all levels and ability.
However, as the threat of the Islamic Invasion began to rise – the school was just a few kilometres from the front line – Claire thought, now the school had blossomed, it was time to leave. Fast forward a couple of years and the opening of several well respected and successful schools, including the British Perse School in Singapore, Claire was offered the opportunity to launch and develop The Invictus International Programme (IIP) for ages 4 to 11, created by Invictus International School in Singapore and Sathitpathum Demonstration School in Pathum Thani.
I am not a number
Answering the question about what makes Invictus different from other education centres, Claire pointed out the school’s vision. “Our tagline is, that we offer affordability and quality education this is very true. First of all, our school fees are considerably lower than any of the international schools around us but, at the same time, we offer an outstanding quality of education. Our programme aims to offer discerning parents a gateway into international school education.”
“We are committed to an education that respects the full development of an individual in an innovative and inspiring way. That doesn't mean we ever cut corners. We have all the technology, we have all the resources in our school, and we have outstanding teachers and leaders.”
Claire also pointed out that, from its inception, the size of the school was also a crucial consideration. “Our founder didn't want to have these huge schools where children are a number, but no longer a name. Our school, for instance, has a village type feel with a family-friendly atmosphere, where parents are included as much as the children. We know their strengths, we know their weaknesses. This means every single day at the school gate we can talk to the parents on a deeper level because we know who they are.”
Confidence, empathy and humility
Discussing the goals of Invictus and the results of studying there Claire described the qualities she hopes students will take with them once they have completed their studies.
“I tend to develop very confident children. This is because we give them, especially within all the Invictus schools, a voice. We let them know that they are being listened to and we let them know we care about what they say. So, when a child leaves Invictus, I know that they have confidence, empathy and humility which, along with an excellent education, helps them to become well-rounded, confident and balanced individuals.”
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum works well for good reasons.
“We use the British Early Years Foundation Stage as it sets standards for learning, standards for teachers, standards for parents, and most importantly, standards for our students. The EYFS is built around seven areas of learning: communication and language, the child's physical, personal, social and emotional development, alongside literacy, numeracy and understanding the world, which is one of the subjects I teach, through history and geography. Each of those seven areas has their own learning goals, which we ensure that the children are able to reach by the end of the academic year. Using the Early Years Foundation Stage, we can keep track of our children at all times and see how they improve day by day.”
The content of the EYFS programme chimes beautifully with the well-respected Cambridge Curriculum as it is also very structured. For example, if you are in a history lesson, then you are learning history and only history (in a full immersion environment, naturally). And, like EYFS it is all based on learning objectives and success criteria.
Why? Why? Why?
A lot of people are confused by the term “True Immersion”. Does it mean that the child just sits in an English lesson all day?
“No, not at all. True Immersion at Invictus means that during all lessons and activities, as well as at lunchtime and playtime, the children are constantly and continuously hearing the English language spoken by native English teachers. This ‘immersion’ in the language reinforces their linguistic proficiency in remarkable ways. For example, we've only been open for four weeks but already I can see a huge developmental jump with some of my children who struggled with English because they have only been able to communicate in English while they are here.”
As to the most important skills that students need to learn for the future and entering the 21st century workforce, Claire has clear ideas on that, too.
“Humility and empathy are essential attributes for everyone, particularly in this day and age. However, critical thinking is a fundamental skill for the 21st century and that ability to question their learning and ask ‘why do I need to know this?’ and ‘how will this help me when I'm older?’ will make them better students, better employees and self-reliant, resourceful adults who can cope with anything life throws at them.”
Heart and soul
As for the extra-curricular activities the school offers, they will kick-off in January 2022.
“Our extracurricular activity programme is supported by three pillars. There’s the Academic Pillar, which could be something like the Science, Space and Number clubs. The Creativity Pillar covers things like our Art Club and Dance Club. The Sporting Pillar includes Swimming and Football clubs. We use the three-pillar system to create balance. As I say to parents, it is important to have their children do something creative, something academic and something active to create balanced and inquisitive minds.”
Continuing the thread of how Invictus works with parents, Claire cited a recent holy visit as an example.
“We recently invited our friend, a local monk with immaculate spoken English, to come and speak to the children to learn about his life and work as a monk. We also invited the parents to come and hear him speak and ask their own questions.”
“This is indicative of the high level of involvement we have with parents. We also use a parent-teacher community app called Qoqolo, which in Japanese means heart – and it is the heart of our school. We post daily updates on Qoqolo about everything that's happening in the school, so parents are always informed of what is happening. We also publish our weekly newsletter there as well special announcements from myself and teachers. “
“Meanwhile, we have just launched our parent-teacher association and literally, all of the parents want to be involved. We are very blessed to have such wonderful parents who want to work with us to educate their children. I want them to come in and say how they could help or point out where we could improve. I crave that level of interaction and feedback from parents as it helps establish a community between teachers, parents and children all working towards a greater goal.”
Get a taste of giving your children ages 4-11 a first-class international education in Invictus International Programme @ Sathitpathum. Join “Invictus Virtual Open House 2022”, to showcase their skills, curriculum, and environment on Saturday 5 March 2022, 11:00 - 12:00 . For those who have already registered, you will receive a link of event the day before it happens.
Register Now: https://bit.ly/iipopenhouse2022
For more information,
https://www.invictus.school/th/
02-975-4524, 065-324-5888
Line: @invictus