Highly-proficient English language skill development and international school curriculums have become the education of choice among parents who want their children to be global citizens. So says Miss Parita Suaphan, founder of Aster International School Bangkok. The parents want to ensure that language is not a barrier to their children's career growth she adds.
Cultivated academically and professionally in education for more than a decade, Miss Parita, who holds a doctorate degree in Comparative and International Education from Columbia University's Teachers College, has seen a big opportunity in education which she is capitalising on with the introduction of her new brand of Aster International School Bangkok in August this year. The school has been well received by families and has quickly become a school of choice, and set to reach its full capacity of around 600 students within the next three years.
Students run in the hallway at Aster International School Bangkok, which offers a premium British curriculum recognised by universties worldwide.
Dr.Parita Suaphan Founder and Mr. David Figes Principal of ASTER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Bangkok.
Commanding a prime location in the Thai capital along Rama III Road, linking to commercial areas such as Silom, Sathorn and Sukhumvit in a few minutes, Aster International School Bangkok has come up as a strong medium-sized city school which offers premium quality British curriculum education that is recognised among universities worldwide, including Thai universities. Importantly, highly qualified teachers are required to hold Britain's Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach students from nursery up to year 13 level at the school.
Miss Parita explains that the school is in a prime location and the space is perfectly designed to answer all requirements and ensure that all students enjoy life at school. The school features a courtyard for outdoor activities for the young, sports facilities and a swimming pool, a music room, a theatre and more.
"We focus our effort and attention on what really matters to create a high-quality education. We have an inspiring curriculum, premium qualified teachers, well-designed learning spaces, and a committed management team. A medium-sized school like this is great for creating a warm community and caring for all students."
DWP architecture firm, in charge of interior-design, has linked indoor and outdoor classes with no boundary, matching the school's concept of "learning beyond limit".
"Aster International School Bangkok has a principle to create global citizenship," Miss Parita continues. "We equip the students with skills and abilities to make wise and sustainable choices for themselves and for the society that they live in. To live a successful and happy life, the abilities that come with academic learning are essential but not enough on their own. We teach students how to understand themselves and other people in society and this will be significant and fundamental to their career and life path going forward in different social contexts."
"The school strongly focuses on language proficiency because language skills are essential for the accumulation of knowledge and interaction with people around the world. When children are fluent in languages, they can receive knowledge from various sources and find doors to new knowledge."
The school not only emphasises English but also other languages, including Thai. The students read at least one Thai book a year to ensure that they understand the local culture. French and Chinese are also offered.
Another solid strength of Aster International School Bangkok is its culturally diversified positioning. This educational institute is highly international due to its diverse mix of student nationalities. Its students hail from as many as 37 nations, with non-Thais accounting for half of admissions. Aster International School Bangkok has quickly joined the ranks of leading schools that are the first choices of expatriate parents who work for multinational firms.
In the past decade, we have seen a declining birth rate worldwide and in Thailand the birth rate is particularly low. Miss Parita says that her school is actually benefiting from this situation because while parents are having fewer children, they want the best for the children they have and that means choosing an international school.
"We have seen an increasing number of Thai national students in international schools due to the strong point of English language proficiency and curriculums that encourage critical thinking and innovation. This is the market we are seeing. A declining number of young people might not be a big challenge because we are in the position that we can fulfil the parents demands."
"We hope and expect that this school will become known as a prestigious educational institute with proud alumni. Aster International School Bangkok is our flagship, and like aster plants, we aim to continue growing in a sustainable way."
