STMARKS NEWSLETTER 14 (19 MAY 2023)
ATAR SUBJECT SELECTION INFORMATION SESSION
We are writing to inform you about an upcoming important event that will greatly impact the academic journey and future career prospects of our Year 9-10 students. Our school will be conducting an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) subject selection information session, which will provide valuable guidance on choosing subjects for the ATAR Year 11 program.
The session will take place on Monday, 12 June at 9:00 am. We kindly request that all current Year 9-10 students and parents attend this session, as it will significantly contribute to their understanding of the necessary steps for pursuing their desired career paths and university degrees.
During the information session, our experienced school advisor will work closely with the students to assist them in making informed decisions about their subject choices. By discussing their intended career paths and university course preferences, our advisor will provide valuable advice on the subjects that will best align with their goals.
In the ATAR program, students are generally required to undertake five subjects. However, it is important to note that only the best four subjects will be considered when calculating their ATAR scores. Therefore, making well-informed choices now will play a significant role in their future academic achievements.
We highly encourage both students and parents/guardians to attend this information session. The guidance provided during this session will empower students to make informed decisions about their subject choices and enable them to pursue their desired university degrees successfully. We would request that parents confirm their attendance by filling in the Attendance Confirmation Form Here.
SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM 2023
We are pleased to announce that St. Mark's will be offering a Summer School program this year from 14 June to 7 July. This program is open to all current students, as well as any outside family or friends who would like to experience the learning environment and opportunities being offered.
Early Years & Primary Summer Program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to continue learning and growing during their summer break. The program is divided into the following classes: Early Years (for students in current Pre-Prep and Prep), Group A (for students in current Year 1 & 2), Group B (for students in current Year 3&4), Group C (for students in current Year 5 & 6).
Lessons in these age groups will comprise of 3 fun-filled theme activities - Cities of the World, Water Water Everywhere, and See How It’s Made. The activities provided will aim to fulfill students’ needs of learning with enjoyment, where learning will be achieved through hands-on activities and experiments.
The secondary Summer Program is divided into 2 groups, namely: Group D (students in current Year 7&8) and Group E (students in current Year 9&10). Students will focus on Science and Mathematics with some weekly lessons in English and Mandarin. The highlight of our program includes our collaboration with Excellent Centre for Drug Discovery (ECDD) at Mahidol University, where our students will be able to engage in various hands-on activities once per week, using high-tech laboratory machines to do real experiments in biology and chemistry.
In science, students will explore and learn Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with practical and interactive hands-on activities to reinforce concepts. Taught by Mr. Brendan, who is a specialist in this field, the topics will include areas of Chemistry such as the structure of the atom, atomic symbols, writing compound formulae, and balancing chemical equations. Students will also look at separation techniques used to purify mixtures, investigate the factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction, and study various acid/base reactions. In Biology students will be introduced to microscope techniques and use these to study various types of plant and animal cells, they will also carry out investigations on photosynthesis, conduct ecological studies, look at inheritance, and carry out various chemical tests on foods. While in Physics topics such as investigating the properties of light, electricity, and electrical circuits, as well as forces and motion will covered.
Tuition for the program is 40,000 Baht inclusive of materials and supplies, as well as a healthy lunch. If you register your child(ren) for this program before or by Wednesday, 31 May, you will be entitled to our Early Bird Promotion of 10,000 Baht discount on Summer School fees.
We hope that you will consider enrolling your child(ren) in our Summer School program. It is a great opportunity for them to continue learning and growing over the summer, while also having fun and making new friends. To enroll, please click Enrolment Form Here.
RMIT & GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY - SCHOLARSHIP OFFER INFORMATION SESSION ( WED, 10 MAY)
We are excited to bring you the latest news and updates from the recent RMIT and Griffith University Scholarship Offer Information Session. This session aimed to provide parents and students with valuable insights into the scholarship opportunities available at these prestigious institutions. Here are the highlights:
Students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week while studying at a university
Upon graduation, students can apply for a 2-year work visa while looking for work in Australia during this period. If students find work and if the employers are willing to sponsor a permanent residence application, there is a good chance to receive Australian residency status based on grounds of Australian education and employment.
We encourage all interested students to explore the scholarship opportunities available at RMIT and Griffith University and take advantage of the resources and support offered. Investing in your education is an investment in your future, and these scholarships can play a pivotal role in shaping your academic and professional journey.
KINDERGARTEN PAINO CLASS: LISTENING
In our Kindergarten recent Paino class, students have been exposed to different sounds and musical elements, including high and low pitches, fast and slow tempos, and various instruments. Through engaging exercises, such as sound identification games, rhythm clapping, and call-and-response activities, we have nurtured their ability to recognize and differentiate sounds. Their progress in sound recognition has been truly impressive!
Alongside their piano practice, the teacher incorporated dancing activities to enhance our students' overall musical experience. Dancing not only allows them to express themselves creatively but also strengthens their sense of rhythm and body coordination.
YEAR 9 ENGLISH: DEBATE - SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
In an engaging and thought-provoking English class, Year 9 students recently participated in a debate on the topic of same-sex marriage. The classroom served as a platform for students to express their opinions, enhance their critical thinking skills, and engage in respectful discussions on a topic of societal importance.
The students were divided into teams, with each team representing a different stance on same-sex marriage. This approach encouraged students to research and present well-rounded arguments from various viewpoints, fostering empathy and understanding. To ensure informed and comprehensive arguments, the students were given ample time to conduct research. They gathered information from credible sources.
The debate followed a structured format, including opening statements, rebuttals, and closing statements. Each team presented their arguments, supporting them with evidence and logical reasoning. This format allowed students to practice effective communication skills and persuasive techniques.
Throughout the debate, the English teacher emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue. Students were encouraged to express their opinions without demeaning or invalidating others. This created a safe and inclusive environment where students felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and listening to opposing viewpoints.
Following the debate, students engaged in a reflective discussion to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments. They evaluated the effectiveness of their communication strategies, identified areas for improvement, and acknowledged the complexity of the topic.
The debate on same-sex marriage provided Year 9 students with an opportunity to explore a real-world issue in a structured and educational environment. Engaging in debates like this enhances their critical thinking skills, encourages open-mindedness, and promotes empathy toward diverse perspectives.
We believe that open and informed discussions about social issues are an integral part of comprehensive education. Debates provide a platform for students to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and respect for diverse opinions. It is our priority to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that encourages free expression while maintaining a respectful atmosphere.