The IB Diploma Programme has provided students at Wells with opportunities to take ownership over their learning, develop their personal and cultural identities, and engage with ideas from the local to global that allows them to take action in the wider community.

“I joined the DP program with 2 goals: to research, and to become a better learner/thinker. The EE and IAs fulfilled my first goal. As for the second, the TOK course and its pervasiveness across all other subjects helped me become more reflective and aware of my own learning process and the knowledge journey in general. It also made me form an interconnectedness perspective of all subjects. This opened up new possible combinations of my academic interests that I hope to pursue moving forward.” (Graduate from Class of 2023)

“The IBDP at Wells was very inclusive of the student’s perspective and thoughts. Especially while working on the Internal Assessments and the Extended Essay, I was able to pursue ideas that I was curious about. I believe this not only satisfies my thirst for knowledge but also encourages me to seek more knowledge in the future.” (Graduate from Class of 2023)

“The TOK course and its pervasiveness across all other subjects helped me be more reflective and aware of my own learning process and the knowledge journey in general. It also made me form an interconnected perspective of all subjects. This opened up new possible combinations of my academic interests that I hope to pursue moving forward.” (Graduate from Class of 2023)

As a school, we are proud to reflect on our progress in developing our IB Diploma Programme for the past 10 years, and eagerly look forward to continuous development of the programme moving forward. We commend our IB Diploma and Certificate candidates over the years for attempting, accomplishing and persevering throughout such an academically rigorous program. We recognize we must continue to create and innovate in order to provide quality education for our students in a complex and ever-changing global context.

Here are some of the moments captured of students inquiring, collaborating, learning and developing useful life skills in and outside of the classroom:

The post Celebrating 10 Years as an IB World School first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Celebrating 10 Years as an IB World School appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Father’s Day Celebrations at Wells Bang Na first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Father’s Day Celebrations at Wells Bang Na appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

On Tuesday, November 8th, the Wells community gathered at Wells On Nut Campus for International Day 2022: Global Rejuvenation! International Day is a day for the entire school to come together and celebrate the diversity of our student, teacher, and staff population, as well as recognize, appreciate and learn about other cultures around the world. This event nicely aligns with our ESLR of Global Citizenship and the IB concept of ‘international mindedness’. In an increasingly diverse world, our goal is to continue to remain open-minded to worldwide diversity and differences, and to practice acceptance and respect as an international attitude.

Global Rejuvenation

With this year’s theme being ‘Global Rejuvenation’, the celebration was focused on the celebrating of a rejuvenation of life and culture around the world in a post-pandemic world. We explored how countries and regions celebrate rejuvenation in various ways, with the central question being: In our post-pandemic world, how do we celebrate ‘rejuvenation’ around the world? This theme was reflected through a flag parade, interactive booths, activities, workshops, performances, and a range of international food! Performances from various cultures were given by Wells performers, including Korean club, Thai Dance club, our teachers, and other talented performing artists in our school community.

Service Component

Initiated by our Wells SerWIS Club, a majority of the proceeds raised from our homerooms and student-led clubs were donated to , which operates over 20 projects in the fields of education, child abuse, and welfare of the elderly and slum youths. They carry out this service through community kindergartens, educational sponsorships, rehabilitation centers, in-home support, traveling puppet�� troupes, a local credit union and regular activities at our Klong Toey center.

International Day 2022 turned out to be a huge success! After a few years without our annual celebration of cultures, it was a big day of collaboration, community, and celebration among all of our staff, students, and teachers, in which smiles, laughter and fun demonstrated the rejuvenation within our own community and around the world.

The post International Day 2022 first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post International Day 2022 appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The Grade 3 students of Wells Bang Na Campus explored their first Unit Of Inquiry (UOI) over the past 6 weeks. Through delicate dissection and careful questioning, they managed to find out more than expected. They discovered something surprising about every one of us.

The class began their exploration with a gallery walk. They saw images of people both familiar and alien. And as inquiring minds are inclined to do, they found themselves asking questions. Who were these people before them and why were they important? Where did they come from? What were they known for? Were they walking among us or already at rest? What do they all have in common? With their minds awash with questions, it was time to unpack the central idea: Heroes are a reflection of our beliefs and values.��

Through this process of unpacking, the grade 3’s clarified the central idea. The heroes were not superheroes. They were not exploring the characters of fiction, but ordinary, everyday people. With questions yet unanswered, they set about researching the people pasted to the walls around them. Brandishing iPads, books, and encyclopedias, they began researching. Some chose to learn more about familiar faces, while others explored the unknown. They were tasked with organizing their research into mind maps. Afterwards, the students created Seesaw posts to share what they had learned about their heroes. And while this activity excited the grade 3’s, they weren’t finished, yet. More questions arose and, with it, the need to go further. Ideas were forming, but not yet clear.��

While furthering their research, the students discovered something, or rather, someone. A man by the name of Salman Kunan. Mr. Kunan was of particular interest to everyone in the class. His heroic actions were not known around the world. He wasn’t Martin Luther King or Amelia Earhart. He was a local hero. But what did he do to have his name in Thai newspapers across the nation? To find out, they watched a documentary called The Cave. They learned that Mr. Kunan lost his life while helping to save the 12 boys trapped in Tham Luang cave. The students learned about Mr. Kunan’s death and they were impacted by the idea that this person could be someone that they knew. There was something special about Mr. Kunan’s story. He was someone they might have passed in a shopping mall or seen on the BTS. They came to realise that heroes are everywhere. They are not just present at momentous junctions in history, but also in everyday life and everyday situations.����

With Mr. Kunan in mind, the students began to wonder if there might be other heroes whose actions were not to be found in history books. Young heroes tackling more current issues, both great and small. They continued their research with a renewed intensity. The grade 3s discovered many young heroes and connections with their own lives and experiences. It was after this foray into the world of young heroes that the students began thinking of taking action. Prince wanted to advocate for the endangered sea otter through the creation of an exciting comic book. Piper, Ete, and Tua wanted to inform others and prepared a presentation on ethical meat and farming to share with the grade 4s. Aadhya, Alina, Mook, and Vince put together an informative book to create awareness about the importance of recycling. Maya and Sun created a series of posters to share what they had learned about the PAWSBangkok foundation.��

What this magnificent group of students discovered through their journey was that everybody could be a hero. Our actions, big or small, can have an impact on the world around us. By striving to be knowledgeable and caring thinkers, we can change the world together, one action at a time.��

The post Heroes Roam Among Us first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Heroes Roam Among Us appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

Wells International Bang Na celebrated its first Gratitude Month. The month was divided into three parts: gratitude for myself, my environment, and others (discovering our grateful self, seeing the good around us, and seeing the good in others). It was an exciting week with both teachers and students enjoying the activities. As everyone embraced the power of gratitude throughout the week, our students inquired into “What is gratitude?”. The students tried to find out if gratitude is a feeling or an attitude. In the end, they understood that gratitude is an attitude of finding the good things in our lives. When we focus on the good things, we make ourselves happier.��

BEING GRATEFUL FOR OURSELVES

The first week, Wells School Bangna focused on being grateful by discovering ourselves and looking at things that make us thankful. The students wrote gratitude journals to write about their strengths and what they are grateful for. One student in first grade wrote, “I am grateful that I am happy”. Grace (G1) noted that she is grateful that she can brush her teeth by herself. In the early years, the students made paper chains with pictures to show their strengths. Thashvinaa K2B said, “I am a good friend because I always help my friends”.

BEING GRATEFUL FOR THE THINGS AROUND US

In the second week of our Gratitude Month, we learned about seeing the good around us. The students enjoyed looking for the good in the world around them by noticing what was around them. The students went on a scavenger hunt around the school. They explored areas around the school and in the garden for things they are thankful for. For one activity, the students wrote notes of things they were grateful for and tied them to a tree in our garden. They found so many things to be grateful for. The K2 students said they were grateful for the shady garden trees, playing with toys on the playground, and looking at books in the quiet library. Mavind (K3B) said he was thankful for his family and Grace (K3B) said she was grateful that she could celebrate Christmas with her family. Tida (K3B) said she enjoys watching TV with her family and Jacob (G3) said he is thankful for the time spent with his family during meal times. Lise (G1) said, “I am thankful for the library because I like to read”. Aarna, in fourth grade, explained that she was grateful for “the tree in the school courtyard because trees help with oxygen and are houses for the birds”.��

BEING GRATEFUL FOR THE PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES��

In the third week of Gratitude Month, our students focused on seeing the good in others by finding and naming their friends’ strengths and being thankful for the people in their lives. Prem, Eric, and Timothy (G3) wrote that they were grateful for their homeroom teacher, Mr. Michael. Phop (G1) said he was thankful for his dad because he helped him get better. Jai Jai in fourth grade explained how she was grateful for Ms. Jasie “because she teaches me to dance and I get to improve my talent”. One activity asked the students to think about something that reminds them of a loved one. Annu wrote that it reminds her of her grandmother when she eats bread and milk for breakfast. In the Primary Years, the students decorated boxes and wrote notes to “mail” into their friends’ gratitude boxes. The students were all very excited to open their boxes and read the messages from their friends. In addition to working on gratitude mailboxes, the early year students worked on the ‘have you filled your bucket today’ activity, where they learned about expressing daily kindness and appreciation for others.����

At the end of Gratitude Month, the students reflected on what they learned about being grateful. As the K2 students looked through their notes from their buckets, Mustang told his teacher, “My heart feels so happy, it is like I have won the lottery”. Some students explained that they are more aware of how grateful they are for their parents and say thank you more. One student said he had not realized how many of his peers liked him. Ms. Shauna explained that she had noticed how much more empathetic her K1 students have become after this month. The gratitude month brought opportunities for students to reflect on what they are grateful for and greater appreciation for the things and people they have in their lives. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

The post Gratitude Month at Wells Bang Na first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Gratitude Month at Wells Bang Na appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

For the past six weeks, the grade four class at �ۿ۴�ý Bangna has been learning how structures and spaces are designed for functionality and aesthetics. The students researched building different structures such as stairs, roofs, and even furniture. They then had to use their math skills to measure and map out the design of their structures. Most of the students decided to design a bedroom. Lastly, they chose to present their work to the other students. The presentation consisted of a display and dance performance to showcase understanding and learning.��

The fourth-grade class showed agency and ownership by choosing how they wanted to present their work. They designed their structures, reflected as they went along, and changed things they learned about by themselves and through feedback from their friends. One student said they worked hard on their projects and wanted to show their hard work. The students decided to present their work in the dance room because they chose to perform a dance connected with their unit.��

The students were excited and a little nervous to show their work to the school. Jai Jai said, “I was nervous because I thought I would dance the wrong move.” Mira said that she was happy because everyone was cheering. “I’m sure we went over their expectations,” she said.��

Learning comes with some challenges, though. One student said that it was most difficult to work on the roof. “It was hard to work on the roof because it started to wobble, but I solved it in time,” said Jai Jai. Annu, another student in grade 4, said that it was challenging to get the measurements right. The students helped each other by giving peer feedback. The students continuously reflected on their projects and made changes as they learned.��

��These projects were a great learning experience for our fourth-grade students. Aarna explained that she learned that function and structure are important because her building would fall without them. Another student explained that they learned that nothing is easy, especially when “creating from your head because you have to think of everything.”��

The fourth graders’ final presentation was spectacular. Their peers were interested in how they built their structures and asked many questions. The dance performance was well-planned and surprised everyone. In the end, all the students’ hard work, reflection, and tenacity helped them create and execute an outstanding presentation.��

The post Fourth Graders Learn About Structures first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Fourth Graders Learn About Structures appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

Our Head of School, Mr. Ray de la Peñ��, first presented an overview of the Wells philosophy, education systems and major academic and extracurricular achievements over the years. Wells aims to provide an affordable and quality international education, as well as a diverse range of personalized academic, athletic and extracurricular opportunities for students to develop and thrive based on their unique strengths and talents. To name a few, these opportunities include our Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, elite athlete programs, community service, and University of Hawaii Summer Science Camp.��

Following the first presentation, Ms. Tina Yang, Chief Operating Officer of European International University (EIU), shared about EIU’s mission to provide affordable and quality higher education to a diverse group of international students across the globe. She also discussed EIU’s accomplishments at present and their vision for the future to integrate more blockchain technology and AI into their learning systems. Finally, Mr. Osris Lee, Special Assistant to the Chairman, presented a new concept, ‘Wellsverse’, an initiative to utilize technology and create interactive learning and engaging educational experiences for students.��

After the presentations, the guests were given a tour of our Wells On Nut Campus for the guests to see our facilities and school environment which support the learning and extracurricular activities which happen within the primary, middle and high school.��

Overall, our guests were very impressed learning about Wells’ accomplishments and future plans for continued growth and improvement of quality educational experiences. Wells is happy to collaborate with international partners and would like to extend a sincere thank you to our guests for taking the time to visit our community and learn more about our ethos.

The post Special US Guests Visit Wells first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Special US Guests Visit Wells appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

Our students were able to connect with students in Japan using Zoom. This exchange took place during the last week of online learning in January, 2021. The ability to take a virtual field trip to another school is a positive aspects of online learning. Through observing the students in Okinawa, our grade 5 students and teachers gained clarity on how to improve their own projects. They also saw how to share the exhibition projects with the greater community.��

Kanade (grade 5 students) reflected, “Previously, I was nervous about my own project. But now, I feel confident about it because I know what to expect.” After the meeting, we received positive feedback from the students and PYP coordinator in Okinawa. They appreciated the questions asked by our students. They felt that they were very strong inquirers and thinkers.��

Looking forward, our students are more equipped and excited to share their exhibition projects. Annie said, “I know what I need to do to improve my project now. I can add more pictures and explain my work more clearly because I know what it’s like to be in the audience.” Hank thought, “This experience gave me some good ideas on what to present.”

�ۿ۴�ý Bang Na will invite members of the community to participate in the Grade 5 exhibition in May 2021.

The post Wells Bang Na Connects with Okinawa International School first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Wells Bang Na Connects with Okinawa International School appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The grade 2 class at Wells Bang Na inquired into patterns around us that help us to understand our world, such as night/day, seasons and moon phases. Ms. Ellie’s class became scientists as they conducted experiments��to observe��these patterns and took daily journals to see what patterns they could notice in the sun and moon.

Star gazing Sleepover

To conclude this unit and encourage students to become independent, the whole class stayed after school on Friday, the night of the full moon, to observe and reflect on what they had learned. Students got to use a telescope to look closer at the moon. They also used star apps to find constellations and did a lot of looking at the sky, noticing that Venus was the first star they could see. They also had pizza, played games and read books in a tent! It was a very fun night! The grade 2 students are still talking about how exciting it was to spend the night with their��friends!

By Elizabeth Frantz-Larson

The post Second Grade Star Gazing at Wells Bang Na first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Second Grade Star Gazing at Wells Bang Na appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

Wells’ students are caring! Every month the early years building at �ۿ۴�ý Bang Na holds an assembly. These assemblies are based on the IB learner profiles. Learner profiles are qualities every IB students embody. This help them make exceptional contributions in and outside of school. Exposing and acknowledging these traits in early years is important for our students to be well-rounded. Wells youngest students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.

Our Assembly

During the caring assembly, students were grouped by their classes into five different stations. They practiced different ways of being caring. One of the activities was an electricity squeeze. Students held hands standing in a circle and practiced passing on a squeeze. This relates to the concept of when others are kind and caring to you, you can be kind and caring to others. The caring spreads like electricity to build a more caring community

Learning By Doing

Other stations included: watching a short clip on caring, practicing saying caring things to one another, a read aloud, thinking of community helpers, friends, family members, or teachers and stating why they think they are caring. A teacher wrote down the students’ ideas. They will be posted on our caring wall. Lastly, students were able to color a picture and think of someone they wanted to give it too.��

In the end, each teacher presented a “caring certificate” to award and acknowledge one student in their class who consistently demonstrates the caring quality. Way to go!��

The post Wells Bang Na Students are Caring! first appeared on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.

The post Wells Bang Na Students are Caring! appeared first on �ۿ۴�ý | American International School - Wells.