March MADDness at UWC Thailand celebrates student creativity in Art, Music, and Theatre. Highlights include the IB Diploma Art Exhibition, a visit from Grammy-winning pianist David Andrew, and dynamic performances showcasing storytelling and collaboration.

Earth Hour 2025 in UWC Thailand

For the second consecutive year, the UWC Thailand community proudly participated in the global Earth Hour movement, initiated by the World Wildlife Fund. On March 22nd, 2025, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM Phuket Time, we went beyond conventional activities like reconnecting with nature and took a bold step by embracing a zero-electricity hour, with almost all lights across campus turned off.

This March, a team of passionate educators from UWC Thailand—Katie Feather, Heidi Oxley-Whitnell, Caryl Medilo Crisostomo, Bianca Starck, David Griffiths, and Mick Sheridan—travelled to Singapore to participate in the IB Global Conference.

The annual MYP camp and expedition programmes are designed to provide students with a unique and enriching experience beyond the classroom. These expeditions are carefully planned to offer opportunities for all students to learn new skills, challenge themselves, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. 

Why Your Child is Pushing, Jumping, and Hugging Like a Tackle 

Ever noticed your child pressing down so hard with a pencil that it breaks? Slamming doors even after you’ve asked them to be gentle? Hugging like a tackle? These behaviors might seem random (or frustrating!), but they’re often linked to proprioception—our body's deep sense of where it is in space and how much force to use. 

The 2024 UWC Thailand Student Council has elected new leaders, including Co-Heads Taha and Josephine, along with representatives for academics, diversity, sustainability, wellbeing, and residential life. Their goals include fostering inclusivity, unity, sustainability, and student empowerment, ensuring that all voices are heard and contributing to a positive, collaborative community.

Perseverance in mindfulness is about balancing effort and acceptance. It aligns with UWC Thailand's "Balanced" attribute, promoting harmony in mind, body, and emotions. Mindfulness practices like breathing, body scans, and curiosity help students develop perseverance by fostering self-awareness and knowing when to push through or pause.

At UWC Thailand, science education is brought to life through hands-on experiences. Students from grade 4 to grade 12 engage in activities such as exploring the scientific process, investigating cells, simulating homeostasis, and studying the solar system. These practical activities foster curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world connections, helping students develop essential skills beyond the classroom.

Kindergarten welcomed Kru Chase, who shared his passion for mandalas, inspiring students to explore patterns in nature and art. The session supported the Primary Years Programme’s focus on patterns and mindfulness, celebrating community collaboration in teaching and learning.

Core strength is crucial for children's posture, balance, and coordination. Weak core muscles can lead to poor motor skills and reduced focus.

Ethical elephant sanctuaries prioritise the well-being of elephants, allowing them to live naturally without exploitation. Red flags include chains, bullhooks, direct interaction (e.g., bathing or riding), and performing tricks.

UWC Thailand students showcased their sustainability efforts at the Phuket Green League Conference, hosted by Plastic Free Phuket. Key initiatives included the 10% Challenge, sustainability projects in Design and Technology, and community beach clean-ups.

The IB Primary Years Programme values learner agency, encouraging children to explore, choose, and learn through play. In Kindergarten, students' interests guide teaching, creating a joyful learning environment.

UWC Thailand celebrated Loy Krathong, honouring Thai culture and traditions. Students crafted eco-friendly krathongs, donned traditional attire, and participated in activities including Thai music, dance performances, and moments of reflection.

A year ago, I started a series of posts on my blog called the 'Anti-Stress Alphabet,' where I assigned each letter of the alphabet to a different strategy or tool for managing stress. 

We recently hosted a Science of Reading Coffee Morning, where parents of students from UWC Thailand's Primary School gathered to learn more about how their children develop essential reading skills.