Outdoor Learning with Purpose

As part of our Outdoor Learning Programme, most of our Grade 3 students experienced sailing for the first time. Rooted in the belief that classrooms have no walls, experiential learning at UWC Thailand is not an add-on — it is a powerful way for students to apply and deepen their understanding.
Over the course of six sailing sessions, students learned about the parts of a sailing boat, how to prepare it for the water, how to launch and return safely, what to do in the event of capsizing, the importance of safety equipment, and how to adjust the sails as wind conditions changed.
Although sailing a boat was the final destination, the learning process to get there mattered most.

Eco-Bricking for Impact
Over the past two weeks, MYP students in Grades 6 - 10 took part in eco-bricking activities during homeroom and ma ruam gun. Students packed single-use plastic waste into bottles to create eco-bricks, learning first-hand about upcycling and waste reduction. A total of 39 completed eco-bricks will be taken to Spirit Mountain in Ao Nang, Krabi, during the Grade 8 camp, where they will be used to build garden beds. This student-led initiative, shared by Sophie (Grade 8), highlights meaningful learning in action, with plans to expand eco-bricking to homes and Primary classes in the future.
 

Walking into Our Primary classroom at UWC Thailand during a literacy block, you will rarely find a teacher standing at the front of the room, engaging at length with 30 children at once. Instead, you will see a hive of activities, with the room divided into purposeful learning areas or stations. This is the rotation model, and it is one of the most effective ways we ensure that every child, regardless of their starting point, becomes a confident reader and writer.

Low-Waste Events
Thank you to our students, staff, and families for your wonderful collaboration in making both the School Musical and the Festive Fair successful low-waste events. It was encouraging to see so many community members bringing their own containers, parents renting reusable sets, and stalls choosing reusable cups. These collective efforts significantly reduced waste and reflected a shared commitment to sustainability. This approach will continue at Intercultural Day on Friday, 30 January.

The October break gave our community a chance to pause and recharge. Many students joined Student-Initiated Trips (SITs) across Thailand, engaging in sustainability, education, and conservation projects with partners such as Earth Home and the Mirror Foundation. Others explored new destinations or enjoyed restful days with family and friends. Wherever they went, the break offered balance, reflection, and renewed energy for the term ahead.

UWC Thailand celebrates another successful ASDAN moderation and outstanding student achievements through our personalised learning pathways, including the International Award Programme (IAP).

The UWC Thailand Sailing Squad, coached by Kru Yod, achieved 3rd place in the Under 13 category at the 2025 Open Skiff World Championships in Japan. This milestone highlights the squad’s growth, Kru Yod’s dedicated coaching, and the team’s talent and hard work, inspiring our community’s shared passion for sailing.

UWC Thailand welcomes Furaha Meki Mwadime (Kru Meki), our Occupational Therapist. With seven years of experience in IB schools, she supports students in building independence, confidence, and belonging through tailored strategies that involve families and teachers. Her work focuses on inclusion, sensory and nature-based approaches, and helping every child thrive as their authentic self.

UWC Thailand has opened a new Early Years Atelier, led by Atelierista Kru Meredith Spragg. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the atelier offers children a responsive space to explore their ideas through art, play, and collaboration. Caregivers were welcomed into the space to experience identity-focused activities and will continue to be involved through weekly Open Studio sessions.

UWC Thailand welcomed 50 new students through the National Committee and Global Selection Programme, joining the Class of 2027 alongside 35 direct-entry peers. Orientation Week featured cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and community engagement, helping students build connections and begin their UWC Thailand journey.

Grade 11 students at UWC Thailand took part in Project Week 2025, engaging in student-led community engagement projects across Thailand. From sustainable living and environmental education to supporting schools and kayaking expeditions, each experience challenged students to connect, contribute, and grow.