Thai Studies

Our Aim

Thai Studies at Shrewsbury International School offers the highest standard of learning for both native Thai and expatriate students. Pupils are encouraged to be aware of and to appreciate the significance of Thai culture as well as learning the Thai language at an appropriate level.

Curriculum  

Thai language and culture plays a crucial role in the curriculum, which has been written in accordance with the Thai Ministry of Education's requirements, and both the social and cultural conditions in Thailand.

For our Thai pupils, it is important that they maintain strong roots to their native language and home culture, even as they expand their horizons internationally. For non-Thai students, the curriculum focuses on everyday use, as well as developing positive attitudes to language learning in general and helping them appreciate their host country's language, culture and local wisdom.

Early Years

The focus of the curriculum in early years is to build up language foundations. In this stage, pupils prepare their readiness for reading and writing at the higher levels. They develop their listening and speaking skills through stories, songs and nursery rhymes.

Key Stage 1

The curriculum at Key Stage 1(Years 1 and 2) introduces spelling word to native Thai students using the consonants and basic vowels. Students also learn to create short sentences and comprehend texts and stories. Students also participate in related Thai culture activities and help the school celebrate important holidays. Non-Thai pupils gain a better understanding of Thailand: its people, culture, history and geography. Conversational Thai is taught with the emphasis on topics encountered in daily life. They also get started reading and writing with Thai letters and numbers.

Key Stage 2

The objective of the Key Stage 2 curriculum for native Thais is to achieve a standard level of Thai language. The skills that focused on are reading, writing, speaking and listening. Thai literary heritage, cultures and tradition are also taught. The curriculum for non-Thai pupils is focused on Thai culture and tradition. Skills in Thai language are mainly focused on speaking and listening, but pupils also learn reading and writing of basic Thai words.