the
HARROVIAN
the newsletter of Harrow International School Bangkok
Vol 18 No 2
18th September 2015
From the Head Master
Dear Friends,
On the back page of this edition of The Harrovian you will come across the story of four Harrow Bangkok Alumni who returned to
School recently, partly for their own pleasure, but also to run a workshop for parents. Pie (former Head Boy), Rainy (former Head
Girl), Kieren and Vij talked about their educational journey and how prepared, or not, they had been for university.
Though the new academic year is still young, this workshop was an early highlight for me. Naturally, each of our four presenters
had positive reflections to share, regarding a Harrow education and how it set them up for university life. As ever, they were full of
fun; enjoying being back in their old school and reminded of the good old days, but also taking in the Rayleigh Centre and ot her
new developments.
What really stayed with me was how each of them, in their own way, is embracing student life, and making the most of the
opportunities open to them. Debating, rowing, food, politics, social causes, art and culture – all pursuits that are enriching their
lives, over and above lectures and essays.
And why was that so noteworthy? Certainly, I enjoyed the fact that they all commented that it was 'just like Harrow'; I took that as
a compliment. More importantly they are embracing the breadth of possibilities available to them, continuing to throw themselves
into their community, and developing attributes that will be invaluable in the years ahead. It was a morning that did my old heart
good – if they are representative of the young people emerging from our School, we can be optimistic for the future!
Best wishes for your weekend – I hope we see some sunshine before too long.
Mick Farley
THE HARROVIAN
From the Head of Lower School
As the term progresses, it has been good to see our students and teachers settling into their new classes so well. I plan to meet
our parent class reps in the next two weeks to talk about the year ahead, so if you are interested in being a rep, please do let your
child’s teacher know as soon as possible.
As the academic year kicks off, we are now holding elections for leadership positions within the School. Our new Head Boy and
Girl were elected last term (see below) and this week we filled our House Captain positions – congratulations to those who were
elected. Next week we plan to elect our new Pre Prep Student Council members. The council will be made up of representatives
from each class in Year 2 to Year 5 who will work closely with Mr Williams and Pre Prep staff to help the school improve as well as
develop their own leadership skills. I really look forward to working with all of this year’s Pre Prep Leaders.
Nicholas Prockter
Our new Head Boy Josh and Head Girl Summer with Executive Leader Sophie.
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
From the Head of Upper School
All good communities need strong houses
Last week I had the pleasure of attending my first House Camp, in Ayutthaya with the wonderful Keller House. It was lovely to see
the students in a different context, with our youngest Year Six Upper School students working closely with the eldest Sixth
Formers.
The Camp started with a competition to build a temple out of paper and tape, with prizes for the tallest and most beautiful temples.
The teacher team suddenly became very competitive and, although they built a temple which almost touched the ceiling, they had
to be disqualified for unauthorised espionage and for the unfair advantage they had with their unlimited supply of masking tape. It
was good to see the influence of our very successful Engineering Society visible in some of the designs and our students
displayed excellent creativity whilst learning to work as a team.
Our Houses are the central structures upon which our School is built. They provide us with six micro-communities, or families,
which provide our students with an excellent system of pastoral care and foster a healthy level of competition without selfish
individualism. Our students aim to succeed in everything they do for the good of their House. The competitive nature makes each
House strive for the very best, for the good of the whole of Harrow Bangkok.
Upper School students juggle numerous commitments, and when events like the House Camps occur, requests often come in
from parents for their son or daughter to miss the camps. When I get these requests I have to give the same response. A Harrow
education is like dining at a fine restaurant and ordering a set menu. There are fantastic choices within each stage but you have to
complete every course to get the full effect. We do not offer a buffet. Events like House Camps are important, just as examinations
are important, and are therefore compulsory. Our School thrives because we are a strong, supportive community, and all
successful communities need strong houses. Whilst not as directly measurable as examination performance, opportunities such
as House Camp support the wider development of students on their path towards an adult life of leadership.
Jonny Liddell
THE HARROVIAN
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
The House Camps
THE HARROVIAN
BYRON
Byron’s House Camp was unforgettable. The resort we stayed in was surrounded by local farms and horse stables, which
provided an experience I could not find elsewhere. It was truly unique as activities were held around the campus, all themed
towards the local farms. I particularly enjoyed the raft building as well as the line dancing. It was not only because of the lively
aspect of the activities, but also due to the amount of teamwork needed to succeed. However, one thing that stood out to me most
was cycling. I have to admit, as Byron’s House captain, and 16 years of age, I have never cycled before. However, rather than
being embarrassed, I was more proud than ever. It was then that I learned and hope to be an example to everyone that there is
always a first time; everyone was once a beginner. So, I hope to inspire those who went to House Camp with me and urge people
to always try new things and go beyond your comfort zone, as it is key to becoming a good leader and the reason why I believe
Byronites are the best.
Uno, B12
Byron’s House Camp never ceases to amaze me. The green spirit truly shone through each and every Byronite. The rain did not
stop the green spirit burning; it only made our bonds stronger through positivity, care and support especially during my first activity
of the day, cycling, where every group worked together as a team to keep one another safe due to the muddy paths and steep
ground. Seeing students from different year groups helping and integrating enthusiastically during numerous activities made me,
as House Captain, proud to be within this family. The joy and laughter in return from the hard work and dedication from all
members of staff and senior students was priceless. This trip has given me the opportunity to experience and learn new things,
and allowed me to witness the importance of being a good leader.
Patty, B13
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
CHURCHILL
This year’s House Camp was phenomenal. It was truly a learning experience for me, and for many others in the house. Leading
the evening activities was the main highlight of the trip - it showed me how everyone was able to come together and have fun.
Overall, it was a fantastic couple of days.
Ing, C12
More than any other skill, your attitude determines how successful you are in a survival situation. And Churchill House has plenty
of positive attitude! This year, we drove all the way to the Ing Tarn Resort, Nakhon Nayok, to put our survival knowledge to the
test. We did learn some very useful skills during the day (filtering water, tying clever little knots and building emergency shelters),
but what really brought us together was the sensational evening programme created by our team of Captains and Sixth Formers.
Chantal Benani Head of Churchill
THE HARROVIAN
KELLER
This year the Keller House Camp was based in Ayutthaya. On the first day, we all participated in various team-building activities
such as the tower building competition and the ‘Temple Run’: an action-packed rally around the ruins of Ayutthaya. After an
exhausting afternoon, we all went on a pleasant dinner cruise. However, day one didn't end there, as we then went on to
participate in entertaining integration games led by K12. The objective of the activities was to create a more interconnected
environment between the Juniors and Seniors within the House. Day two was a day for the younger students at Dreamworld,
although the Seniors could not argue that it wasn’t the best day out of the two!
The House Camp enabled everyone in the House to get to know each other better. It was an unforgettable experience that we
would not hesitate to repeat.
Gund, Graphy and Nano (K12)
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
NEHRU
Nehru's House camp this year was in Suphanburi. It was a truly awesome trip! On the first day we stopped off to watch a buffalo
show. After this brief introduction to learn which of the buffalos symbolised luck and which of them could go up stairwells, or rather
which could be pushed up a stairwell, we separated into our 'Superhero' groups. Each of the groups learned ways in which rice is
planted and the various machines or manoeuvres that are needed to grow the rice that we eat every day. Buffalo riding, the
pushing of a buffalo whilst planting the rice and avoiding buffalo excretion continued to be the main theme of the visit at the
village.
In the afternoon, we travelled to the hotel and immediately got involved in some teambuilding and awesome games provided by
the Barge Company. The Sixth Form organised evening games, including Chinese whispers and a game in which people had to
hold their legs off the floor and attempt to knock their peers over. Overall champion for 2015 was Pob in N11. Highlight of the
evening was Donut’s (N12) comedy act during the ‘Bang shooting game’. The evening finished off with the Sixth Formers doing
their annual picture opportunity and bed followed soon after. The final day of House Camp consisted of further team-building
games, with our favourite being the final competition called Gutterball. After we were all packed and had eaten lunch, we travelled
to the final stage of the House Camp, the Water Park. This was the best way to end the Camp, seeing all those smiling faces
when people embarked on the infamous orange slide.
None of the trip would have been possible if it wasn't for the organisation of Mr. Vernon and the Nehru staff, and so on behalf of
the whole of Nehru House, we would like to personally thank you for creating and organising the best House Camp trip yet!
Anna and Atta, N13
THE HARROVIAN
SONAKUL
As a Year 13 student, House Camp 2015 was a special one for me. It would be one of the last times I’d have to spend two quali ty
days with people in my tutor group that I’ve spent so much time with throughout my time at Harrow Bangkok. However, I also got
to mix with students from various years that I would not normally talk to. Working with them on various activities, such as water
rocket building and kayaking, brought us together despite not knowing each other very well. This is what we call the ‘Sonakul
Spirit’. It is this sense of teamwork that I have really appreciated about Sonakul throughout my 13 years at Harrow Bangkok.
Overall, it was an outstanding and memorable House Camp.
Ricky, So13
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
SURIYOTHAI
.Suriyothai students were transported to the Big Top during their circus-themed House Camp. Students had the opportunity to
participate in a series of circus skills workshops including juggling, unicycling, magic and clown school.
Despite the busy
schedule, we still had the chance to visit Chok Chai farm to make ice cream and spend some time relaxing in the grounds of the
Piano Resort. On Thursday evening our student leadership team took control and ran a series of team-building tasks and
challenges. It was great to see the different age groups working so well together and lots of fun was had by all.
Friday saw the big circus show and gave students the chance to show off their newly acquired skills. After a quick lunch and a
stop at Chok Chai to pick up our ice cream we returned to School in time for a restful weekend.
James Mower, Head of Suriyothai House
THE HARROVIAN
The Lionheart Society
Lionheart Society impresses government officials with its commitment to charity
On Monday 14th September, my co-leader Pete (S10) and I, along with the two other project managers of the Lionheart Society,
Tabby (S10) and Poon (So11), were invited to an activities exhibition at the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
Throughout the day we had many exciting opportunities, from thinking on the spot as Channel 3 and MCOT interviewed us, to
interacting with various people from different age groups.
The highlight of the event was meeting Mrs. Rarinthip Sirorat, Director-General of the Department of Children and Youth, and the
Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Police General Adul Saengsingkaew. They asked us about our charity
projects, such as growing our own vegetables and selling them to raise money to help people living in poverty, which we explained
in detail.
During the event, we promoted our charity to lots of people (both adults and children) and encouraged them to ‘to give back to
society’, in the words of our co-founder of the Society, Pat.
I feel honored to represent Harrow Bangkok at such a memorable event and I hope that the School and the Lionheart Society will
be recognised by growing numbers of people in the future. I would like to say a big thank you to Khun Kru Khanitha and everyo ne
who has made this day possible for us.
Prodpran (K11)
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
Travel and Tourism
To complement the curriculum and to gain real life experience of a working 5* hotel, the Year 12 and 13 students visited the
Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok.
The Year 13 students were investigating how the Intercontinental Hotel Group provides a range of products and services catering
for a variety of customers in a changing market. They also had to examine the social, economic and environmental factors that
affect and influence international travel factors. The Year 12 students were looking at how the Intercontinental Hotel Group
delivers top quality customer service. The Director of Training, the Manager of Sales, the Front of Hotel Manager, the Food and
Beverage Manager and the House Keeping Manager all made inspiring and passionate presentations and told us all sorts of
funny stories. Ones that stood out were about a guest wanting to drive his Bentley to Chiang Mai but not drive on bumpy or roads
with traffic (a trailer was organised to avoid the undesirable parts of the travel!) and another one wanting to buy and stable a horse
at the hotel, who would also be responsible for transporting it back to the guest’s home country!
The visit ended with observing customer service in the Espresso restaurant and eating lunch 
Kathryn Gavin
THE HARROVIAN
Library News
Over the summer holidays a large number of students and their families took part in the Library's Six Book Challenge. Designed to
keep them reading and engaged, students were challenged to read a maximum of six books and to write reviews and reflections
in their challenge record card. For each book completed, Library staff awarded House Points and winners in several categories
were announced at the start of September. Pictured are Noopreme (Year 4) and Penne (Year 3) who were the Lower School prize
draw winners.
The following students received prizes:
Ming (C7) - first record card returned, minutes after the Library opened on 24th August
Minnie (K7) - best book reviews
Evan (S7) - most books read (24 in total)
Alice (S7) and Lee Davies - family reading prize
Noopreme (Year 4), Penne (Year 3) – Pre Prep prize draw winners
Leonardo (K6), Dear (K7), Yeong Yu (B8) - Prep School prize draw winners
Jenny (B11) - Upper School prize draw winner
We were impressed by the number of students, staff and parents who took part in the challenge and are already planning future
events. The next event will be launched in early October, so watch this space for details.
We have welcomed two new faces in the Library this term. Jennifer Bell is the new Lower School teacher librarian and Lila
Yotpongpipat has joined the team as Library Assistant. Both have enjoyed their first weeks in post appreciating the friendly and
welcoming Library environment. Jenny writes "I am impressed by the number of children and parents who come to borrow books
every day in addition to their children's class library times. It is fantastic to see that the Lower School Library is being so well
used."
Jennifer Bell (Lower School Teacher Librarian) Alison Jeffery (Upper School Librarian)
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
Military Training
The military training program received two excellent pieces of news during the summer holidays. Firstly, all 39 of our
Year 11 boys passed the physical exam and moved on to become first year military training students at the Territorial Defence
School. This keeps our 100% pass rate intact yet again this year - a big well done to the new rookies!
The other piece of great news is that Harrow Bangkok was proclaimed to be an ‘Outstanding Military Training Students’ School’
and received a plaque from the Commanding General Territorial Defence Command, Lt.Gen. Thalaungron Worachart on
Thursday 23rd July. Miss Khanitha Prawichen represented the School to receive the award, and was invited to receive a flower
tray from the military training students on the occasion of the Teachers’ Day ceremony at the Territorial Defence School.
Khanitha Prawichen, Thai Principle
Community and Charity
Following a request from a group of refugees at Christ Church Bangkok, Harrow Bangkok has been able to put together a
package of writing books, paper, wipe board pads, pens, pencils, crayons and general stationary to assist in the setting up of a
small self-supporting school for 14 children who otherwise would not be receiving any tuition. The teacher was very appreciative of
the materials received and we have already received some cards of thanks from the children themselves.
David Eastgate
THE HARROVIAN
Boarding
We are absolutely delighted to be joined this year by nine wonderful Gap students. Hailing from Germany, England, Wales and
Scotland, we have already noticed how enthusiastic and fun they are.
The LiA team has been working non-stop to train them to be qualified in both Emergency First Aid and Life Guarding. We are very
excited to be providing skills for life to these young people.
The recent House Camps enabled the Gaps to help run the activities on the Byron, Keller and Sonakul trips. All did an outstanding
job. Back at home, Toby Gap led the first ever ‘Gap Tournament’ on the school playing field with our weekend boarders. Drag
races with competitors in duvets, frozen T-shirts, dizzy penalties and a final, manic pop the opposition’s balloons, created a
glorious afternoon of fun.
We are very proud of our youngest members of the boarding staff and this year’s Gaps have all the signs of being exceptional
additions to the Harrow Bangkok community. Thank you Connie, Millie, Sophie, Lea, Olivia, Duncan, Sam Will and Toby.
Tim McDonald, Director of Boarding
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
The Beaumont School
All our Gap students, accompanied by Tim McDonald, Chantal Benani, Khun John and myself, went to the Beaumont School on
Tuesday to meet the staff and students there. Following a guided tour by Year 3 and 4 pupils, we spent some time in the
classrooms, before spending the afternoon among the amazing rock formations at Pa Hin Ngam National Park. Over the course of
the year, our Gap students will be spending a week at the Beaumont School, helping with English, sport and drama.
Brian van den Berg, Director of Leadership in Action
THE HARROVIAN
The Harrow Family Fifth Form Conference 2015
In June 2015, 10 Year 11 students visited Harrow School in the UK to attend the Harrow Family Fifth Form conference. The aim of
the conference was to meet students from the Harrow Family of Schools, further their leadership skills, to investigate and develop
pathways for future study by being involved in team activities, listening to guest speakers and visiting University College London
(UCL) and the University of Oxford.
Some comments from the students:
“The activities throughout the week were well planned, allowing us to get to know people from Harrow schools around the world.
As each day passed, the ice thawed, and the schools bonded, making ‘Harrow’ a closer community, a family, and not just the
names of the schools.”
“We also visited UCL and University of Oxford, both of which were very informative. Indeed, it has encouraged me to aim for UCL
as one of the universities I want to study at. Our visits have inspired us to perform even better at school, with the hope of earning a
spot in one of these top universities in the very near future.”
“The speakers were inspiring and very open about their mistakes and shortcomings in life and how those have helped them to
evolve. They answered all our questions and gave us insight into their areas of expertise and the winding paths we should expect
in our futures.”
“I especially enjoyed Sir George Zambellas’ speech, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval staff of the Royal Navy, who shared an
intense personal life experience with us and showed that he was extremely proud of the mistakes he made, which made him the
person he is today.”
Uno B12, Gale C12, Gund K12, Uno B12, Nicki So12
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
Sports News
It has been a very busy start to Season 1 for Sport at Harrow Bangkok. We have already competed in four tournaments and
played over 40 fixtures in seven different sports. The level of enthusiasm, dedication to training and commitment to succeed has
been a pleasure to see.
There have been many outstanding performances thus far, but a special mention goes to the Under 15 Boys Basketball team who
won the recent Shrewsbury Basketball invitational tournament. Having already beaten ISB and RIS in the group stages, the team
faced a very strong Patana team in the final. Our boys defended fantastically well and through many well-constructed attacks,
clinched the title with a 50 – 38 victory. Congratulations to Coach Frank and the team.
The Lions Hall of fame
In each edition of the Harrovian, three students will be recognised for their outstanding contribution to Harrow Bangkok Sport.
One students will be selected from the following three categories:
Junior Varsity(JV)/Varsity
Under 13/Under 15
Under 9/Under11
JV/Varsity
Winner: Jess Keohane C10
A member of the Varsity Football team, Jess has been selected for her commitment to training, level of enthusiasm and
performance in matches.
U13/U15
Winner: Teddy Jungsanguanpornsuk K10
A member of the U15 Basketball team, Teddy is an excellent all-round athlete who performed to an outstanding level at the recent
Shrewsbury Invitational.
U9/U11
Winner: TT Lithiby 4S
TT has been selected for representing the U13 Harrow Lions Tennis Team. She played against girls twice her size and experience
but this did not stop her from smiling and trying her best.
Mike Preston, Director of Sport
Please go the sports website for all the latest news, team sheets, fixtures and tournaments: http://sport.harrowschool.ac.th
THE HARROVIAN
Prep School selected as #Apple
Distinguished Program for 20152016, Read the article http://
www.harrowschool.ac.th/news/
U15 Shrewsbury #Basketball invitational Champs - Go Lions!
U15 SHB boys basketball narrowly lose by 3 to
@HarrowBangkok in opening
game of season 22-25 next
Harrow Girls JV football team
celebrate last minute winner at
Shrewsbury #belief
All 39 of our Y11 boys passed
the exam to become students at
the #TerritorialDefenceSchool,
100% pass rate is intact
Year 12 & 13 Travel & Tourism
students visit the
#IntercontinentalHotel,
FOBISIA @FOBISIA1
David Foster @HarrowStudies
Epicure @Epicure Thailand
FCSuphanburi English @fcsuphanburi
PRIM.16 @praesangiam
Carl Turland @CarlTurland
HarrowBKKICT @HarrowBKKICT
GrowerSquare @GrowerSquare
Follow us on Twitter, keep up
with recent news and media.
@HarrowBangkok
HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK
Alumni return to the school to
chat to parents about their life
@EdinburghUni
@Cambridge_Uni
Admin staff @harrowbangkok
learn from Miss Liz about first impressions, how important it is
customer service
Friends of Harrow
Preparations for the Harrow Fair are already underway and to kick start our fundraising we will be running a Nearly
New Shop at the Clock Tower. Please help us by going through your closets and sending in any items you no longer
need. Friends of Harrow thank you in advance for your support.
Forthcoming Parent Workshops
Tuesday 22nd September: Learning to Read in Early Years
Led by Karen Riley, with Caroline Stott and Alex Costa.
Early Years Centre, starts at 8.45am
Tuesday 22nd September: Upper School Thai Home Language Workshop
Led by the Head of the Thai Department, Jurairat Watanapongvanich.
The Olive Theatre, starts at 3pm
Tueday 29th September: The iRules in the Lower School
Led by Mike Williams, with Karen Riley and Meredith Alexander.
The Olive Theatre, starts at 8.15am
Tuesday 6th October: IGCSE and A Level Computing
Led by Carl Turland
The Rayleigh Centre, starts at 8.15am
Harrow Bangkok’s alumni’s insider advice on life at UK’s top universities
‘Leadership for a better world’ is Harrow Bangkok’s mission statement, and as it celebrates its 17th year of operating this year, its
talented alumni are proving this to be true. A group of high-flying former students visited the School last week, to chat to parents
about their life in some of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
Vij (Keeravij Kitiyadisai) is one of a small number of students who has had his entire education at Harrow Bangkok, from
Kindergarten to Year 13, and is now studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Warwick in the UK. Pie (Panukorn
Taleongpong) joined Harrow Bangkok in Year One and is at Imperial College London studying Civil Engineering.
They were joined by Rainy (Paveenrat Wongprasert, studying at the University of Cambridge) and Kieren (Thosaporn Chotitawan,
studying Economics and Finance at University of Edinburgh), as they talked about why a ‘Harrow Bangkok education’ gave them
the edge when applying for university places.
“We had so much support when it came to preparing for higher education - I will never forget the Head of Sixth Form Mrs Prout
spending huge amounts of her time to support me with my personal statement,” says Kieren.
Pie, former Head Boy of the School, agrees: “My university friends are jealous of all the extra-curricular opportunities and facilities
we have here, and how much support we have from our teachers.”
When it comes to settling into university life, ex Head Girl Rainy believes being a boarding student is an advantage: “I am used to
living with lots of people from different nationalities. In true Harrow Bangkok fashion, as soon as I joined Cambridge I started to go
out and meet friends, read a lot, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
Julia Harrison
As Harrow International School Bangkok turns 17, high-flying alumni return to the school to chat to parents about their
life in the UK’s most prestigious universities. Left to right: Kieren (University of Edinburgh), Vij (University of Warwick),
Pie (Imperial College London), and Rainy (University of Cambridge)