Pre-Prep Subjects

We greatly value the importance of mastering phonics to assist with reading and writing. Building on the learning from Early Years, pupils go through the ‘letters and sounds’ programme in streamed groups, with ongoing assessment that ensure children are working at a suitable pace as they become comfortable in reading individual graphemes, recognising words and being able to use a grapheme successfully when spelling unknown words.

Our aim is for pupils to develop as independent and accurate spellers who are confident to use an evolving and adventurous vocabulary in their own writing. We help them to develop a range of spelling strategies, which they can use to attempt unknown words. We also build an awareness of the differences between spoken dialect and written English for spelling.

We encourage our pupils to become confident, enthusiastic, critical and independent readers. The aim is for children to be able to cope with print produced in a variety of forms and for a variety of purposes and read for information, interest and enjoyment.

From Early Years and through into KS1, children take home books which they are encouraged to share with their parents/carers. Three documents are used to track each child’s reading: a reading record, a home reading book record and a PM benchmark tracker.

Guided Reading starts in Reception, where children are working at an independent (PM benchmark) level. All Pre-Prep pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure using quiet reading time where they can select a book from their class library.

The curriculum divides writing skills into two dimensions: Transcription (spelling and handwriting) and Composition (articulating ideas in speech and writing). We recognise that both these elements are essential to success and we support the acquisition of both skills through the use of the Talk for Writing Scheme.

In learning to write, we aim for all pupils to develop the stamina and skills to write at length; to use accurate spelling and punctuation; to be grammatically correct; to write in a range of ways and purposes including narratives, explanations, descriptions, comparisons, summaries and evaluations; to write to support their understanding and consolidation of what they have heard or read.

In accordance with Thai regulations for International Schools, all children will learn Thai language and culture. In Pre-Nursery the focus is upon developing English skills, but as children move into Nursery, Thai will be introduced with weekly lessons.

From Reception to Year 3, the number of Thai lessons will increase and Mandarin will be introduced. Whilst Thais are doing their additional Thai lessons, those children following the Non-Thai language programme will be introduced to Spanish and French. Prior to the beginning of Year 4 (in the Prep School), non-Thais will choose whether to continue with French or with Spanish; while lessons in English, Thai and Mandarin will continue for all.

Our Modern Languages Department offers Thai, Mandarin, French and Spanish classes. Upon request, our children also have the opportunities to study additional languages such as German and Dutch. Drawing from the wise words of author Frank Smith, ‘One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way’. Our children learn more than the language skills, they also develop an understanding of cultural knowledge and awareness.

Our specialist teachers adopt a variety of approaches to help our children build proficient listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of the language of their choice. We integrate technology such as ICT, applications, academic software and a wide range of visual, auditory and kinesthetic activities.

Our children also take part in enriching events such as international day and online international languages competitions. We sing and dress up in traditional costumes, learning to appreciate the different characteristics of each culture. The diversity of our classroom also fosters an open, inclusive community where each and every child is respected and valued for who they are.

With a solid skill set, our children are well prepared for the 11+ and 13+ Common Entrance examination papers and up to the scholarship level.

Rugby School Thailand’s Learning Support department, staffed by qualified specialists, is able to provide some one-to-one support or small group work for English as an Additional Language (EAL). The department can support mild to moderate educational needs and for pupils whose English requires a little help.

Counselling is available through the Learning Support Department.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) pupils will be supported either in class by their teachers or withdrawn for some specific support lessons with one of our specialist teachers. We offer a Phonics Booster class as part of this programme.

An Intensive English Program runs from Year 1 upwards for pupils with little or no English. Here pupils are supported to gain the necessary language skills to ensure they can access the class based curriculum.