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Blending eco-literacy with academic excellence
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Cleveland State University, Levin College of Public Affairs
Blending eco-literacy with academic excellence
Blending eco-literacy with academic excellence
Holistic development through sport
Spend a day at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, and you’ll see how this K-12 international school nestled in the heart of Thailand turns eco-literacy into award-winning endeavours. Environmental action is part of its curriculum, co-curricular activities, outdoor education, and even day-to-day interactions. It is never just another box to check.
“We are very lucky that our campus allows us the opportunity to provide the only Green Education in the area,” affirms Charles Grayhurst, Head of St. Andrews International School, Green Valley. Under his guidance, the quiet, green campus is one of only a few in Thailand to receive the prestigious Green Flag Award, and is now a beacon for excellence within education for sustainability.
St. Andrews International School, Green Valley offers a British National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate to children aged two to 18. This is an effective pathway to academic success, considering the world’s most prestigious universities view the IB as the gold standard of high school qualifications. The school is also part of Cognita, a global school network of over 100 schools that provides a wealth of resources, expertise, and a shared ethos of educational excellence.
“While our curriculum is amongst the best in the world, we also embed practices of sustainability and a love and care for the natural world.”
Charles Grayhurst, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley
60+
internationally qualified teachers
45
nationalities
400+
students
The Green Valley experience
St. Andrews International School, Green Valley empowers students to achieve bigger things and seize opportunities in various fields by focusing on three core pillars: personalised learning, eco-literacy, and a holistic experience.
“We are a smaller school, and we leverage that to our advantage,” says Grayhurst. “We have small class sizes, and we know what makes these children tick – we know their strengths, weaknesses, and even their parents, who we work well with to ensure their child has a personalised learning experience.”
It all starts with the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme (PYP). St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, is the only school in the region that has this unique offering; a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning which they combine with the English National Curriculum. With such an approach, Green Valley successfully ignites a love of learning, where students are encouraged to think for themselves, to take control of their own learning, to have a global perspective, and to make positive differences in the world.
This approach also ensures that students build a strong foundation for the secondary school and beyond. In Years 12 and 13, after gaining their IGCSE examinations from the UK, students can pursue the prestigious IB Diploma. The IB Diploma is highly valued by universities worldwide, who are increasingly seeking well rounded, principled and knowledgeable applicants. Green Valley is rightly proud of their track record of excellence in the Diploma. Their students regularly score some of the highest results in Thailand, and their alumni have gone on to study at some of the top universities worldwide.
Learning that goes beyond
St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, understands that for children to realise their full potential, it takes more than lessons in the classroom. Children learn best when they venture into the world, no matter their tailored pathways and subjects. And students here venture a lot, especially within the vast expanse of nature surrounding the campus.
Within the lush school grounds, distractions and pollution are practically non-existent – only fresh air, greenery, and inspiration remain. Here, students willingly leave their digital devices behind in exchange for adventure, something which the school has in abundance.
Just ask Jo Clark, the Head of Outdoor Education at Green Valley. Originally trained as a language teacher, Clark’s passion for the outdoors has shaped her incredible journey. As a professional mountain climber, she recently conquered the 8,035-meter peak of the world’s 13th highest mountain. A dedicated triathlete, she also oversees student groups on international trips. Her love for both education and nature led her to St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, where she combines her expertise to inspire students through experiential, eco-literate learning.
Once again, the three pillars are key. The school tailors its offerings to suit the age level of each group, while ensuring its teachers maintain close, personal relationships with each individual student.
“The key to my success has been finding activities that inspire me, and that’s what I want for the students as well, We try to provide them with as many different opportunities as possible – to give them the space and flexibility to discover what inspires them.”
Jo Clark
Younger students will explore the Forest School on campus grounds, engaging in hands-on activities like cooking over a campfire or creating art from clay. Older students will take part in exciting challenges such as paddle-boarding, hiking, and learning camouflage techniques and shelter-building from World War eras. Additionally, student-led projects include developing plastic-sorting software, creating a solar-powered irrigation system, and cultivating a farm-to-table garden, all contributing to a deeper understanding of sustainability and eco-literacy.
Most recently, a Year Seven project looked into changing coastlines and seas – they researched local shores, discussed climate change, and saw how pollution affected fishing stocks.
“The students even interviewed fishermen in local Thai villages and wrote to local government ministers about the affected fishing stock,” says Grayhurst. “These ministers were then invited to our school to see the children’s projects, and our students were working on their debating and public speaking skills to prepare to speak to them.”
“Having outdoor education within the curriculum is an enhancement. We work very closely with our teachers to integrate more opportunities into the coursework.”
Jo Clark
Positive outcomes, happy graduates
An education here will set your child on a path to success. In the school’s latest IB results, students achieved a 95% pass rate, placing it amongst the top international schools in Thailand, and the highest in the area.
You’ll see graduates enter prestigious universities globally. Pierre Walker, who graduated in 2017, was the first student from St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, to secure a place at Imperial College London, where he studied Chemical Engineering.
“There were a few opportunities at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, that helped me cement my decision to pursue engineering,” says Walker, who is now pursuing his PhD at Caltech. “There was the annual science fair, a trip to London for theatre class, a charity project to raise US$10,000 for the 2004 tsunami victims, and even building a hovercraft – we had to find funding and assemble it ourselves at a workshop near the school. All these are unique opportunities that I don’t think many schools elsewhere offer.”
Walker recalls his days at school fondly, crediting a large part of his development to his teacher Nicholas Frost. “He constantly pushed me to work hard, and even wrote a letter of recommendation for me and helped with my statement of purpose when I wanted to go to Imperial,” he shares. “Other teachers also helped me prepare applications to other universities and practise interviews. They even discussed my choices after I heard back from them. I consider myself very lucky to have had that chance.”
His father shares the same sentiments. “It was one of the most important, best decisions we ever made,” he said, referring to his decision to enrol Pierre and his sister, Victoria, into St. Andrews International School, Green Valley. “At first, both of them sometimes struggled with the English language, but they later found a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and pride that we would not have found elsewhere.”
“There were some really great teachers who gave a sense of inspiration to both our children. The 360-degree approach to holistic education allowed my children to have depth and breadth across the subjects, whether it’s the arts or something technical. That’s a very important element.”
Pierre Walker’s father
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
9:00 P.M
Rolll call/ briefing, study time.
7:00 PM
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online.
5:45 P.M
Dinner at the school is a daily highlight, and it's not hard to see why. JIS offers many options to suit every dietary requirement. Boarders have a dedicated dining hall for their meals outside of school hours, including breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals.
5:15 P.M
Beyond academics, Shreya actively participates in JIS's co-curricular activities (CCAs). With over 300 options, from the Borneo Project and Debate Club to Diving, Model UN, Masterchef, Fencing, and subject-specific clubs like Chinese and Chemistry, there's truly something for everyone.
This year, Shreya shone in the Senior Musical "We Will Rock You!" while also participating in boxing. "The musical helped me grow as a creative person," she says. "Working with my friends and the teachers involved to bring the musical to life was a time in my life that I will never forget."
Although she wanted to join more CCAs, she had to prioritise her academics as a Sixth Former. "So I joined the Math and Psychology support sessions," she says. "But I don’t regret taking them, as those sessions helped me improve my grade quite a lot."
3:00 P.M - 4:30 P.M
As an IB student, Shreya has many classes to attend. She is particularly passionate about Psychology and Music. The first is fascinating and relevant, especially given the increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years. As for music, she finds it a form of expression and relaxation.
"I had the opportunity to record my own original song called ‘Learn to Love’ and share it during the school’s Annual Music Review," she says. "The song was even played on the local radio station - KRISTALfm — which I was really proud of.
7:30 A.M
Shreya's morning routine is short and snappy. She showers, has breakfast, and leaves for her classes.
6:30 A.M
A day in the life of a boarding student at JIS
Shreya's morning routine is short and snappy. She showers, has breakfast, and leaves for her classes.
6:30 A.M
As an IB student, Shreya has many classes to attend. She is particularly passionate about Psychology and Music. The first is fascinating and relevant, especially given the increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years. As for music, she finds it a form of expression and relaxation.
"I had the opportunity to record my own original song called ‘Learn to Love’ and share it during the school’s Annual Music Review," she says. "The song was even played on the local radio station - KRISTALfm — which I was really proud of.
7:30 A.M
Beyond academics, Shreya actively participates in JIS's co-curricular activities (CCAs). With over 300 options, from the Borneo Project and Debate Club to Diving, Model UN, Masterchef, Fencing, and subject-specific clubs like Chinese and Chemistry, there's truly something for everyone.
This year, Shreya shone in the Senior Musical "We Will Rock You!" while also participating in boxing. "The musical helped me grow as a creative person," she says. "Working with my friends and the teachers involved to bring the musical to life was a time in my life that I will never forget."
Although she wanted to join more CCAs, she had to prioritise her academics as a Sixth Former. "So I joined the Math and Psychology support sessions," she says. "But I don’t regret taking them, as those sessions helped me improve my grade quite a lot."
3:00 P.M - 4:30 P.M
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online.
5:45 P.M
Dinner at the school is a daily highlight, and it's not hard to see why. JIS offers many options to suit every dietary requirement. Boarders have a dedicated dining hall for their meals outside of school hours, including breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals.
5:15 P.M
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
9:00 P.M
Roll call/ briefing, study time.
7:00 PM
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online
6:30 A.M WAKE UP
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
7:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M CLASSES
6 AM
7 AM
8 AM
9 AM
10 AM
11 AM
12:00 - 2:00 PM
3 PM
4 PM
5 PM
5:30 PM
6 PM
6:30 PM
7 PM
7:30 PM
8 PM
8:30 PM
9:30 PM
9 PM
Shreya's morning routine is short and snappy. She showers, has breakfast, and leaves for her classes.
6.30A.M
As an IB student, Shreya has many classes to attend. She is particularly passionate about Psychology and Music. The first is fascinating and relevant, especially given the increasing focus on mental health awareness in recent years. As for music, she finds it a form of expression and relaxation.
"I had the opportunity to record my own original song called ‘Learn to Love’ and share it during the school’s Annual Music Review," she says. "The song was even played on the local radio station - KRISTALfm — which I was really proud of."
7.30 A.M
Beyond academics, Shreya actively participates in JIS's co-curricular activities (CCAs). With over 300 options, from the Borneo Project and Debate Club to Diving, Model UN, Masterchef, Fencing, and subject-specific clubs like Chinese and Chemistry, there's truly something for everyone.
This year, Shreya shone in the Senior Musical "We Will Rock You!" while also participating in boxing. "The musical helped me grow as a creative person," she says. "Working with my friends and the teachers involved to bring the musical to life was a time in my life that I will never forget."
Although she wanted to join more CCAs, she had to prioritise her academics as a Sixth Former. "So I joined the Math and Psychology support sessions," she says. "But I don’t regret taking them, as those sessions helped me improve my grade quite a lot."
3.00 P.M
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal time is essential for Shreya. She ensures to set aside time each day for activities that help her relax and de-stress, such as listening to music, chatting with her roommate, or watching something funny online.
5:45 PM
Rollcall/Briefing
6:25 PM
Understanding that a well-rested mind and body are crucial for success, Shreya ensures that she gets enough sleep each night. She knows that without it, she won't be able to bring her full energy and focus to her studies at JIS.
9.30 P.M
Get ready for next day
9:00 PM
Dinner at the school is a daily highlight, and it's not hard to see why. JIS offers many options to suit every dietary requirement. Boarders have a dedicated dining hall for their meals outside of school hours, including breakfast, dinner, and weekend meals.
5:15 PM
Study time
7:00 PM