Why a small, close-knit community campus can provide for better education compared to a larger campus

“It takes a village to raise a child.” African Proverb

The now well-known proverb means that an entire community of people must provide for, and interact positively with, children so that those children grow within a safe and healthy environment. This we believe is the foundation for success, and is precisely the experience the small, close-knit community at St. Andrews International School Sathorn aims to provide for your child. Furthermore, we actively encourage parental involvement with the school so that it does indeed truly reflect the value of being a community. 

Our ‘small school’ environment for children from Nursery to Year 6 provides each child with a warm, comforting and stable start to learning. As many parents are aware, some children sail through their first day at school, eager for the experience, whilst others are more reluctant to leave the familiarity of their pre-school routine and those caring for them. St. Andrews provides a balanced environment that caters for every child, where each child receives more individual attention from teachers and classroom assistants, according to their needs. 

More personal support for each child

At St. Andrews Sathorn no child gets ‘lost in the middle’ or ‘forgotten in the crowd’.

Our teachers have the space and time to uncover each child’s strengths, weaknesses and personality traits. They are also able to create a learning environment that is supportive and non-threatening, which is why behavioural problems in schools where the emphasis is on ‘community’ are the exception rather than the rule. In addition, the ability of the teacher to spend more time with each child also means they are able to listen to them properly: to hear their special news, answer questions and explain tricky concepts on a one-to-one basis. 

A playground for social, physical and emotional development

The importance of social, physical and emotional development in early years education cannot be understated. St. Andrews Sathorn offers the best starting point for this by being a close-knit community that excels at building rapport with both children and parents. 

One of the key ways in which the school encourages this is through play in the classroom and outdoors. In the playground children develop their coordination and motor skills faster. They also develop their social and emotional skills through interaction with other children, including forming friendships. Importantly, a playground also teaches children about the boundaries that other people have. 

At St. Andrews Sathorn our EY playground renovation will offer new opportunities for children to develop a huge variety of skills and knowledge as they adopt different approaches to learning with a focus on exploratory play and physical challenge. With a range of areas to investigate and play, the limits for personal development and social communication are endless. Most importantly, the new design allows children to take risks within a safe space and each piece of equipment is adaptable for children of all ages to challenge themselves appropriately. We are very excited for the renovations to start at the end of the school year and can’t wait to enjoy the new facilities with the children.

Visit St. Andrews Sathorn for a personal tour

Of course, the best way to discover the benefits that St. Andrews can offer your child/children to come and meet us by scheduling a personalised school tour or call us. A virtual tour is also available for overseas parents moving to Bangkok.