Choosing the right educational path for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. At Ascot International School in Bangkok, the learning journey is as important as the destination. From the moment your child steps into Pre-Nursery, Ascot’s approach to education is designed to foster curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
With a unique blend of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the British curriculum, Ascot ensures that students receive a comprehensive, well-rounded education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.
Ascot offers a carefully structured learning journey that spans from Pre-Nursery all the way through to the IB Diploma Programme. Each stage of the journey is designed to build upon the previous one, with an emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals who are equipped with both academic knowledge and essential life skills.
At Ascot International School, education extends far beyond the classroom. The school’s holistic approach is designed to support the academic, social, and emotional development of students at every stage of their educational journey. Whether in the early years or Secondary, Ascot fosters an environment that encourages students to explore their passions, face new challenges, and develop the essential skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.
Ascot uniquely integrates two globally recognised curricula: the British curriculum and the International Baccalaureate (IB). This combination provides students with the best of both worlds—drawing on the comprehensive structure and academic rigour of the British system while embracing the global perspectives and inquiry-based approach that the IB framework offers.
The result is an educational experience that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world, ensuring that Ascot students are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped with the life skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and fast-paced global environment.
At Ascot, the learning journey begins as early as 1-2 years old with the Pre-Nursery programme. During this stage, children are encouraged to explore their environment through a play-based, Montessori-inspired curriculum. The emphasis is on fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder in children, allowing them to grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively in a nurturing, child-centred environment.
The Pre-Nursery programme offers a wide range of activities to help children develop basic skills in communication, problem-solving, and creativity. Through outdoor learning opportunities, children can enhance their social and emotional development, as well as improve their physical coordination. The 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio ensures that each child receives individual attention, enabling them to thrive in a safe and caring environment.
Building on the foundation laid in Pre-Nursery, Ascot’s Early Years programme for children aged 3 to 5 continues to emphasise inquiry-based learning, but with a more structured approach. The curriculum is designed to nurture independence, self-regulation, and a love of learning through hands-on experiences and exploration. At Ascot, learning is seen as a joyful process where curiosity leads the way.
As students progress through the Early Years, they begin to develop key literacy and numeracy skills. With bilingual development being a key component, children are immersed in both English and Thai, setting the stage for fluency in multiple languages. This dual-language approach ensures that students at Ascot not only gain academic knowledge but also develop important cultural understanding from an early age.
As children enter Primary School, Ascot continues to integrate the best elements of both the IB and British curricula. The school follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students in Years 1-6, which promotes transdisciplinary learning and encourages students to make real-world connections across subjects.
In the Primary Years, students at Ascot are encouraged to be active, lifelong learners. They engage in inquiry-based projects that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
The PYP curriculum is designed to be flexible and dynamic, adapting to the needs and interests of individual students. This ensures that students are not only developing academic knowledge but also learning how to think critically, work with others, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
The focus on inquiry also means that students are encouraged to ask questions and explore topics that interest them, fostering a sense of curiosity that will last throughout their lives. The curriculum in the Primary Years prepares students for future learning by helping them develop key skills in research, communication, and self-management.
In the Secondary Years, Ascot builds on the foundations laid in the Primary Years by introducing the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students in Years 7-9. The MYP provides a framework that encourages students to become independent thinkers, take ownership of their learning, and develop a deep understanding of subjects across multiple disciplines.
During the MYP, students explore a range of subjects, including mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities. The programme places a strong emphasis on developing research and critical thinking skills, as well as exploring global issues.
Students are encouraged to make connections between subjects, helping them understand the interconnectedness of knowledge and the importance of thinking critically about the world around them.
The MYP also includes opportunities for students to engage in service learning projects, where they apply their academic knowledge to real-world situations. This helps students develop a sense of social responsibility, which is a key component of the Ascot learning philosophy.
As students enter Years 10 and 11, they begin the IGCSE programme, which provides a more structured and academically rigorous curriculum. The IGCSE is widely recognised for its academic excellence and prepares students for further study in the IB Diploma Programme or other post-secondary education options.
At Ascot, the IGCSE years are a time for students to further specialise in subjects that interest them. The IGCSE programme offers a broad range of subjects, including languages, sciences, and humanities, allowing students to choose a course of study that aligns with their interests and future aspirations. The academic rigour of the IGCSE curriculum prepares students for the challenges they will face in the final years of school and beyond.
The final stage of the Ascot learning journey is the IB Diploma Programme, which is offered in Years 12 and 13. The IB Diploma is a prestigious and internationally recognised qualification that provides students with a well-rounded education and prepares them for success in university and beyond.
The IB Diploma Programme is known for its academic rigour and global focus. Students in the IB Diploma Programme study six subjects across various disciplines, including languages, science, mathematics, and humanities. They also complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which encourages students to think critically about knowledge and its application in the real world.
In addition to TOK, students are required to complete an extended essay, which allows them to explore a topic of interest in depth and develop their research and writing skills. The programme also includes a focus on creativity, activity, and service (CAS), where students engage in extracurricular activities that promote personal growth and community involvement.
The IB Diploma Programme is designed to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically capable but also socially responsible and globally minded. Ascot’s commitment to the IB’s emphasis on inquiry, critical thinking, and global perspectives ensures that students graduate ready to thrive in university and their future careers.
At Ascot, the learning journey goes beyond academics. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that help students develop leadership skills, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility. From sports teams to music, drama, and community service projects, Ascot encourages students to pursue their passions outside of the classroom.
These extracurricular activities play a vital role in developing the whole child, fostering a sense of community, and encouraging students to explore their interests in a supportive environment. Through these activities, students learn the importance of teamwork, resilience, and time management, all of which contribute to their overall development as individuals.
From Pre-Nursery to the IB Diploma Programme, Ascot International School offers a learning journey that is as enriching as it is inspiring. By blending the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British curricula, Ascot provides students with a balanced education that goes beyond academic success. We focus on personal growth, preparing students to succeed in both their future careers and life in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Ascot’s dedication to nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and global perspectives ensures that our students are not only academically well-prepared but also equipped to thrive in university and beyond.
Whether they’re discovering new ideas in the classroom or participating in extracurricular activities, Ascot students are encouraged to think independently, collaborate effectively, and grow into responsible global citizens. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates leave the school with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to navigate the challenges of a dynamic, ever-evolving world.
IB vs. British Curriculum: Explore the unique blend of these prestigious educational frameworks at Ascot International School. Discover how we nurture well-rounded individuals with a global perspective and prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.
Last Friday, our school came alive with the spirit of thankfulness as
we celebrated World Gratitude Day. This annual observance provided
an excellent opportunity for students and staff alike to reflect on the
many blessings in our lives.
At Ascot International School, safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of every child is our unwavering commitment.
An IB World School, accredited by CIS.