On the 11th of November, both Language B and Ab Initio students (French and Spanish) had the opportunity to visit a cultural restaurant based on the language they are currently learning. Our Year 12 French B and French Ab Initio students visited the popular Swiss restaurant, Chesa located in Phrom Phong. The owner, Thomas, provided an authentic and immersive experience for our Year 12 students. This immersive experience allowed them to sample authentic Swiss dishes such as fondue avec du pain, une salade traditionnelle and raclette avec des pomme de terres, cornichons et champignons. Not only did students get to savour delicious food, but they also got the opportunity to practise their French language skills in a real-world setting. Echoes of “c’est delicieux!” could be heard throughout the lunch.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Language students embarked on an exciting school trip to Danzante, a Mexican restaurant, to experience the cultural aspects of Mexico while indulging in delicious authentic cuisine. The owner Tomás provided students with traditional Mexican food, a lively atmosphere, colourful decorations and upbeat music. During this trip, the Spanish students discovered a menu full of new foods, flavours and drinks. We sampled a variety of dishes, like sopa azteca, quesadillas, tacos amongst others. We also tried delicious drinks like agua de jamaica and the popular horchata. The students really enjoyed both of these drinks. Another highlight of the Spanish trip was seeing a real Altar de Muertos (Day of the Dead Altar). It was beautifully decorated with colourful flowers, candles, and traditional Mexican treats that until now, we have only seen during lessons while learning about the significance of the altar and the cultural traditions associated with the Day of the Dead.
Experiences like these deepen cultural understanding and build confidence in language learning. Thank you, Year 12, for embracing this incredible opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity!
Year 5 students stepped out of the classroom and into the kitchen for a special Thai cooking class hosted by the talented chefs from getfresh. Under the guidance of the getfresh chefs, they learned about kitchen safety, teamwork, and, most importantly, the steps involved in cooking traditional Thai food like Tom Gai Kai and Lod Chong. The interactive session gave students the chance to discover new skills and connect with Thai culture in a fun and meaningful way.
Nine Year 11 and 12 students from St Andrews recently embarked on a service trip to Buriram in northeast Thailand to visit the Mechai Pattana Bamboo School, which has a unique model of education that blends academics with sustainability practices, entrepreneurship, and community development. St Andrews students engaged in hands-on activities and cultural exchange with local student boarders to gain first-hand experience for unique initiatives such as the ‘Agriculture for the Blind’ programme.
Harry, Class of 2025, shares his experience on the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). He is a passionate and driven young learner with a keen interest in hospitality and the service industry. One of the standout features of Harry’s IBCP experience was the opportunity to gain work experience working in the office and the operations side of getfresh, a popular cafe franchise in Bangkok.
At St Andrews Bangkok, we believe that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and included both inside and outside the classroom. That’s why we are incredibly proud to introduce the Friendship Benches project, an initiative designed to foster connection, kindness, and community spirit across the school.
