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At St Andrews Bangkok, we understand that key transition points, such as starting school, moving between Key Stages (from Primary to High School, Year 6 to Year 7), and progressing from IGCSE to Senior Studies, are important moments in a student’s journey.
Our experienced, qualified teachers take these transitions seriously and provide a range of structured activities and events to support students every step of the way.
In this article, you will find out more information about:
Personalised Home Visits for Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) students to help them feel comfortable with teachers.
Structured Taster Days and Transition Days to familiarise students with new teachers and environments.
Comprehensive Careers and Higher Education counselling, including Alumni visits and a dedicated Career Day.
Choosing your child’s first school is an especially important and emotional decision. It’s often the first time your child will be away from home for an extended period, and we recognise that it’s a pivotal moment for parents, too. You want to be sure your child is in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment. Read this article on preparing your child for their first day in Foundation Stage.
Home Visit for FS1
A Home Visit is a unique benefit of enrolling at St Andrews. During the first week of the term in which the child enrols, one or two of our teachers will offer to visit the parents and child at home. Home Visits are approximately 30 minutes long, during which the teachers bring toys and books from the classroom so that the child can become familiar with the teacher, play together, and develop an interest in going to school, all in an informal, relaxed, and familiar environment. Learn more about Home Visits here.
Language Support
At St Andrews Bangkok, students benefit from a strong and well-established English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme, designed to ensure they develop the language skills needed to thrive academically and socially. Recognising that every learner’s starting point is different, the programme provides tailored support that helps students build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English. Through a combination of targeted instruction and classroom integration, students are supported in accessing the full curriculum while steadily strengthening their proficiency. This personalised approach not only accelerates language development but also ensures that students feel included, engaged, and empowered, enabling them to navigate each stage of their educational journey with confidence and success.
Between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (Year 2 to Year 3), students transition from a play-based environment to a more structured setting, with new teachers, classrooms, and a gradual increase in academic expectations and independence. This transition can cause some anxiety as children adjust to greater autonomy and personal responsibility. To support them through these changes, we introduce key routines at the end of Y2 and get to know some Y3 teachers before the move happens.
The children begin to move independently between lessons in the final weeks of Year 2. They will visit the Year 3 classrooms, allowing them to see the learning spaces and ask Year 3 children questions to help them feel more confident about the move into Key Stage 2.
Taster Days
As part of the enrollment process, we offer a Taster Day, giving prospective students a unique opportunity to experience a typical day with the new class and year group they will join. It’s a trial day designed to help get a feel for the environment and teachers, and take part in engaging lessons and activities.
While many students are excited about the move to High School, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous, too. To help with this, students have the opportunity to participate in several orientation activities starting in Year 5 to become more confident in navigating High School.
Year 5 Transition Day
Preparing students for High School begins in Year 5 with fun-filled Transition Days that offer sporting activities, art and science experiences, and an opportunity to explore the High School with High School students, who serve as friendly guides and mentors throughout the sessions. This hands-on experience not only helps Year 5 become familiar with High School but also helps them begin building connections with older students and feel more at ease in a new environment. It is a valuable opportunity for them to gain confidence and familiarity ahead of their transition to Year 6, when they’ll have even more chances to engage with the High School community.
Year 6 Transition Day
Year 6 Transition Day at the High School is designed to help students prepare for the more independent and specialised style of learning they will experience in Year 7. Throughout the day, students take part in a range of lessons including Technology, Maths, Humanities, and either Dance or Drama. They also join a session introducing them to the High School’s Wellbeing Programme, which supports students as they settle into their new environment. Learn more here.
The transition from Key Stage 3 to IGCSE is an important milestone. At this stage, students begin making key subject choices while adapting to increasing academic rigour and a deeper focus on exam preparation. With these new expectations, the right guidance and structured support are essential to help students feel confident and well-prepared for the next phase of their education.
The IGCSE programme offers both breadth and flexibility. Students can choose from over 30 subjects, with option blocks designed each year around their preferences, ensuring a personalised and balanced pathway for every learner.
Watch this video to learn more about IGCSE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz4NL1A-daY
Year 9 Options Parents' Information Evening
In Term 1, all Year 9 parents are invited to a Year 9 Options Information Evening, where they learn about the IGCSE programme (an internationally recognised qualification that students work towards over two years, during Years 10 and 11, with external exams taken at the end of Year 11).
Students will study a total of eight subjects, including core subjects such as English Language and Literature, Mathematics, and at least one Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), as well as Wellbeing and PE. Thai students will also study Thai in an appropriate class set by their teachers. Then students select additional subjects to create a balanced programme, with advice on keeping future pathways open.
Throughout this process, students and parents are supported through discussions with teachers and counsellors. During Term 2 Parent–Student–Teacher meetings, the options are discussed again to allow for any amendments before choices are confirmed.
The school then uses these preferences to build the Year 10 timetable, ensuring students are well prepared for the next stage of their academic journey.
Assigned Counsellor in Year 9
To support students and prepare them for IGCSE, students are assigned a dedicated Careers and Higher Education counsellor from Year 9 onwards, who provides personalised support throughout High School, including subject selection and guidance towards the IB.
Electives for Year 9
The Year 9 Electives Programme is thoughtfully designed to help students explore their interests while building the confidence needed to make informed IGCSE choices. Through a wide range of engaging subjects beyond the core curriculum, such as Climate and Sustainability, Business Essentials: An Introduction to Business Studies, GCSE Dance Preparation, Music Band, VEX Robotics, GCSE Sports, Applying Mathematical Thinking to
Engineering & Design, Digital Visual Communication, Creative Journaling and many more. Students have the opportunity to “try out” potential pathways before committing to them, gaining valuable insight into what they enjoy and where their strengths lie.
At the same time, the programme develops essential skills for future success, such as communication, critical thinking, and digital literacy, while introducing real-world themes like global responsibility and social impact. Delivered in a supportive, low-pressure environment, these electives encourage curiosity, independence, and a genuine love of learning, ensuring every student feels well-prepared, motivated, and excited for the transition to IGCSE.
Transitioning from IGCSE to Senior Studies marks an exciting shift towards greater independence in learning, individual projects, and assignments.
Year 12 Induction Day
Our Year 12 Induction Day at St Andrews Bangkok takes place within the first few weeks of Senior Studies. Students have the opportunity to ask their teachers and IB coordinators questions and gain clarity about the pathways they have chosen. Students approaching Year 12 will also learn about key components such as Creativity, Activity, Service, and Service Learning, and discover the wide range of opportunities available through our extensive ECA programme, including Sports, Performing Arts, MUN, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Team-building activities, discussions on the IB Learner Profile, and a university admissions game help set a positive and motivated tone for the year. Learn more here.
At St Andrews, we are committed to preparing students for life beyond school through a comprehensive Careers and Higher Education programme. From personalised university guidance and inspiring alumni visits to hands-on experiences like Career Day, we support every student in discovering their passions, planning their future, and making confident, informed decisions about the next stage of their journey.
Careers and Higher Education Counsellor
The Careers and Higher Education Counsellor plays a vital role in guiding students through every stage of their journey to university, both in Thailand and abroad. From helping students explore career options and research university pathways to understanding international application systems and writing standout applications, the counsellor ensures that each student is well prepared and supported. They offer personalised advice on choosing the right course and location, balancing application demands with academic workloads, and preparing for interviews, all while keeping student wellbeing at the centre. With expertise in global admissions and a focus on each student’s unique goals, the counsellor helps make the transition from school to university informed, confident, and successful. For more information, click here.
Alumni visits
At St Andrews Bangkok, we have a positive and active alumni network, with many alums returning to inspire and guide current students. When former students return to share their experiences, whether about university life, career paths, or personal growth since graduation, it helps current students see real-life examples of success and possibilities beyond school. These visits offer valuable insights into different pathways, help demystify the transition from school to university or the workplace, and often spark meaningful conversations about ambition, resilience, and decision-making. Hearing from someone who once walked the same hallways can be both reassuring and motivating, helping students feel more confident as they plan their futures. Read more about alumni visits here.
Career Day
Students can learn about different career paths, qualifications, and important workplace skills from visiting professionals, including alums, for Career Day. Guest speakers range from industries such as medicine, business, hospitality, the arts, and more. Following panel discussions, students have the opportunity to participate in smaller group sessions for more in-depth conversations with the speakers. The event helped students gain valuable insights into their future career options and supported the school’s goal of preparing them to become confident, informed global citizens. Learn more about Career Day here.
