More than a school: How St. Andrews Green Valley teaches more than just academics
World-class curriculum, outdoor learning, and more
There’s a quiet confidence in the way the students of St. Andrews International School, Green Valley move through their day. It is, perhaps, the result of a curriculum that values curiosity as much as achievement, of an education that nurtures each student’s potential, and of teachers who know their students well enough to challenge them without pushing too hard.
Holistic and personalised education deliver great results
It’s not unusual for a school to focus on high grades, but St. Andrews International School, Green Valley does more.
“We believe very much in personalised learning and trying to vary our education to the strengths of all of the students,” Kevin McGee, the school’s Head of Secondary, told The Thaiger.
Small class sizes provide individual attention, and teachers work closely with students to meet, and often exceed, their goals. And this works.
Green Valley students consistently outperform global averages in the IB Diploma Programme, with an average of 34 points in the last 5 years, higher than the worldwide standard of 30.5. Over 40% of IB grades were 6s and 7s, equivalent to A and A* at the A-Level, while IGCSE students saw 55% of their grades at A or A*, more than double the UK average of 22%.
But numbers, while impressive, are only part of the equation.
Recognising that academic excellence alone doesn’t prepare students for the complexities of modern life, Green Valley provides a holistic education on top of their rigorous academic curriculum. This helps students gain the skills necessary to thrive in university and life beyond.
“Our teachers don’t just tell us how to take a test,” Martina, a student who has been here since Year 5, shares. “They want the best from us, but they also want us to understand why we’re learning.”
This approach is the reason many parents choose Green Valley. “Besides academic excellence, what I realised about the school is that they focus a lot on developing character,” says Joey, a parent from Singapore.
Sometimes, learning happens outside of classroom walls
One way Green Valley integrates holistic education is through outdoor learning. “We enrich our curriculum with a lot of outdoor learning. We teach our students about eco-literacy because we really want them to be at the forefront of developing sustainable education in the future,” explains McGee.
That’s why students can often be found learning in Green Valley’s lush outdoor spaces during school hours.
Mr Frost, who has been teaching science at Green Valley for 17 years, leads fieldwork that turns the entire campus into a working laboratory. On any given day, you might find his students testing the water quality of the school’s lake, assessing its nutrient levels, and determining whether intervention is needed.
Other staff contribute in meaningful ways, too. Mr Emery, Green Valley’s IB Diploma Coordinator, oversees projects that immerse students in environmental stewardship. One such initiative involves rescuing orchids that have wilted and nursing them back to health before reintroducing them to the school’s landscape. It’s a small act, but it teaches patience, responsibility, and a deep respect for nature.
Students also take on bigger challenges. For example, Tiffin and Matilda, both in Year 10, have launched a butterfly garden project aimed at promoting biodiversity. Meanwhile, another group of students, Amy and Rhianna, collect plastic bottle caps to turn it into medals, so less plastic ends up in landfills.
The opportunity to experience everything
Music, sport, and drama are valued just as much as mathematics and science at Green Valley. “We like them [students] to experience everything, and we think that’s very important,” notes McGee.
Students have plenty of opportunities to explore their interests through extracurricular activities. From performing arts to competitive sports, this international school in Thailand has the programme, the facility, and the expert coaching to support their growth.
Some students find their voice under stage lights. According to Matilda, a Year 11 student, drama has helped her in all areas of life. “I really enjoy performing, but also, just in general, for any job, it’s useful to know how to speak up.”
Others discover their strengths on the field. And the school continues to expand its athletics programme, with students training in football, basketball, and swimming.
A close-knit community that lasts a lifetime
Ask the students what makes Green Valley special, and the word that comes up again and again is community.
This international school in Thailand fosters an environment where students build friendships that last long after graduation. “I know everyone here […] I’ve managed to make such great friendships over the years that I hope I’ll cherish forever,” Marina reflects when asked about her experience at the school.
Moreover, teachers are deeply involved in their students’ growth. They work with students individually to help them find paths that make sense for them rather than pushing them toward a singular definition of success. Plus, parents are active partners in this process.
“We try to work very closely with our parents, too, so that we have a triangle with all of us working together towards the students goal,” says McGee.
For many, this personal attention makes all the difference. “Our university guidance is amazing. We have a counselor who helps us with whatever we need in terms of reviewing essays or researching for universities,” a student named Cooper points out.
Thanks to that level of support, nearly 100% of Green Valley graduates go on to higher education, with many securing places at top universities worldwide, such as Imperial College London, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University College London, Durham University, University of Melbourne, the Chinese university of Hong Kong, King’s College London, Les Roches, the University of Toronto & many more.
And even after they leave, many alumni remain connected to the school. Those who have moved on still feel tethered to this place, to the experience of growing up in a school that let them be more than just a name on a class list.
Located in Rayong, Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, St. Andrews International School, Green Valley prepares students for life. Its graduates leave with impressive IGCSE and IB results, yes, but they also leave with something less easily measured, such as a sense of confidence, a way of thinking critically, and a belief that learning is something alive and evolving.
To catch a glimpse of life at St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, come see it for yourself. Register here to spend a day in the atmosphere.
For more information about St. Andrews International School, Green Valley and their curriculum, follow them on Facebook.
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