NIST – A Truly International School in the Heart of Bangkok
The New International School of Thailand, NIST, is the only fully accredited IB World School in the heart in Bangkok that offers all three International Baccalaureate programmes.
Located in Bangkok’s foremost business, diplomatic, residential and shopping areas, the school sits on a well-appropriated campus with state-of-the-art technology providing an international education to a diverse group of students from over 50 nationalities ranging from 3 to 18 years of age.
Since its inception 15 years ago with guidance and support from the United Nations, NIST has gained a reputation as one of the leading IB schools in the world. Its students consistently earn high scores in the IB Diploma and move on to higher education in North America, Europe, and Australasia. Accredited by both the CIS and NEASC, NIST was the first school in Thailand to achieve dual accreditation.
“As a leading IB World School, NIST’s mission is to inspire and empower each student to pursue individual excellence and to enrich the world.”
Laying the Foundation
From the Early Years Programme (ages 3 – 4) to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (ages 5 to 10), NIST lays the foundation upon which all learning is built. At the core of its Elementary curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) develops inquiry-based learning in language, mathematics, and physical skills.
The IB PYP ensures that both academic and social aspects of learning are fully integrated, accommodating each child’s particular needs. Study centers on “units of inquiry” which are selected to specifically match the interests and abilities of the children. Each “unit” addresses the core subjects of learning but also offers a wide range of other leaning opportunities. Co-operation, creativity, individual initiative and responsibility are encouraged. Individual and group research activities are a notable feature of the PYP classroom, and help students from an early age become independent and confident thinkers and learners.
At NIST, the IB PYP has a very extensive World Language programme – both for mother tongue and learned languages. Over six languages are taught as a mother tongue and five as a learned tongue, while “English as a Second Language” is mainstreamed in the class.
“NIST’s elementary curriculum is designed to provide students with the academic concepts and skills necessary for educational success, a grounding in healthy self-respect, a sense of tolerance and an appreciation of others from different racial, religious and cultural backgrounds.“
Building on the Foundation
In Years 7 -11 (ages 11 – 15), NIST students follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). The combination of academic rigour and flexibility, which is the hallmark of the MYP, lays a substantial foundation for entry into the IB Diploma programme. The programme is based on a modern understanding of how adolescents learn and develop. The MYP incorporates a combination of teaching approaches, a variety of assessment methods, and an international perspective to provide a holistic education. A broadly based programme, students must study their first language, a second language, science, mathematics, humanities, physical education, technology and performing or visual arts.
“NIST Is unique in Thailand and the world as one of the few schools to introduce a tablet laptop programme to its MYP curriculum two years ago. NIST is leading the way in using technology to its full potential in a classroom environment.”
Looking to the Future
The IB Diploma is a rigorous curriculum which takes two years of study and an external examination process in each of six subject groupings – language A, language B, the individual in society, experimental sciences, mathematics, and electives including the arts, plus three further requirements – Creativity, Action and Service; Theory of Knowledge; and a 4,000 word Extended Essay. It is intended to complete the intellectual, emotional, physical and social development of our students as well-rounded, active citizens. Because NIST students come from around the world, NIST offers the IB Diploma, or IB Certificate, and the equivalent of an American High School diploma which is of course accredited by NEASC and recognized at top universities in the United States.
“NIST nurtures in our students an understanding of themselves and others in a world of cultural diversity, leading to a sense of tolerance, interdependence, and open-mindedness.”
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to the excellent academic curriculum, NIST offers a wide range of musical, sporting, artistic, and other activities through its afterschool, extracurricular activities. The school runs from early August to early June with daily hours from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Class sizes vary according to year level with only 18 per class in Early Years, 20 in Year 1, 23 in Years 2 – 5 and 25 in the upper classes. Students wear a uniform but have a selection of styles from which to choose. Montri Bus Service provides door to door transport for students. The school also runs shuttle buses to and from the Asok skytrain station numerous times a day.
The NIST Parent-teacher Association, NIPTA, also plays a key role in the overall community and spirit of the school. Our parents are very actively involved in the school.
Admission is dependent on space availability, entry test results, and previous school records. Nationality is also considered with regard to ensuring that the school maintains a broad and balanced mix of nationalities as a truly international school.
