Thailand, Chiang Mai
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The school integrates social and emotional development through its Early Years programme, which emphasizes Personal, Social & Emotional Development as one of seven key learning areas, encouraging children to recognise feelings, respect others, and develop resilience and independence. In Primary and Secondary, pastoral care is described as an “exceptional pastoral care” element of the educational experience, supporting student wellbeing alongside learning and celebrating success. The school also provides a confidential “Worry Box” for students to submit concerns electronically to support staff, with urgent cases referred immediately to the Secondary Principal.
The Student Support Services include a SEN programme for students with mild to moderate ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia. Support is delivered via Individual Education Plans (IEPs) through one‑to‑one, small group or whole‑class settings, led by a multi‑disciplinary team. This is not a specialist SEN institution, but it does offer structured support for these identified needs.
The school offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme to support learners who need additional support in English or Thai (Thai as an Additional Language, TAL). Students are assessed and grouped by skill level, and small‑group support focuses on listening, reading, writing, and speaking to help them integrate into mainstream classes as quickly as possible.
Mental wellbeing support is facilitated through the “Worry Box” system, where students may submit concerns confidentially and receive follow‑up support from counsellors or the school leadership, especially in urgent cases referred to the Secondary Principal. Staff including school counsellors, psychologists, and nurses are available to support students who need emotional or psychological assistance, particularly in cases of alleged abuse or neglect.
SBS Chiangmai follows Thai Ministry of Education regulations and the Child Protection Act B.E. 2546 (2003), implementing Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) procedures. The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Siwalin Tansuwanwong, assisted by deputies in Early Years and Secondary, and a child protection governor oversees compliance. All staff are trained in recognising and reporting abuse or neglect, and there is a formal Abuse and Neglect Policy outlining types of abuse, mandated reporting duties, and support for victims.
SBS International School Chiangmai is a co-educational day school located in the Hang Dong district, approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city center. Founded in 2014, the school welcomes students from ages 2 to 18 and offers a Cambridge-based international curriculum. Programs begin with Early Years and progress through Cambridge Primary, IGCSE, and A Level qualifications in the Sixth Form. English is the primary language of instruction, and students also study Thai and Mandarin as part of the academic program. Class sizes are capped at 30 students to support focused and engaged learning. The school currently serves more than 485 students. At the upper secondary level, students can pursue specialized academic tracks in science, engineering, medicine, and business. These strands are supported by facilities such as a medical simulation center and offer hands-on learning through internships, mentorships, and applied projects, preparing students for targeted university and career pathways.
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