A Warm Welcome at Ban Klondo Elementary School
As part of our Turing Scheme journey in Thailand, our learners spent an inspiring morning at Ban Klondo (Banklondo) Elementary School, gaining first-hand experience of primary education in a rural Thai community.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to observe teaching and learning in a different cultural setting while building connections with both staff and pupils.
A Truly Special Visit
Unlike some of the larger schools we have visited during our travels, Ban Klondo does not receive many international visitors.
As a result, our arrival created a great deal of excitement among both the children and the staff. We were made to feel incredibly welcome from the moment we arrived, and it quickly became clear that the opportunity to meet visitors from another country was something genuinely special for the school community.
The warmth and hospitality shown throughout the morning left a lasting impression on everyone in the group.
Exploring a Thai Primary School
Ban Klondo Elementary School follows a structure that is very similar to the UK education system, with children progressing from Reception through to Year 6 before moving on to secondary school.
This familiar structure allowed learners to easily relate what they were seeing to their own experiences of education while recognising some of the unique features that make Thai schools different.
Throughout the morning, learners visited classrooms across a range of year groups, observing lessons and speaking with teachers about the school’s approach to teaching and learning.
Learning Through Play
One of the most interesting observations from the visit was the continued emphasis on learning through play, particularly with younger children.
The classrooms demonstrated how play-based activities can be used to support children’s creativity, confidence and understanding across a range of subjects. Seeing these approaches being used in another country reinforced the importance of child-centred learning and highlighted the similarities that exist between effective educational practice around the world.
Our learners had the opportunity to engage with pupils, support activities and observe how teachers encouraged participation and curiosity in the classroom.
Learning About School Culture
The visit also gave learners a fascinating insight into some of the traditions and routines within Thai schools.
One of the things that stood out was the school uniform system, where different age groups wear different coloured uniforms. This helps identify year groups and creates a strong sense of belonging within the school community.
Observing these practices encouraged learners to reflect on the similarities and differences between educational settings in Thailand and the UK.
Meaningful Classroom Experiences
During classroom visits, learners observed a range of activities and had the opportunity to interact with pupils who were keen to practise their English skills and share information about themselves, their interests and their ambitions.
One memorable example was a pupil’s written work describing favourite colours, foods and future career aspirations, demonstrating the universal hopes and dreams shared by young people around the world.
Moments like these reminded us that regardless of location, children everywhere are eager to learn, grow and achieve their goals.
Learning Beyond Borders
The visit to Ban Klondo Elementary School was about much more than observing lessons. It was an opportunity to build cultural understanding, share experiences and develop a global perspective on education.
Our learners left with a greater appreciation of Thailand’s education system and a deeper understanding of how schools across the world strive to support children’s learning and development.
Most importantly, they experienced the power of international connections and the value of learning from others.
Thank you to everyone at Ban Klondo Elementary School for making us feel so welcome and for sharing such an inspiring and memorable morning with us.
