Student Life at International School Bangkok

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Student Life at International School Bangkok

PantherNation

Student Life at International School Bangkok

PantherNation

The Key to Tomorrow’s Success

Linda
Linda

We have all been told that education is the key to success. That is why we are all here at ISB to learn and expand our knowledge, in hope that this is enough to secure a stable future for us. This may have been true for our parents, but for us, knowledge alone is not going to differentiate us from the millions of bright, young students around the world.

The solution is imagination. We can all be taught the same course of math, science, and English, but what will distinguish us from the rest is the way our mind interprets what we learn, and apply it in creative manners. The requirements of the 21st century students go beyond knowledge… they demand creativity and innovation.

While creativity can be mastered through many different ways, one sure way is through the Arts. Unlike some core subjects, Art is free with no boundaries. There is no right or wrong answer, or a guideline that determines good from bad. Art is an expression of an individual, in a way that they see the world, which is why it is unique and integral to a well-rounded education.

Students who are artists have a key advantage from those who aren’t because they learn through their classes, a skill in life that is being more and more desired. And this skill doesn’t only apply to students who are thinking of heading to an Art related major – it is applicable to everyone.

The Chair of Fine and Performing Arts, Mr. Anthony Giles, shares that “when you participate in an Arts class, you learn to problem solve differently, due to your distinct vision of the world”.  He carries this idea further by stating that “the Arts is beneficial to everyone” with this list ranging from future musicians to doctors. While one may think that the Arts have no place in field as calculated and precise as medicine, Mr. Giles claims that the Arts indeed help with “creating more empathetic and creative thinking doctors.”

Despite the crucial role that the Arts play in cultivating our imagination, ISB currently has an Art credit of 1.0. In the new graduation requirements that ISB has proposed, the credits remain the same.

Our sister IASAS schools International School Manila (ISM), Jakarta International School (JIS) and International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) all have Art credits ranging from 1.5 to 2. By a whole half credit, ISB staggers behind.

The HS Strings Director, Mr. John Secomb, hopes that the Arts credit will increase to 1.5, on par with the proposed Physical Education (P.E) credit. He states that “not only does music exercise all parts of the brain,” but the “Performing Arts courses in general such as orchestra, band, choir, dance and dramatic performances are particularly important in developing confidence, being part of a team and creating something meaningful for an audience.” He concludes with a strong assertion that the Arts “tap into the brain of the audience on an emotional level which is not available in other subject areas.”

If high school’s true role is to prepare us for the real world, shouldn’t they encourage students to take courses such as the Arts, which help students develop qualities demanded by the jobs of tomorrow?

The world is overflowing with intelligent students. If education teaches you what to see in the world, it is abilities like creativity and imagination that helps develop how to see the world. Instead of merely creating copies of what is already abundant in our society, ISB should work towards promoting students to master the difficult aspect of success, the aspect that cannot truly be taught.

Regardless of the Arts credit laid down by the graduation requirements, it is up to us to cultivate our own creativity and imagination. Be the person that is desired by the world. Be the person that stands out from the rest. Be the person who takes advantage of their surroundings.

As HS Dean of Academics, Mr. Phil Rogers encourages, “choose courses that interest you and allow you to follow your passions.” Ignore the 1.0 credit boundary that ISB places on the Arts credit. Because if we really want to succeed, it would be foolish to let a number restrict us from reaching our full potential.

 Sarah Lim

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The Key to Tomorrow’s Success