Our Learning Programme & Academics
Our community has cultivated a reputation for excellence over the past three decades. As the first full International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Thailand and an early adopter of programme developments, NIST enjoys a strong relationship with the IB, remaining at the forefront of progressive, research-based teaching and learning. While most Bangkok international school curricula represent national systems, the IB is a truly international curriculum framework that offers a complete continuum of learning to students from early childhood to high school. Through its focus on inquiry-based learning, it provides children with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in an increasingly diverse, interconnected world.
The Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme serve as the core of our curriculum, and are enhanced through our own instruction. Upon completing their studies, our students have consistently scored well above global and national averages in the IB diploma examinations, and have developed into engaged, global-minded individuals.
Pathways for Every Child
While the IB framework and principles serve as the heart of our programme, academics at NIST are supplemented by additional instruction in languages, the arts, design, technology and service. Through extensive student support systems, every student at NIST receives individual guidance in developing their unique strengths and passions.
Upon beginning Year 12, students may choose to pursue the full IB diploma, individual IB courses, or a combination of IB and NIST courses. Though all students who successfully complete their final year receive the NIST High School Diploma, through these pathways they can also distinguish themselves from their peers around the globe by earning individual IB certificates, an IB diploma and the Global Citizen Diploma.
Unique Learning Opportunities
Children learn best in an environment in which they are challenged according to their distinct interests and abilities. We strongly believe that modern schools cannot accomplish this solely through standard programmes and curricula. In order to ensure that we can offer something to each and every student, we develop our own specialized programmes and also partner with top organizations worldwide to offer our students opportunities that they may not receive at other Bangkok international schools.
Our students do not merely learn from books. They step beyond the walls of the school, engaging with others from different backgrounds, challenging their perspectives, and developing an understanding of how they can make an impact in the world.
Educational research in the past several decades has provided a far deeper understanding of the importance of addressing each child’s unique needs. Our student support services rank among the most extensive in Bangkok international schools. Our multi-tiered system of support ensures each child benefits from rich curricular learning experiences. Those with additional needs receive individualized support, from occupational and speech language therapy to socio-emotional counseling.
NIST X, our experiential education programme, extends well beyond traditional off-campus excursions. Through sequential and intentional experiences that link to other learning across the curriculum, NIST X empowers students to experience new challenges, engage with different environments and cultures, and gain perspective into issues faced by local and global communities. Through this they develop a better understanding of their own potential, connect with nature and build relationships with others.
Service at NIST plays an essential role in all that we do, allowing students to connect their learning to real-world contexts. By carefully aligning all service initiatives to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and employing needs analysis models, we ensure that all members of our community can combine their efforts to make a positive impact. The deep learning that emerges through service not only helps children develop empathy and an appreciation for others, but also foster valuable life skills.
The Global Citizen Diploma (GCD) offers our high school students a powerful opportunity to showcase their accomplishments beyond scores and grades. By reflecting on their learning outside of the classroom—in areas such as leadership, community engagement and intercultural communication—they can earn a qualification that highlights their unique stories for universities. Participants can choose to pursue a certificate, diploma or diploma with distinction depending on their commitment to the programme.
