The Falcons Sports Philosophy
The fastest animals in the world, falcons are known not only for their speed and strength, but also their extraordinary intelligence and ability to learn. Our Falcons athletes strive to embody those same traits, cultivating resilience and continually growing through both victories and defeats. By empowering every student to develop as an individual and as a part of a team, we aspire to provide an outstanding education-based athletic programme that builds leadership, encourages collaboration and nurtures wellbeing. This holistic approach fosters an appreciation for sports, and promotes respect for both teammates and opponents.
Falcons Sports in Numbers
We believe that creating athletics opportunities for children of every skill level encourages them to participate, develop and flourish. This philosophy cultivates a supportive, positive environment that values growth as much as winning. As a result, over 50% of NIST students choose to join a competitive sports team, a number that rises in each year level.
competitive sports offered
Falcons athletes
Falcons teams
annual tournaments
Bangkok Metropolitan Athletic Conference
Together with International School Bangkok and Bangkok Patana School, we established the Bangkok Metropolitan Athletic Conference in 2021 to provide “high-quality experiences and authentic learning pathways to every student-athlete”. Through four seasons and 13 sports, students have the chance to develop their skills against peers from the best international schools in Bangkok. The conference is unique in its commitment to a membership built on philosophical alignment.
South East Asia Student Activities Conference
As a founding member of the South East Asia Student Activities Conference in 1993, we collaborate with other 15 other international schools across Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Jakarta, Myanmar and Vietnam to promote “healthy competition, pursuit of excellence, social and cultural interaction, and the development of friendships”. In addition to competitive sports, SEASAC offers students other opportunities through Model United Nations and an annual arts festival.
Pathways to Support Every Aspiring Athlete
Sports should not be open to only the most naturally talented athletes. We strive to provide every student at NIST with the opportunity to develop their individual skills, learn to work within a team, and participate in games and tournaments. Our competitive athletics programme is designed to reflect this, with each level becoming more selective should a student want to pursue excellence within particular sports.
However, even at the more selective levels, being chosen for tournaments to represent the school is not based only on ability, but also attendance at practices and in-season games, sportsmanship over the course of the season, good academic standing, attitude, commitment, collaboration with others, and effort.
Under 9: FUNdamental
Non-Competitive
The primary objectives at the under 9 level are to develop gross/fine motor skills, and introduce rules and sports concepts using a variety of games, skill-based play and interaction while maximizing participation. There may be opportunities to introduce competition at this level. However, the focus is based on learning through experience, not on winning games. This level is fully inclusive and open to all who want to participate.
Under 11: Learning to Participate
Semi-Competitive
The objective at the under-11 level is to play a variety of sports and maximize participation. The focus is developing basic skills, preparing for competition and developing a love for the sport. Playing time within games is equal among all student-athletes. Developing athletes is more important than winning games and competitions. This level is fully inclusive and open to all who want to participate.
Under 12: Learning to Develop
Semi-Competitive
The key focus at this level is to maximize the learning of skills, knowledge and rules of the game. Maximum participation by athletes is emphasized not only for their overall growth and welfare, but also the continued development of the overall programme. Developmental levels should be the foundation for the higher, competitive levels. Developing athletes is equally as important as a winning season.
Under 14: Learning to Train
Competitive
At this level we strive to continue to develop the basic skills. The aim is to refine these core skills and to develop their application within the sport. Maximum participation remains an objective, but an added emphasis is placed on being competitive. We work to help athletes apply skills to competitive situations and to develop more detailed tactics related to each individual sport.
JV: Training to Compete
Competitive
At this level more emphasis is placed on being competitive. During the season maximum participation is still a focus, but for championship tournaments we aim to field our most competitive team. The main objective is to optimize fitness preparation, sport/event-specific skills and performance. Students learn to perform these sport-specific skills under a variety of competitive conditions during training.
Varsity: Training to Win
Competitive
At this stage of the programme we place a high emphasis on being competitive. During regular-season games and competitions we aim to field our most competitive team. Players earn their game time during the season through their performance in games and training. We strive to develop complex tactics of the sport, and emphasize commitment, discipline and dedication to the team.Â
