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KIS International School

Experiential Learning

How we nurture curiosity, and experience our world outside the classroom

At KIS, teachers design learning experiences that are based in real world settings. When learning in the classroom is drawn from actual events, situations or environments, the experience can bring greater meaning to students, providing them with an opportunity to see the relevance of the knowledge and skills that they are inquiring into and developing.

Not all learning takes place in our classrooms

In addition to bringing the real world into the classroom, learners also benefit from leaving the classroom to engage in a variety of settings, exploring real life situations and having learning material presented though the multiple lenses of local and global contexts.

Classroom learning experiences are enhanced by numerous field trips which serve as extensions to the curriculum. KIS field trips integrate academic and social development by providing students with an opportunity to investigate and apply academic knowledge to the outside world as well as develop their personal and social skills, through a broad range of activities.

Field Trips

Our field trips link classroom learning to the real world. Through residential trips in carefully chosen and appropriate venues within Thailand or in neighbouring countries, students are able to further develop their independence and focus on specific learning goals such as the arts, leadership and the environment. Sometimes students go on other international trips, for example to attend a conference in the UAE, to participate in the junior Achievement finals in Hong Kong, or for a Spanish-language home-stay in Spain. The field trips are for students of all ages and support the units of inquiry in the PYP or may focus on a particular subject in the MYP or Diploma Programme.

Overnight learning experiences

Extended, overnight learning activities provide students in Grade 3 and up (ages 8+) an opportunity to take part in activities out of Bangkok including in places such as Pranburi, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, and Phuket, and outside of Thailand for senior students. These trips bring the academic curriculum to life and focus on community engagement, the arts and environmental issues as well as developing team building and interpersonal skills.

All KIS outings involve extensive preparation and follow-up in order to ensure the students' safety and to provide the best learning experience. Parents are advised of trips ahead of time and invite to attend orientation meetings prior to the events.

Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

Experiences outside the classroom help you become committed, responsible, and fulfilled global citizens.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award and is available to students aged 14 and up. It equips you for life, regardless of your background, culture, physical ability, skills, or interests. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others. It pushes you to your personal limits and recognizes your achievements. 

Overview and Benefits

Doing the International Award is a real adventure from beginning to end. You just need to be over 14 years old and want to do something different, adventurous, and fun! 

You choose what you are going to do, so your program can be full of activities and projects that get you excited. 

Along the way you’ll pick up experiences, friends, and skills that will stay with you for life. Better still, having an International Award has been shown to make people stand out from the crowd when it comes to job and university interviews. It gives you something to put on your CV, lots to talk about at an interview, and shows you’ve developed the skills interviewers are looking for.

The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections. Participants complete all four sections at each level in order to achieve their Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project. 

So why should you do your International Award? What are you going to get out of doing it? Well, the benefits are endless. It’s difficult to list them all, so here’s a quick snapshot. You will:

  • Have lots of fun

  • Get healthier, fitter, and happier 

  • Meet incredible people and make lasting friendships

  • Have amazing new experiences

  • Find talents you didn’t know you had 

  • Gain skills that employers value, which you can reference on your CV

  • Become more confident and independent

  • Stand out from the crowd in college, university and job applications

  • Make memories that will last a lifetime.

Guiding principles of the Award

  • Individual: you design your own program, with help from Award Leaders

  • Non-competitive: it’s a personal challenge, not a competition against others

  • Achievable: anyone can achieve the award, regardless of ability, gender, background or location

  • Voluntary: it’s your choice to make the commitment

  • Developmental: it provides experiences & skills which prepare you for life after school 

  • Balanced: your mind, body and spirit will all be engaged

  • Progressive: at each level, the Award demands more time and commitment 

  • Inspirational: you will be inspired to exceed your expectations

  • Persistence: the Award requires persistence and cannot be completed with a short burst of enthusiasm

  • Enjoyable: participants and leaders should find the Award enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding.

The three levels to the Award: 

  1. Bronze: for those over 14 years. 6 months minimum participation. 

  2. Silver: for those over 15 years. 12 months minimum participation 

  3. Gold: for those over 16 years. 18 months minimum participation 

The four sections of the Award: 

  1. Service: Participants volunteer in their communities, make a positive contribution to society and demonstrate social responsibility.

  2. Physical Recreation: Encourages young people to improve their fitness and performance and enjoy healthy lifestyles for good mental and physical well being.

  3. Skills: Enables participants to develop their talents, broaden their abilities, increase their self confidence and improve their employability.

  4. Adventurous Journey: Young people discover a spirit of adventure and gain a deeper understanding of the environment and the great outdoors.