Wells International School’s instructional foundation is built upon the U.S. Common Core State Standards Initiative, a system of learning goals that has been systematically adapted to fit the diverse needs of an international student body in Thailand. It holds all students to high academic standards, expecting them to not only retain content, but to also critically analyze and evaluate that knowledge. Additionally, students are encouraged to find ways in which they can make a difference for the better in their lives and those of others through the application of the lessons both inside and outside the school walls; all students must accumulate a minimum number of community service hours at the high school level. Students in Grades 10 to 12 may also enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) and IB Diploma Programme courses. All aspects of the Wells curriculum from the nursery to high school levels are designed to extensively prepare students for studies at top universities around the globe.
What makes Wells International School distinctive?
Wells International School bases its standards on a modified form of the progressive Common Core State Standards, which are now used by 47 of the 50 U.S. states. While retaining the emphasis on skill development and critical thinking, Wells has expanded the curriculum to include Thai culture and language, as well as a broad range of other foreign languages and elective courses as diverse as debate, theatre, business studies and publication production. Standards in all courses are aligned from kindergarten to high school, and under the guidance of the highly trained teaching staff, students build upon prior knowledge from grade to grade. Wells International School ultimately adheres to the “best practices” approach: The methods and resources educators use should be firmly based in what best allows students to learn as opposed to rigidly following a particular educational approach or program. Four key concepts thus drive education at Wells International School:
- A passion for education
- Engaged, collaborative learning
- Critical thinking
- Real-life application
Tying these elements together are the school ESLRs, which set the benchmark against which our students’ successes are measured. Upon reaching their end of their final year at Wells, graduates possess not only a full complement of knowledge and experiences, but also the ability to apply it to their future studies and careers in such a way as to better both themselves and their communities.
What is the American curriculum?
Education in the United States focuses on independent, critical thinking and creative problem-solving, and the U.S. Department of Education provides schools with the most advanced resources and research data in the world in order to ensure the academic success of their students. All schools also teach the same core subjects–including information and communications technology, language arts, mathematics, physical education, science, and social studies–as well as fine arts and various other elective courses. As stated by the International Schools Association of Thailand, “in the matter of critical thinking the American system remains the recognized leader in developing this vital skill in students.”
Are students required to enroll in AP/DP classes?
Unlike most international schools in Thailand, Wells offers the AP and DP programs as high-level electives. All high school students are encouraged to enroll in at least one of these honors courses, but are not required to do so. Students who do decide to take on the challenge of one or both may also choose to pursue the full AP International Diploma or IB Diploma, or individual certificates in each of the programs. Regardless of whether or not they enroll in AP or IB courses, all Wells graduates receive an accredited U.S. high school diploma.