Thanyapura’s Phuket International Academy (IB) and Boarding School offers a world-class campus in a pristine natural environment.
A leadership team of educators and courses has been assembled for the opening of Thanyapura Phuket’s Boarding School and Elite Junior Sport Academy, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as the region’s leading sports training and education centre.
In association with Thanyapura’s Phuket International Academy (PIA) and to mark the start of the new school year on August 13, 2014, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Boarding School is offering full board and week-day boarding options for 13 to 18-year-olds at a purpose-built facility. Its 47 international teachers were hired based on their exemplary qualifications and commitment to philosophy.
Located on 23 hectares of pristine land at the foothill of a topical mountain range and close to Phuket International Airport, PIA draws on Asian cultures and the best Western educational traditions to promote not only knowledge but also compassion, integrity, happiness, and sustainability.
Executive Chairperson of the School Board is Mr Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, who established Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation in Germany and played a leadership role in the world renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotels Company. He also headed up the Advisory and Executive Board at the International School Berlin/Brandenberg, as well as Louisenlund, one of Germany’s most prestigious traditional boarding schools.
A leading team of educators and courses are available to more than 310 students from over 35 countries at Thanyapura’s PIA and Boarding School.
“Phuket International Academy and the Boarding School are an extension of our commitment to excellence,” Mr Graf von Hardenberg said. “We are providing a premier learning environment and a home away from home. Our teachers are also mentors, nurturing and guiding students’ academic and co-curricular lives and serving as role models.”
The Head of School is New Zealand-born Mr Riki Teteina, who has a Master’s degree in Education Administration. Most recently he was Head of School at the International School Bogor in Indonesia, where he increased enrollment to the highest level in its 45-year history.
Thailand-born Ms Kanittha Suksawaschon, the School Director, holds a Master’s degree in Education Administration and has spent the past 13 years working at several international schools and institutions in Thailand, while the Secondary School Principal Mr Dan Magie has a Master’s degree in Science and Education Administration and has 17 years’ experience as an educator.
A new member of Phuket International Academy’s board is UK-born Mr Julian Whiteley, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of School Development Services. He recently served as Head of School of the United World College of South East Asia (Singapore) for the last 9 years.
The Elite Junior Sport Academy provides students with the opportunity to work with expert coaches and world-class sports facilities.
The school’s more than 310 students come from 35 countries, meaning students benefit from forming close connections with children from different cultures. They also benefit from the school’s motto: Good Heart, Balanced Mind, Healthy Body.
Parents and families of students are rewarded with Thanyapura sports club membership, giving them access to world-class sporting facilities, coaches and sports scientists. The students also have access to facilities that attract some of the best athletes in the world.
One of the Elite Junior Sport Academy’s leading lights is Thai swimming star future Tanakrit ‘Nok’ Krittaya, who is representing Thailand at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, in August 2014.
Thanyapura’s sports facilities include a 50m Olympic competition pool, a 25m training and teaching pool, 6 plexi-cushioned tennis courts (4 under roofs), 500m cushioned athletics track, an International Rugby Board-standard artificial rugby pitch, Floodlit Limonta ‘Soccer Pro’ FIFA-standard pitch, 2 volleyball beach courts, a 17 station Project Xtreme boot camp and assault course, a fully equipped Technogym fitness centre, wellness studios and a Thai boxing studio.