Frequently Asked Questions
About
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What are the benefits of an International Education?
An international education opens doors to universities around the world, a strong background in English language, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills.
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Which organisations are Varee Chiangmai International School accredited with?
We are accredited by, and licensed by, the Thai Ministry of Education and accredited through the EDT Education Development Trust. We have been granted status as a CIE Centre (University of Cambridge International Examinations).
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When does the school year begin and end?
The school year runs from the beginning of August to the middle of June and is split into two semesters.
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What year groups are taught at Varee Chiangmai International School?
We are open for students aged 2-18 (Pre-Nursery – Year 13).
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What are your class sizes?
Early Years: The maximum class size is 20 children with one teacher and one teaching assistant.
Key Stage 1: Years 1 and 2 has a maximum class size of 25 children, with one homeroom teacher and a teacher assistant who moves between Years 1 and 2.
Key Stage 2: Years 3 and 4 has a maximum class size of 25 children, with one homeroom teacher and a teacher assistant who moves between Years 3 and 4.
Key Stage 3: The maximum class size is 25 children, with one homeroom teacher per year and subject specialists for each subject.
Key Stages 4 & 5: The maximum class size is 15 children, with one homeroom teacher per year and subject specialists for each subject.
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What special assistance is available for students?
Varee Chiangmai International School, provides Learning Support and English as an Additional Language Programme.
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Can my child go to a Thai University after completing Year 13 in an International School?
Yes. Students who are Thai first language speakers have the further option of writing their quota exams at Varee Chiangmai International School, as well as their GAT exams, allowing them entrance to universities throughout Thailand. Both first and non-native Thai First Language speakers will have access to International Programmes at Thai Universities, as well as the option to study abroad.
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Does Varee Chiangmai International offer Boarding facilities?
Currently Varee Chiangmai International does not offer boarding facilities.
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What is the school's discipline policy?
At Varee Chiangmai International, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions. Clear consequences are set for behavioural choices and we follow up with parents, in cases where serious problems occur. Parents and students are given the school rules when they join the programme, together with outlined consequences.
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What languages are offered at Varee?
In Primary, we offer English, Thai, and Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language.
In Secondary, we offer English, German, Thai as a first or a foreign language, and Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language.
Admissions
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When should students apply?
Varee Chiangmai International School, observes a rolling admission’s policy. If space allows and the assessment criteria is met, children can join the school throughout the year. However, Years 9, 10 and 12 can only be joined at the beginning of the year.
Placements for students who require EAL or Learning Support will also depend on availability of resources and the needs of our current students.
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Is there a Placement Test?
All new students wishing to join Varee Chiangmai International School will be expected to do a placement test.
For more details please see our ‘How to Apply‘ page.
Curriculum
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What curriculum does Varee Chiangmai International School use?
We are aligned with the English National Curriculum Standards, catering for students from Early Years through to Year 13. Currently we offer IGSCE’s for Years 10 and 11 and AS-level and A-level for Years 12 and 13.
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What is the difference between the IGCSE and A-Levels versus IB Programmes?
A-levels place emphasis on in-depth knowledge of specific subject areas, whereas the IB Programme focuses on more independent research across a broader range of subjects. Both qualifications allow students into top universities around the world, so long as students meet the university entrance requirements.
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What specialist instruction is provided?
Varee Chiangmai International School has special instruction in Visual Arts, Drama, IT and Physical Education from Year 1 to Year 13.
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Does the school use textbooks?
Though our curriculum is not textbook based, we may use a range of books to support the teaching and learning on occasions. We focus on current teaching practices such as group and paired work, to teach the skills of how to learn and find information from a text, how to research, students are encouraged to think critically and to find the best solutions, etc.
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What extra-curricular activities are available for my child?
Varee Chiangmai International School provides a range of extra-curricular activities each term, including sports, arts and music. We have a number of teams who compete with other schools across Chiang Mai in various sports.
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Where are the teaching staff from and what type of qualifications do they hold?
The majority of our teaching staff are from the UK, Ireland, America, South Africa and Australia. All hold nationally recognised teaching degrees and some also hold Masters Degrees.
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How are the students graded in the International School?
Key Stage 3 (Year 7 to Year 9)
Students are assessed on a 1 – 8 scale in all academic subjects at school level. Cambridge Checkpoint exams are written at the end of Year 9 in:
- Mathematics
- Science
- English (for First language English students)
- Cambridge First Certificate of English (for Second language English students)
At IGCSE level, students are graded from A* – G and at A-levels on an A – E scale. External Cambridge International Examinations are written at the end of Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13.
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How do English Language studies continue at A-level?
Students are prepared for university interviews and application essays, as well as the IELTS examination from Year 11 onwards. Students who wish to continue their English language studies through a more academic purpose, have the option to study English A-levels. All students not carrying a passport from an English speaking country are expected to take the IELTS exam between Year 11 and Year 13.
School Day
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How long is the school day at Varee Chiangmai International?
Early Year classes run from 8.00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Primary School classes run from 8:00am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday. Secondary School is from 8:00am to 4:00pm. After school activities for children in Primary, run from 2:45 pm to 3:30pm. For Secondary, after school activities run from 3:15pm to 4:00pm.
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Does the school have a canteen?
Yes. Our canteen offers a range of snacks and various foods. The lunch consists of Western, Thai and vegetarian dishes, as well as, Asian noodle soup, salad and fresh fruits. Children may also bring their own food from home.
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How can parents get involved with the school community?
Our Parent Teacher Association provides support for school events, such as sports days, donating food for celebrations such as Songkran and Christmas, leading groups at International Day and other social events. Our parents can also take part in workshops offered during the school year.
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Where do most families live, who have children attending Varee Chiangmai International?
One of the great advantages of Varee Chiangmai International is its central location in Chiangmai. We are within easy reach of shopping centers, hospitals, supermarkets, bus and train stations and within close range to the International Airport. As a result, most Varee families choose to live near the school.
We are unable to provide specific recommendations for condos, apartments or homes, but many real estate sites can be found through a Google search.
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Does Varee Chiangmai International have a Summer Camp?
We do not have a Summer Camp, but some of our VCIS parents enroll their children into the Varee Anubaan or the Varee English Programme during the course of their summer break (March/April).