The Patana Pod

Adam is a our Head of Football. Hailing from Luton in the UK, Adam is a trained PE Teacher and former Athletic Director. His philosophy of "Work Hard, Play Fair and Have Fun" is simple but powerful. An avid reader with an interest in Behavioural Economics, Adam is wholly focused on creating great relationships.

Carly Peart is the Leader of Learning and Curriculum in Year 1. An experienced Teacher who loves to learn new things, who grew up as a 3rd Culture Kid herself based in Dubai. Whilst she dabbled in various possible careers, she eventually found her true calling as a Teacher and has never looked back.

Welcome back to Season 2!

Chris Sammons is the Head of School at Bangkok Patana School in Thailand. Chris is an experienced International educator who hails from the UK. Chris is a family man, who has worked in Education the UK, Hong Kong and now Thailand. His motto of, "Be kind to others, be kind to yourself and have fun!" is a wonderfully simple and positive message for everyone - young and old.

Craig is the Business Director at Bangkok Patana School. His career began as an Engineer and has spanned continents and various industries since. A science fiction fan who enjoys yoga, photography and golf, who grew up surfing the beaches of South Africa until his hair bleached blonde by the sun. Craig is driven to deliver a great experience for every learner and his affection for the whole community really shines through in this episode.

Dave is a passionate Teacher who has been at Patana for 19 years and counting. Music runs through his veins, but it's his commitment to connecting with his students and bringing out the best in them through music, that shines through. You might notice our Intro is a little different today - that's Dave on the Trumpet, something he's famous for here at Patana!

In this episode we meet Gemma Price, an Australian expat who has worked in Thailand for 10 years and has been at Patana for the past 4 years. Gemma trained as a Secondary Physical Education and Health Teacher but is now found working with our youngest learners in the Foundation Stage. Gemma is a lifelong learner and shares her beliefs that learning should be fun, classrooms full of laughter and gives us all a reminder to live in the moment.

Ian has been at Patana for 32 years and has made Thailand his home. The proud Dad of two Patana alumni, who now teaches the children of other alumni. Ian's belief in the importance of student voice and in being true to oneself shines through. Ian shares some amazing tales from back when Patana was home to only 300 students, 60 staff, 2 computers and 1 landline phone.

Amy is our Head of History and is a new Teacher at Bangkok Patana this academic year. Amy is a seasoned International Teacher who has spent time in the UK, The Philippines, Hong Kong and now Thailand. During this fun conversation Amy shares her passion for Cricket and the diverse and interesting range of alternate professions she would consider if she wasn't a History Teacher. A self-described, "Messy/Organised Hybrid" Amy's warmth and caring nature shine through.

Dave is a Primary Teacher and Leader, a proud Father and husband. Dave offers his pragmatic and endlessly positive views on how he navigates teaching young learners and leading his colleagues at the same time. The value he places on collaboration and listening as a Leader really shines through. His classroom is full of fun, child-centred learning and an appreciation that "this matters". 

Purnima is a Patana alumni from Grad2005 and she now works with us in the English faculty. Purnima is passionate about her subject and this comes through in this wide ranging conversation. Purnima is also a published author, spoken word poet and artist. She is passionate about social justice and loves to explore this through the lens of heritage and belonging.

Martin is a kiwi who started his professional life as a Sound Engineer working in London. He then segued into teaching Chemistry where he has worked in the UK and Thailand. Martin reads widely, has a wide range of interests and has a pragmatic approach to Teaching (and life). His ethos of "don't be lazy" has stood him in good stead. 

Meet Matt Mills, the Bangkok Patana Head of School for the past 14 years. Matt shares his journey in Education from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand and then the International teaching circuit. He has some great anecdotes to share and a wealth of experience. His focus on student-centred teaching and decision making shines through.