HISTORY
In 1980, Peter and Sue Ektrakul established Panda Kindergarten. Sue had trained overseas in early childhood education and had a passion for education as a way to improve community life. Peter, an independent businessman, had a passion for education as well, with an American Master's degree and a large book collection. Their kindergarten showed excellence from the beginning, enjoying a great reputation in Nonthaburi, with a succession of native English teachers and teams. When the Thai Ministry of Education announced the bilingual school program, the Ektrakuls were eager to get in on the ground floor and allow their kindergarten students the chance to develop their education in English.
Global English School was established as an outgrowth of Panda Kindergarten in 1997. Its goal: to provide a high quality, affordable English and Thai education in a Christian environment. It has grown from just 4 students at that time to over 300 students during the 2011-2012 school year.
The success of Global English School lies in that it is a true bilingual school. The GES staff consists of both native Thai speakers and native English speakers. 80% of the courses are taught in English and 20% in Thai (Thai language and Thai social studies). This progressive model meets the needs of parents who want their children to become fluent English speakers but not at the expense of Thai culture and language. The bilingual program is less expensive than International schools and provides students with quality education in their home community. It is also a mission driven entity that pursues excellence in all areas as it strives to educate the whole person.
Small classes, native English speaking instructors, and Thai teacher aides only in kindergarten assure excellent educational quality. Class sizes are limited to 25 and the overall student to teacher ratio is approximately 15 to 1. The continual recruitment program at GES results in very good teachers who are dedicated to the school.
In 2012, GES is reassessing many of its programs and its entire curriculum. With the new administration now in place for three years many positive changes are taking place from year to year. Now, over twenty-five native English speakers from the USA and Canada are on staff. Since 1997, there has been a major renovation project every year: the administration building which once housed the entire school and staff quarters is now the second smallest of five buildings set among a lush green space close to the Nonthaburi market. The school has grown from one small classroom to about 30, including computer and science labs and English and Thai libraries.
Global English School was established as an outgrowth of Panda Kindergarten in 1997. Its goal: to provide a high quality, affordable English and Thai education in a Christian environment. It has grown from just 4 students at that time to over 300 students during the 2011-2012 school year.
The success of Global English School lies in that it is a true bilingual school. The GES staff consists of both native Thai speakers and native English speakers. 80% of the courses are taught in English and 20% in Thai (Thai language and Thai social studies). This progressive model meets the needs of parents who want their children to become fluent English speakers but not at the expense of Thai culture and language. The bilingual program is less expensive than International schools and provides students with quality education in their home community. It is also a mission driven entity that pursues excellence in all areas as it strives to educate the whole person.
Small classes, native English speaking instructors, and Thai teacher aides only in kindergarten assure excellent educational quality. Class sizes are limited to 25 and the overall student to teacher ratio is approximately 15 to 1. The continual recruitment program at GES results in very good teachers who are dedicated to the school.
In 2012, GES is reassessing many of its programs and its entire curriculum. With the new administration now in place for three years many positive changes are taking place from year to year. Now, over twenty-five native English speakers from the USA and Canada are on staff. Since 1997, there has been a major renovation project every year: the administration building which once housed the entire school and staff quarters is now the second smallest of five buildings set among a lush green space close to the Nonthaburi market. The school has grown from one small classroom to about 30, including computer and science labs and English and Thai libraries.
