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The Patana Pod

The Patana Pod

By Cindy

Hello from Bangkok Patana School, a British International School in Thailand. This podcast aims to share the stories and knowledge of our fabulous faculty. A diverse and interesting group of experienced international educators who are motivated to create high impact learning experiences for their students, take risks and embrace the ups and downs of becoming learners themselves along the way. Teaching is both an art and a science, a job and a calling. We hope you enjoy getting to know some of these extraordinary individuals from the Patana family.
Currently playing episode

The Patana Pod S02E07 - Sophie Riley (Leader of Learning Foundation Stage)

The Patana PodMar 25, 2024

00:00
14:57
The Patana Pod S02E07 - Sophie Riley (Leader of Learning Foundation Stage)

The Patana Pod S02E07 - Sophie Riley (Leader of Learning Foundation Stage)

Sophie is our Foundation Stage Physical Development specialist and also a Leader of Learning, she has been at Patana for 9 years. Fun, extroverted and down-to-earth, this proud Mum of two, advocates for allowing students to grow their sense of independence in a supportive environment.

Mar 25, 202414:57
The Patana Pod S02E06 - Kevin Keller (Head of Careers and University Counselling)

The Patana Pod S02E06 - Kevin Keller (Head of Careers and University Counselling)

Kevin has been at Patana since 2017. During that time we've expanded Senior Studies, experienced a global pandemic which turned University admissions on it's head and we've grown the Careers team by two additional members. Kevin is committed to supporting students to find their "best fit" University with plenty of empathy and good humour.

Feb 28, 202422:21
The Patana Pod S02E05 - Cheryl Rego (Head of Development, Marketing and Alumni)

The Patana Pod S02E05 - Cheryl Rego (Head of Development, Marketing and Alumni)

Cheryl has had a long association with Patana as both a parent and staff member. Cheryl is an avid reader and has enjoyed a career in public relations and corporate communications that has spanned Canada, Nepal and Thailand. You will enjoy her witty, wise and thoughtful approach.

Jan 17, 202419:02
The Patana Pod S02E04 - Rick Kirtland (Head of Primary Inclusion)

The Patana Pod S02E04 - Rick Kirtland (Head of Primary Inclusion)

Richard (Rick) Kirtland is our Primary Senior Teacher in charge of Inclusion. Rick has been at Patana for two years but his 22 year Teaching career spans both Thailand and the UK. His core philosophy of "Being Kind" and "Being Authentic" shines through in this wide ranging chat.

Dec 11, 202323:17
The Patana Pod S02E03 - Adam Currington (Head of Football)

The Patana Pod S02E03 - Adam Currington (Head of Football)

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.

Nov 07, 202312:59
The Patana Pod - S02E02 Carly Peart (Y1 Leader of Learning and Curriculum)

The Patana Pod - S02E02 Carly Peart (Y1 Leader of Learning and Curriculum)

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.

Oct 03, 202324:30
The Patana Pod - S02E01 Chris Sammons (Head of School)

The Patana Pod - S02E01 Chris Sammons (Head of School)

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.

Aug 31, 202318:14
The Patana Pod - S01E09 Craig White (Business Director)

The Patana Pod - S01E09 Craig White (Business Director)

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.

Jun 15, 202328:37
The Patana Pod S01E08 - David Larking (Secondary Music Teacher, Instrumental Music Programme Coordinator, Jazz and Concert Band Leader

The Patana Pod S01E08 - David Larking (Secondary Music Teacher, Instrumental Music Programme Coordinator, Jazz and Concert Band Leader

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!

May 16, 202334:35
The Patana Pod S01E07 - Gemma Price (Foundation Stage Teacher and Physical Development Specialist)

The Patana Pod S01E07 - Gemma Price (Foundation Stage Teacher and Physical Development Specialist)

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.

Apr 17, 202316:31
BONUS DROP - PTG Chair Fun Day Preview

BONUS DROP - PTG Chair Fun Day Preview

Meet Safy Rizk our Parent Teacher Group (PTG) Chair. In addition to a shameless plug for the upcoming Fun Day (don't miss it!) Safy shares her motivations for being involved with the PTG, her top tips for new families and the best parenting advice she's ever been given. She also shares her favourite memories of Patana so far and why she'd like to eat a middle eastern feast with Michelle Obama.
Mar 08, 202317:49
The Patana Pod S01E06 - Ian McDonald (Y3 Teacher and Longest Serving Patana Academic Staff Member)

The Patana Pod S01E06 - Ian McDonald (Y3 Teacher and Longest Serving Patana Academic Staff Member)

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.

Feb 28, 202324:56
The Patana Pod S01E05 - Amy King (Head of History)

The Patana Pod S01E05 - Amy King (Head of History)


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.

Jan 28, 202321:11
The Patana Pod S01E04 - Dave Walton (Y2 Teacher and Leader of Learning)

The Patana Pod S01E04 - Dave Walton (Y2 Teacher and Leader of Learning)

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". 

Nov 17, 202227:27
The Patana Pod S01E03 - Purnima Ghogar (English Teacher and Alumni)

The Patana Pod S01E03 - Purnima Ghogar (English Teacher and Alumni)

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.

Oct 12, 202229:14
The Patana Pod S01E02 - Martin Gadgil (Secondary Chemistry Teacher and Sound Engineer)

The Patana Pod S01E02 - Martin Gadgil (Secondary Chemistry Teacher and Sound Engineer)

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. 

Sep 23, 202220:56
The Patana Pod S01E01 - Matt Mills (Head of School)

The Patana Pod S01E01 - Matt Mills (Head of School)

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.

Aug 15, 202225:08