Anouk’s Pathway to Language and Identity

In a sunlit corner of Bangkok Patana’s art studio, surrounded by nine meticulously curated pieces for her final IB Art Exhibition, Anouk sketches with the calm focus of someone who has grown into her creative process. It’s a scene that belies the academic pivot she’s preparing to make: from Visual Art to the intricate world of English and Linguistics. “I always wanted to do art,” Anouk says, “but then I realised — it’s more of a passion than a profession. English just started to make more sense, especially in IB. I liked what we were reading. It felt relevant.”

Anouk, who has spent the last four years at Bangkok Patana School, is in the final stretch of the International Baccalaureate programme. Her subject choices — HL Art, Geography, and English Language and Literature, along with SL French B, Design Technology and Maths AI (Applications and Interpretations) — reflect the breadth of her interests and a desire to keep an open mind while still carving a focused academic path.

Born in London, Anouk moved to India as an infant and spent the first seven years of her life there before a brief stint in Malaysia. “I’m kind of used to Asia,” she explains, “Moving to Bangkok wasn’t easy, but I really like it now. It’s exciting here.”

Anouk received offers from Warwick University, York University, Leeds University, Sheffield University and Lancaster University. Her top university choices are now down to two: Leeds and Warwick. “I haven’t decided yet,” she says, “but I’m excited either way.” She plans to study English Language and Linguistics — a choice born from curiosity and practicality. “Linguistics feels like it opens up more,” Anouk reflects. “It gives you breadth — you can do more with it after university. I don’t know what specific part I’ll focus on yet, but I’m looking forward to figuring that out.” What she’s most excited about, though, is the opportunity to specialise. “Just being able to go deeper into one subject, learn properly, meet new people — that’s the part I can’t wait for.”

Despite her academic shift, art remains a core part of her identity. “It’ll always be something I keep on the side,” she says. Her final art exhibition includes nine pieces — a culmination of two years’ work. “It’s stressful, yeah, but it’s also really rewarding. IB Art gives you freedom. I liked that.” When asked what she’ll miss most about Bangkok Patana, she smiles. “The Art department, for sure. And the way everything’s so community-focused here. It’s just fun, you know?”

As she prepares to move back to the UK, Anouk is stepping into the next chapter with characteristic openness and quiet determination. Her path might not have been the loudest or most traditional, but it’s uniquely hers — sketched in lines of art, written in words and spoken in languages yet to be explored.

All the vert best Anouk!