MedicHeart is a student-led Senior team dedicated to raising awareness and promoting research in women’s health. Our aim is not only to spread information about how underrepresented and under-researched this field of study is, but also to extend scientific research in an understandable format and language to help educate the Patana community on new developments in the scientific world.

To aid in our cause, MedicHeart has recently launched an “Outreach Box” in the Student Lounge, where students, parents, and teachers can ask questions related to healthcare, research, and similar topics. There is also a digital box, accessible through our social media (@bps_medicheart) and printed on the physical box itself. Our team has received multiple responses from both the online and physical box and is planning to add a second box in the Chemistry breakout area.

Overall, Medicheart has had a successful first year launching the “Outreach Box” to facilitate high-quality answers and research to questions asked by the Patana community. Our team will continue to work with the Foundation of Women’s Health and spread awareness about the disparity in healthcare.

University of Tokyo

Studying for an undergraduate degree in Japan offers a distinctive combination of academic quality, cultural immersion and global opportunity. I recently visited several Japanese universities that offer various English programmes.  It was clear to me that Japan has developed a higher education system that balances rigorous academics with international accessibility.

One of the most significant benefits is the availability of English-taught programmes alongside opportunities to develop Japanese language skills. Institutions such as Waseda University, Sophia University, Temple University, Keio University and Nagoya University offer multiple degree programmes in English without prior knowledge of Japanese. At the same time, universities like the International Christian University (ICU) and Kyoto University emphasise bilingualism, ensuring graduates develop strong Japanese proficiency.

Another key advantage is the diversity of academic structures and learning approaches. Japan offers both liberal arts-style education and specialised pathways. For example, ICU and the College of Design at the University of Tokyo emphasise broad, interdisciplinary thinking in the early years, while Keio University combines general education with later specialisation. Students can either explore interests before committing to a specific field or begin their chosen program on day one.

Cost is another compelling factor and makes studying in Japan very attractive. Tuition fees can be significantly lower than other institutions around the world. National universities such as Nagoya and Kyoto charge around USD 3,300–3,600 per year, while private institutions like Keio and Sophia typically range between USD 8,500 and 10,000. Combined with relatively moderate living costs, this makes Japan a financially attractive study destination without compromising academic quality.

Japan’s universities provide strong career outcomes and global pathways. Universities such as Keio and Ritsumeikan offer double degree opportunities with leading global institutions.  Temple University Japan provides study abroad options to the Philadelphia and Rome campuses at the same tuition rate. These pathways enhance employability and international mobility.

The student experience in Japan is uniquely enriching with many events and activities for students to engage in on and off the institution’s campus. From urban environments like Waseda, University of Tokyo, Sophia or Temple to more tranquil, community-focused settings such as ICU, students have many opportunities to make friends and stay active.  Cities like Kyoto, home to Ritsumeikan and Kyoto University, are vibrant student hubs that make the transition to university life quite simple.  A common trend amongst all of the institutions I visited is that they want to increase their international student population and have developed the required resources to help those students assimilate to life in Japan.  Offices dedicated to student housing, community activities, part time jobs and cultural lessons are provided to ensure students feel supported and safe.

Studying in Japan offers a combination of strong academics, affordability, cultural depth, and global opportunity. For students seeking an international education in a dynamic and culturally rich environment, Japan might be the location that checks all the criteria you are looking for.  For more information please visit Study in Japan.

Ritsumeikan University (Osaka Campus)

Kyoto University

Poetry Envisioned Through the Global Goals

Write Now: The World We Want is the 2026 theme of the Spoken Word Poetry Showcase, an ECA programme that empowers Key Stage 3 students to use their voices with purpose while developing confidence in writing, performance and publication.

Live Poetry Performances

Our Year 7 and 9 students will perform their poems live in the Theatre on Thursday 25th June (1:00pm–2:30pm), celebrating their growth as writers, performers and globally-minded young people. Through spoken word poetry, students will share powerful reflections on the world around them and their hopes for the future.

Theme: Write Now – The World We Want

Inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students explored important global challenges including climate change, inequality, conflict, wellbeing and access to education. Through poetry, they considered a central question: What kind of world do we want and what must we do now to create it?

A Journey of Poetry with Purpose

The journey began with a collaborative mindmap exploring People, Planet, Peace & Justice, Happiness & Health and Creativity & Education. Responding to the question “What world will you write?”, students combined their strongest lines into the class collaborative poem Write Now: The World We Want, which will open the showcase and demonstrate the power of collective voice.

Students then selected a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to research, exploring why it matters, who is affected and what actions can create positive change. Their findings inspired the ideas, emotions and imagery that shaped poems envisioning a fairer, kinder and more sustainable future.

From Page to Performance

Through a range of poetic forms, students experimented with language, structure and technique to shape voice and message. They also studied spoken word performance, analysing how voice, rhythm, tone and gesture can transform written words into powerful performances.

Former 2024 Poetry Showcase participants Alpha and Khongkwan, now in Year 9, returned as mentors, supporting Year 7 students throughout the writing and rehearsal process. We thank them for their dedication to helping younger students grow in confidence as writers and performers.

Published Anthology and Poetry Art Exhibition

Each student wrote poems inspired by their chosen global issue and designed accompanying poetry art prints, carefully using images, colours, fonts and layouts to enhance meaning.

Their work is published in a class anthology that will be archived in the National Library of Thailand, making them published authors and contributors to conversations about the future of our world.

A Celebration of SDG Youth Voices and Hope

As their facilitator and a spoken word poet myself, I am incredibly proud of the courage and imagination our students have shown. Through research, collaboration, creative expression and public speaking, they have learned that their voices matter. Their poetry reminds us that change begins with ideas and becomes possible when we dare to imagine something better.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and be inspired by their vision and belief that the future is something we can write together — word by word.

No booking is required. Simply take a seat on the second floor of the Theatre, ensure your mobile phone is on silent, and enjoy the performances.