INTERNATIONAL TODDLER PROGRAMME IN BANGKOK l 18 MONTHS - 3 YEARS

The Purple Elephant 49

learning in three languages

Happening upon a blissful bamboo forest just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is a rare occurrence. The Purple Elephant@49 – the latest addition to our family of schools – embodies this calm and tranquility. The gentle breezes flowing through the school and its environs beckon all who enter these hallowed grounds to pause, take a breath, and simply delight in the surrounds. And, if you think you’re hearing young children engage in discourse in three languages, you are not mistaken, because here these young citizens of the world are exposed to the rich experience that comes from a mix of three cultures, and communicate it in English, Mandarin and Thai. The bamboo forest allows its young inhabitants, aged eighteen months to three years, to engage in a dialogue with one another, and their surroundings, as they forge lasting cross-cultural friendships, and learn new ways to communicate them, every day.

The Purple Elephant 49

CAMPUS & FACILITIES

a fairytale environment

our approach to learning

small wonders, big discoveries

We respond to the curious nature of young children who are ready to explore their world by providing them with rich experiences that encourage a ‘sense of wonder’.

our programme in three languages

Where it all begins

Each child brings to school unique life experiences that are respected for their diversity, and all are considered to be brimming with potential.

School Life

a lifetime experience

MEET THE CO-HEAD OF THE PURPLE ELEPHANTS

SUMEET SETHINAMVONG

I obtained my Bachelor of Education from The University of Queensland, Australia. Working with young children has always been my passion and I love being a part of this special community. I started my career as a classroom teacher at The City School, residing there for 20 years, and then moved on to a higher position becoming the administrator at The Purple Elephant. I have been in this organization for over 27 years. I believe that school should be a supportive community where children can evolve by developing and honing their interpersonal, expressive, and cognitive skills. The attention that The Purple Elephant dedicates to co-constructing knowledge fascinates me because not only does this approach enhance the creation of authentic and deep learning it also focuses on collaboration learning and opportunities. In the years 2002 and 2015, I visited Reggio Emilia and participated in a study group with many educators around the world. Besides this passion, I am also very enthusiastic about running and strength training.

MEET THE CO-HEAD OF THE PURPLE ELEPHANTS

AMANDA WATTS

As an early childhood educator with 16 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with toddlers through primary-aged children across educational settings. I am from Vancouver, Canada, and my professional journey has taken me to Taiwan and Thailand, enriching my perspective and practice. I started my career at ELC as a classroom teacher on the Purple Elephant campus, moved on to The City School as a K1 teacher, and eventually took on an administrative role back at Purple Elephant.

My passion for nurturing young minds led me to earn both a Montessori diploma and a Primary Education degree. I firmly believe in co-creating learning experiences with children, emphasizing experiential and meaningful discoveries. To me, education is a partnership between school and home, fostering a strong sense of community and open communication. At Purple Elephant, our commitment to Project-Based Learning through the Reggio Emilia approach allows me to facilitate deep, hands-on learning experiences that resonate with the children. Beyond the educational setting, I am passionate about fitness, travel, and my love for horses.

THE PURPLE ELEPHANT PEDAGOGISTA

SAM SILBY

I come from New Zealand and have been an educator since 2008. I joined the ELC Family of International Schools in 2013, first as a classroom teacher and Project Coordinator at The City School, and now as Pedagogista of The Purple Elephant centres. I hold both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Teaching from Victoria University of Wellington, as well as a Master’s of Innovative Education from the University of Colorado.

In my role as Pedagogista, I walk alongside teachers, children, and families across our centres, guiding the educational direction of our learning communities. My work is not only to support daily practice, but also to nurture the deeper pedagogical questions that live beneath it – questions of identity, belonging, agency and possibility.

I believe deeply in honouring the whole child: their thinking, their emotions, their relationships, and their sense of self. Childhood is not a preparation for life, but life itself – a time of wonder, risk and transformation. Documentation, dialogue, and research are the tools through which I support our community in making children’s learning visible and valued.