Saint Gabriel's College is a private Catholic all-boys school in Bangkok, Thailand. The school was founded by the Brothers of Saint Gabriel in 1920. The school educates students from grade 1 through grade 12. Admission, especially in first grade, is highly competitive as only approximately 400 students per year are admitted. Total school enrollment is roughly 5,000 students. The school is known for its intensive English program.
History
In 1918, after the First World War ended, the demand for schools and education in Bangkok sharply increased. At that time, the Brothers of Saint Gabriel had established only one school in Bangkok, Assumption College. As a response to increasing demand, Brother Martin de Tours proposed opening a new school in Bangkok. He accepted a plot of land offered by Father Brozat of the nearby Saint Francis Xavier Church in Samsen as the site for his vision. Construction began in 1920, the chief engineer being Mr. Be'quelin. The main building was designed entirely by Brother Martin de Tours. The building, which cost approximately 100,000 Thai baht, was completed in February 1922. Due to the building being painted light red, it has since been referred to as "tuk-daeng" . In 1920, while construction was still taking place, Bro. Martin de Tours and his teaching staff began teaching temporarily at Mr. Berli's house. There were 141 students enrolled in the first year.
Symbol
The symbol of Saint Gabriel's College is a coat of arms. The middle part is an escutcheon divided into four parts which are:
A.M and white bouquet of tuberose: "A.M" means Ave Marie which means 'mother of Christ'. The white bouquet of tuberose represent a purity that all students of Saint Gabriel's aspire to.
Boat and Polaris: the boat represents life's struggle. Polaris represents hope.
DS and a cross: "DS" stands for Dieu Seul in French. The cross for the sacrifice of Jesus.
The flower around the coat of arms is an ornament that reminds students to do good—for themselves and other.
Buildings
Saint Gabriel's College has 12 buildings and one stadium:
Martin De Tours or Tuk-Daeng was the first Saint Gabriel building, constructed in the age of Brother Martin De Tours. Tuk-Daeng since then has become the most significant emblem of the school. It can be seen first when entering the school. It was no longer used as a classroom for students, but it was used as the room of the chief manager and principal's office. Today, Tuk-Daeng is renovated and preserved as a memorial of the school.
90th Anniversary is a five storey building which was built for celebrating 90 years of Saint Gabriel's College.
De Montfort is a four storey building. On first and second floor are cafeterias for students, an auditorium and a library.
John Mary is a dormitory for foreign teachers and staffs. This building also houses the roof top John Mary Center for the Performing Arts which was funded and conceptualized by noted philanthropist Devin DiCristofaro and constructed by architect John McLaughlin.
Greg Gymnasium is a five storey building which was constructed in 1971. It has a basketball court for primary 5 students
Fatima is a seven storey building which constructed in 1980. It was the building for primary 1 and 2.
Hubert Contains facilities such as a fitness center, swimming pool and car park.
Andrew is a six storey building which was constructed in 2001. It was the building for secondary 1 and 2 students.
Mae-Phra is a six storey building. It was constructed in 2007. Mae-Phra has a basketball court, swimming pool for secondary students, auditorium, and laboratory. It was the building for secondary 3–6 students.
Annunciation is the newest building of Saint Gabriel's College. It was constructed in 2012. It was the building for primary 3 and 4 students.
Martin De Tours Stadium is the artificial turf football field with metal bleachers.
