Heathfield International School vs RBIS International School

	H Heathfield International School Bangkok, Thailand	R RBIS International School Bangkok, Thailand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year THB 291,000 - 539,400	Fees / year THB 264,000 - 570,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, EYFS (Early years foundation stage)	Curriculum British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 180	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2007	Opened 1971
Bus service	Bus service —	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Heathfield International School is located on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 132/1 in the Saphan Sung district of eastern Bangkok. The area is a residential suburb offering relatively easy access via major roads like Ramkhamhaeng Road. It is approximately 25–30 minutes by car from Suvarnabhumi Airport, depending on traffic.	Location RBIS is on Soi Rajavithi 2, Rajavithi Road, Samsennai, Phayathai district, Bangkok 10400, within a 10-minute walk of Victory Monument BTS Station and close to the Aree neighborhood. The area offers convenient public transport access and sits in a mature city suburb.
Stages	Stages The school caters to children aged approximately 2 to 18 years. It is divided into Early Years (Nursery and Reception), Primary School (Years 1–6), Secondary School (Years 7–11), and Sixth Form (Years 12–13). The curriculum is based on the British National Curriculum, including IGCSE and A-Level qualifications.	Stages RBIS serves students aged approximately 18 months to 18 years, structured as Early Years (up to age 5), Primary (ages 5–11, Key Stages 1–2), Secondary (11–14, Key Stage 3), and Sixth Form/Post‑16 (14–18, IGCSE and post‑16 pathways).
School type	School type Heathfield is a private, co-educational international day school. It does not offer boarding facilities.	School type RBIS is a co‑educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Heathfield International School offers structured EAL (English as an Additional Language) and academic support for students who require help accessing the mainstream curriculum. Students identified as needing this support receive five dedicated English language sessions per week, focused on academic English, comprehension, and reintegration into subject classrooms. This service is provided at an additional cost and is tailored for learners who do not yet meet the school’s standard English proficiency requirements.	Additional learning support RBIS offers Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), a Nurture Group, and 1–2–1 intervention sessions for students with SEN - supported by teaching assistants and collaboration among SENCo, parents, and specialists.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is not officially affiliated with any country.	Country affiliation RBIS is affiliated with the British education system, following the English National Curriculum throughout its programmes.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation The school does not have any religious affiliation and operates as a secular institution.	Religious affiliation RBIS does not have a religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure Precise timings are not publicly listed on the school's website.	School day structure The specific daily timings for class start/end times, breaks, and transitions for Primary and Secondary sections are not detailed on the publicly available school website.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school website does not explicitly confirm the provision of a school bus service.	Bus service details RBIS provides a school bus service available upon request—details and routes are arranged directly through the school.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees Application Fee (non-refundable): THB 2,500 Enrolment Fee (non-refundable, one-time payment): THB 100,000 Security Deposit (refundable, one-time payment): THB 100,000 Annual Tuition Fees Nursery: THB 255,000 Reception 1–2: THB 301,500 Years 1–2: THB 325,200 Years 3–4: THB 349,200 Years 5–6: THB 381,000 Years 7–9: THB 408,900 Year 10: THB 424,500 Year 11: THB 424,500 Years 12–13: THB 503,400 Meal Fees: All students: THB 12,000 per term (THB 36,000 annually) Standardised Testing & Resource Fees (Term 1 only) Nursery: THB 3,300 Reception: THB 13,300 Years 1–4: THB 26,300 Years 5–6: THB 31,300 Years 7–11: THB 28,300 Years 12–13: THB 8,300 Additional Fees Additional EAL and Academic Support: THB 42,000 (per term)	Fee details Application and Registration Fees * Application and assessment fee: THB 5,000 (non-refundable) * Registration fee: THB 100,000 (non-refundable) * Capital levy (for short-term families): THB 40,000 per term for up to three terms, instead of the registration fee * Refundable deposit: THB 30,000, returned upon withdrawal with one full term’s notice and no outstanding balance Annual Tuition Fees by Year Group * Toddler: THB 264,000 * Nursery: THB 294,000 * Pre-Reception: THB 348,000 * Reception: THB 348,000 * Years 1–2 (Key Stage 1): THB 429,000 * Years 3–6 (Key Stage 2): THB 444,000 * Years 7–9 (Key Stage 3): THB 534,000 * Years 10–11 (Key Stage 4): THB 570,000 * Years 12–13 (Sixth Form): THB 564,000 Other Costs * Meals: Early Years THB 36,000 per year, Primary THB 39,000, Secondary THB 42,000. * Educational enhancement (ECAs/trips): Early Years THB 9,000, Primary THB 15,000, Secondary THB 18,000 per year. * Learning materials for Years 10–11: THB 10,000 per year. * SEN or English support (if required): THB 60,000–360,000 per year, depending on level. * Uniforms, external exams, and residential trips are billed separately. Payment Terms Payments are accepted via bank transfer, cheque, or credit card (1.5% fee for card payments). A late payment fee of 1.5% per month applies. Advance payment plans (1–3 years) offer 5–10% discounts.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school uniform represents the identity of students and there are three categories: the standard school uniform, the sports uniform, and house shirts available in four colors.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Meals are provided via the school canteen, prepared by Food House; each dish is designed by a certified nutritionist and cooked by professional chefs. Weekly menus are published and dietary restrictions are accommodated with customised meals.	Food options The school provides mid-morning snacks and lunch. A healthy diet supports physical and intellectual development, improves behaviour, focus, and academic performance.
House system	House system There are four houses named Dickens, Rowling, Shakespeare, and Tolkien. Students are placed in a house on entry and remain in that house until graduation. Points are awarded for achievements and behaviour, with biweekly tallies and assemblies; a trophy is awarded to the house with the highest points.	House system RBIS has a four-house system: Unicorn, Dragon, Lion and Phoenix. Students are assigned to a house on joining RBIS, and each house has two elected House Captains and two Vice-captains (Primary and Secondary) to coordinate activities and represent the house at meetings.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is private, with a co-educational and non-religious profile.	Governance and ownership RBIS International School is governed by a Board of Directors. Current board members are Arwenun Klipbua (Executive Director), Amornrat (Assistant Professor), Kannaporn, and Timothy Ralph Cooper (Headmaster).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Heathfield International School follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years through Sixth Form, offering a clear progression from EYFS in Nursery and Reception to IGCSEs and A Levels. In Early Years, the focus is on foundational skills through play-based and thematic learning. The Primary School (Years 1–6) delivers a broad curriculum including English, mathematics, science, humanities, technology, and the arts. In Secondary (Years 7–9), students deepen their subject knowledge before progressing to the Cambridge IGCSE programme in Years 10–11. Sixth Form students (Years 12–13) choose from a range of Cambridge A Level subjects to prepare for university entrance. A varied co-curricular programme, including options like Robotics, Coding, French, Taekwondo, and Cooking, complements the academic curriculum.	Curriculum details RBIS follows the English National Curriculum from Early Years Foundation Stage (ages 18 months–5) through to Upper Secondary (ages 16–18) with distinct Key Stages 1–5 . At Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), students study a broad range of subjects as a foundation before moving into the pre‑IGCSE Year 9 programme . In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11), students take Cambridge IGCSE subjects across core and elective options, including English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, Thai (for Thai nationals), and Mandarin for non-native speakers . Post‑16 (Years 12–13, Key Stage 5), students choose between Cambridge A‑Levels, BTEC qualifications, or an RBIS High School Diploma, with support for IELTS/SAT testing if required. These varied pathways offer both academic and vocational routes leading to university entry in Thailand and abroad.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar View document	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Heathfield supports students' social and emotional development through a house system, where pupils are placed into one of four houses. Students earn points for demonstrating helpful behaviour, a positive attitude, and good work. These points are collected fortnightly and celebrated in school assemblies, encouraging a sense of belonging and personal responsibility.	Social & emotional learning RBIS references SEL mainly through its pastoral care framework and its Nurture Group, a small, specialized class that targets both academic and social‑emotional development for learners struggling to access the curriculum. The school also uses Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) with clear goals and strategies to promote positive behavior. Its well-being pages describe a threefold focus on pastoral care, personalized learning and student well‑being.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school does not publicly detail a dedicated SEN department or specialist staff on its website.	Special educational needs (SEN) RBIS states that families can consult the school SENCo; provision can include IEPs (Individual Education Plans), BSPs, teaching assistant support, and the Nurture Group for students who need a modified pace and environment. The Thai-language SEN page adds that support may involve curriculum/teaching adjustments, health‑professional advice, and peer-circle arrangements; needs are reviewed to ensure support is “adequate and effective.” The site does not describe RBIS as a specialist SEN school; it presents SEN provision within a mainstream international school setting.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language Heathfield offers a defined EAL & Academic Support programme, to help non-native speakers access the mainstream curriculum.	English as an additional language RBIS runs an EAL programme and places students using internal English assessments aligned to CEFR levels. Students close to CEFR B1 join mainstream lessons with targeted in‑class language support; those below B1 may enter the English Language Centre (ELC) for more intensive provision before progressively transitioning to full timetables. The site notes that all teachers are qualified specialists and classes are small, enabling individual attention.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Heathfield does not publicly disclose a formal mental health or counselling programme.	Mental wellbeing RBIS publishes a well‑being page stating that student well‑being is embedded alongside pastoral care and personalized learning. The page defines well‑being and positions it as a core part of school life, but does not name a counselling team, referral pathway, or formal mental‑health programme. Broader pastoral statements reiterate individualized attention and student well‑being as a core strand.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school does not publicly provide details on its safeguarding or child protection policies.	Safeguarding RBIS International School has a comprehensive safeguarding policy covering all students, overseen by Designated Safeguarding Leads and a board representative. The policy outlines clear procedures for reporting and responding to concerns, including escalation to local authorities if necessary. All staff undergo regular safeguarding training and follow strict codes of conduct, with safer recruitment practices in place. Students are supported through PSHEE lessons, online safety education, and anti-bullying initiatives. The policy is reviewed annually by the school’s Board of Management.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Early Years spaces are purpose-built, bright, and secure, with dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas. The school has a canteen where meals are prepared by Food House; meals are designed by a certified nutritionist and dietary needs can be accommodated. Heathfield follows the National Curriculum of England from Nursery through A-Level, with small class sizes and the use of digital learning tools. The after-school program includes Robotics and Coding, French, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Reading clubs. Inter House Sport Day and TISAC events provide opportunities for student sport.	Facilities overview RBIS International School operates on a single Bangkok campus at Soi Rajavithi 2, Samsennai, Phayathai. It offers an all-through program from Early Years to Senior School and Sixth Form. Class sizes are small: Nursery up to 12 students; Primary up to 20; Secondary up to 20. The school provides lunch with a mid-morning snack and offers Thai and international buffet options, with accommodations for food allergies. A school bus service is available on inquiry.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Inter House Sport Day is organized at Heathfield. Heathfield participates in TISAC events, including Football Boy U11, Football Girls U9, Maths, and Athletics. The after-school program includes Taekwondo and various sports clubs.	Sports facilities Physical Education is included in the timetable and RBIS participates in inter-school sports and competitions. The program emphasizes health, teamwork, and perseverance. Students have opportunities to engage in sport through organized activities and competitions as part of the curriculum and extracurricular program. The RBIS Discover and Beyond The Classroom offerings include ECAs and competitions that support sports involvement.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The school follows the National Curriculum of England from Nursery through A-Level, with IGCSE and A-Level pathways. The curriculum includes Mathematics, Science, English, arts, humanities, technology, and physical education, with digital learning tools. Teaching is delivered by experienced UK-qualified teachers. Small class sizes support individualized learning.	Academic facilities RBIS follows the British Curriculum from Early Years to Secondary, with EYFS ages 18 months–5 years, Primary ages 5–11, and Secondary ages 11–18. The secondary pathway includes IGCSE and A-Levels, with options for BTEC or a High School Diploma, and post-16 support for university admissions including IELTS and SAT. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided, along with a Language Centre and a Nurturing Programme for students with special needs. Thai language and culture are taught in line with Thai government regulations; Thai nationals complete Thai language and culture lessons and may take IGCSE Thai. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a modern foreign language from Year 1, with progression to HSK tests, delivered by native-speaking teachers in partnership with the Friendship Language Academy.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The after-school program includes Robotics Club, Coding Club, French Club, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Reading clubs; activities are delivered by teachers and external experts.	Extra curricular facilities Beyond The Classroom offerings include ECAs, Educational Trips, and Competitions. Leadership Programmes include Community Service, FOBISIA, Round Square, Student Council, and the House System. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in conferences to build a personal portfolio. The school emphasizes holistic development through clubs, competitions, service opportunities, and experiential learning.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Heathfield International School Bangkok began in 2007 as Lord Shaftesbury International School and later partnered with Heathfield School in Kidderminster, UK, becoming Heathfield International School of Bangkok. It operates as a private, co-educational, non-religious day school serving Nursery through Year 12 following the British curriculum.	History RBIS was founded in 1971 as Rasami British International School in central Bangkok. Over time it grew into a single-campus day school serving students from 18 months to 18 years. The school is privately operated under its own governance and joined FOBISIA in October 2023. Ownership details beyond this are not publicly disclosed.
Community	Community The school hosts a variety of cultural and community events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals and house-based activities such as inter-house sports days and celebratory gatherings. It fosters a welcoming community atmosphere where students, parents, and staff engage in shared learning and school spirit.	Community Students at RBIS participate regularly in community service projects, such as rebuilding a playground in Phitsanulok and packing meals for the homeless with the Bangkok Community Help Foundation. They also celebrate cultural events like Loy Krathong and host annual charity fundraisers and Jog-A-Thon events.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Heathfield International School encourages parent involvement and fosters a collaborative relationship between families and staff. While the school does not publicly list a formal PTA structure on its website, community participation is reflected in regular school events and cultural celebrations. Parents are often invited to attend or support school-wide activities, particularly in the Early Years and Primary stages.	Parent teacher association The school refers to families and alumni collaborating via community-driven events. Parents contribute to charity projects, festival celebrations (e.g. Loy Krathong), and community-service fundraisers, and are invited to join alumni and community social media forums
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school follows the National Curriculum of England from Nursery to A-Levels. Small class sizes ensure personalised learning and differentiated teaching to support individual needs. The curriculum covers core subjects such as mathematics, science, and English, with a broad range of options in the arts, humanities, technology, and physical education; at the A-Level stage students select subjects aligned with their interests and future goals.	Academic & intellectual RBIS provides enrichment beyond the classroom through educational trips and a range of competitions. It participates in FOBISIA and Round Square networks, offering leadership opportunities through activities such as a Student Council and a House System. The school supports inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking through clubs, societies, and intercultural engagements. An English-language learning framework is supported by an English-language emphasis and EAL provision to help students access mainstream curriculum.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative RBIS emphasises arts, music, and drama and provides opportunities in performing arts as part of the curriculum. Students engage in creative expression through a structured arts program and related performances. The school integrates arts into the broader learning experience to develop creativity, communication, and collaboration. The curriculum includes arts-based activities alongside core subjects.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Afterschool activities include a French Club. These clubs are led by teachers and external experts and cover a range of activities such as Robotics Club, Coding Club, and Reading Club, supporting language learning and intercultural engagement.	Cultural & language The school hosts a multicultural environment with over 30 nationalities represented. Thai language is taught in accordance with Thai government regulations, and Mandarin Chinese is taught from Year 1 by a qualified native teacher. The school also supports global citizenship through international programmes and affiliations, including Model United Nations and membership in Round Square and FOBISIA.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Afterschool clubs include Robotics, Coding, French, Taekwondo, Cooking, and Reading, along with various sports clubs. These activities foster teamwork, creativity, and personal growth beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies Beyond-the-classroom activities include a wide range of extracurricular clubs, competitions, and inter-school events. Students participate in Student Council and a House System to develop leadership and teamwork. The school emphasises active participation in cultural and recreational activities, including inter-school sports and academic competitions.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Community service programs and volunteering are part of RBIS's leadership offerings, encouraging social responsibility and service to others. The school emphasises civic engagement and partnership with local and international organisations as part of student development. Opportunities for service are integrated with leadership activities and school culture.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional RBIS offers leadership programmes through student governance, clubs, and community projects, fostering initiative and collaborative skills. University and Careers Guidance is provided to support pathways after RBIS, including preparation for post-16 options. The Sixth Form pathway and personalised subject choices help students plan for university admissions and future careers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school operates a four-house system named Dickens, Rowling, Shakespeare, and Tolkien; pupils are placed in a house when they join the school and remain in that house until they graduate. House life includes biweekly point tallies and assemblies with certificates, promoting identity, teamwork, and recognition. Inter House Sport Day and a range of sports clubs support physical activity and wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Pastoral care, health and safety, and student wellness are prioritized to support well-being and safe learning environments. Mindfulness, physical fitness, and outdoor activities are encouraged as part of a balanced educational approach. The school emphasises holistic development, resilience, and positive mental health as part of daily school life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school teaches in English as the language of instruction. The National Curriculum of England is followed from Nursery through to A-Level. Core subjects include Mathematics, Science, and English, with a broad range of options in the arts, humanities, technology, and physical education. An after-school French program is available.	Language provision RBIS teaches English as the main language of instruction within the British Curriculum, with an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program to support learners. Thai language and culture are taught as regular subjects across Early Years to Secondary, with native and non-native groups and Thai national progression to IGCSE Thai. Mandarin Chinese is offered as a modern foreign language from Year 1, with three weekly lessons delivered by native-Mandarin teachers; Primary students pursue the Youth Chinese Test (YCT) and Secondary students pursue the HSK.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching RBIS uses English as the main language of instruction within the British Curriculum. There is no school-wide bilingual program described. Thai language and culture are taught as regular subjects. Mandarin Chinese is taught as a modern foreign language.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards * Youth International Excellence Award 2023: Given by the Teachers Council of Thailand, this award recognizes outstanding school contributions to youth academic, music and sports performance.
Accreditations	Accreditations ISQM (International Schools Quality Mark) – Bronze Accreditation This is a school improvement framework recognising good practice in international schools. Bronze status indicates foundational achievement in quality assurance. IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Heathfield is authorised to deliver Cambridge IGCSE exams, which are globally recognised qualifications for students typically aged 14–16. ISA (Independent Schools Association) The school is affiliated with this UK-based body representing independent schools. Membership offers access to guidance and peer networking in the international education sector. Oxford AQA Approved Centre Heathfield is registered to offer qualifications from Oxford International AQA Examinations, a provider of UK curriculum-based assessments. ISAT (International Schools Association of Thailand) This Thai association supports international schools and promotes collaboration between educational institutions in the region. ONESQA (Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment – Thailand) This government agency oversees school quality assurance and external evaluation for educational institutions operating in Thailand. ASA (Amateur Swimming Association – Swim School Member) Indicates that the school meets standards set by the UK’s national governing body for swimming instruction. TISAC (Thailand International Schools Activity Conference) Membership allows the school to participate in inter-school events and competitions in sports, the arts, and academics with other Bangkok international schools. Edexcel (Pearson) Approved Centre The school is authorised to deliver Edexcel qualifications, including IGCSE and A-Level programmes.	Accreditations * EDT accreditation: RBIS is accredited by the Education Development Trust (EDT), a UK-based inspectorate that evaluates British international schools for teaching quality and student outcomes. * FOBISIA membership: The school joined the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) in October 2023, reflecting its alignment with British-style education standards across Asia.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Visit the campus or attend an open day Families are encouraged to attend an on-site tour or open house to view the facilities, meet teachers, and discuss the curriculum. Children may also be observed in a classroom setting during the visit. Submit the application and documents Applications can be submitted by email to the admissions team. Required documents include a completed application form, a copy of the child’s passport and visa, previous school reports, and a student health certificate. Assessment and interview For Year 3 and above, students are required to take a CAT4 cognitive abilities test, an English proficiency test, and may attend a formal interview. Younger children are assessed more informally through play and observation. Receive an offer and complete enrolment If the child is offered a place, parents are required to pay the enrolment and security deposit fees and will receive the Parent Handbook, uniform guidelines, and start-of-term instructions.	Admissions 1. If available, book an Open House or school visit. During your visit, an admissions officer will give a tour, walk through facilities, and answer questions in person. 2. Complete the application form. You’ll need to submit child’s passport copy, academic transcripts from the past 12 months, a reference letter from the previous school, and a valid residence permit or visa. 3. Student assessment. RBIS administers an internal assessment, including English placement (to determine EAL support) and cognitive testing (e.g. CAT4 for gifted identification). 4. Application review. The admissions team, together with academic leadership, reviews all documents and assessment results before confirming an offer or waitlist status. 5. Enrollment and fee payment. Once an offer is accepted, payment of registration, tuition deposit or capital levy, and confirmation of tuition fees is arranged. Your child is then officially enrolled.
Scholarships	Scholarships The school does not list any scholarships or fee assistance programmes on its website.	Scholarships RBIS offers Merit Scholarships for students aged 11–13 who demonstrate high achievement in academics, arts, music or sport. These awards range from 20% to 50% of tuition, and candidates must complete school-administered assessments and attend an interview. There are also Leadership Scholarships that may offer 20% up to full tuition to students showing leadership potential in various fields; both types require submission of an application form by the published deadline.
Waitlist	Waitlist Heathfield does not publicly indicate that it operates a formal waitlist or pool system.	Waitlist RBIS does operate a waitlist or placement pool: applicants may receive an offer or be placed on a waiting list depending on availability for a given year group. The site indicates that offers are conditional until assessments and places are confirmed. However, detailed public explanation of waitlist timelines or criteria is not provided.
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