Vietnamese high schools proactive in international integration

In Vietnam, many high schools have been pro-active in changing their curriculums and enhance international exchanges.

The Hung Kings Festival and the Hindu celebration are two topics in today’s English lesson at Yen Hoa Junior High School. The pupils are required to work in groups to learn about one of the festivals and then make a presentation in front of their friends.

Ho Huyen My, 8th Grade Student, Yen Hoa Junior High School in Hanoi, said: "I find the information easier to remember if I have to research it and then make a presentation in the class.  Practising my presentation has helped me become more confident in public speaking and expressing myself".

Besides improvement in lessons, Vietnamese high schools have also stepped up exchanges with school in other countries. Le Quy Don High School is a good example. In the past year, it has organised exchange activities with 4 schools in Singapore, including Regent High School in March.

Yen Hoa and Le Quy Don are examples of proactive schools. Last week, they along with 10 other schools were awarded the 2015 International School Award last week by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International School Award Project or ISA. Launched by British Council, ISA supports thousands of schools across 30 countries worldwide. It aims to improve pupil skills and knowledge through lessons and activities, helping them become global citizens.

Cao Thi Ngoc Bao, Director of Development and Society programmes, British Council Vietnam, said: "The key element for the programme’s success is the strong commitment and vision of the schools. They are very pro-active and creative in diversifying the things students learn in the classroom without putting more pressure on teachers and students".

Vu Dinh Chuan, Director of High School Education Department, Ministry of Education and Training, said: "It is good that global integration is now being carried out in schools by teachers and pupils. This project connects Vietnamese pupils with international friends and prepares them with skills and knowledge, so they can gradually become global citizens".

Beginning in Vietnam 2 years ago, ISA has provided training for teachers of 90 schools in 5 cities nationwide. In the coming time, it is planning to reach out to more localities across the nation to better prepare for country’s younger generation for the integration process.