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Fostering global citizens and future leaders at the British International School Ho Chi Minh City

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At the British International School Ho Chi Minh City (BIS HCMC) in Vietnam, each student’s wellbeing takes centrestage for teachers and staff.

Wellbeing is central to a BIS education. Equally emphasised with outstanding academic outcomes and character development, this approach produces students who feel good, function effectively and are ready to transition into university life and beyond. A BIS HCMC graduate stands out from the rest for their positive sense of self; positive connection with others and with the wider world; and skills to respond to challenges and setbacks.

The modern school campus and buildings are up-to-date with the latest education technologies, not only there to prepare students for the digital era, but also to provide support to students when learning went online during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Sean O’Neill, the passionate and caring Head of Secondary at BIS HCMC, says: “When we had to switch to online learning, we were really fortunate in that we were already operating in a technology-rich environment . We already had a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning facilitated by technology and a student-led learning environment. Whilst all schools faced challenges, we were well-placed in terms of infrastructure and remote learning.”

Source: British International School Ho Chi Minh City

A key decision that supported the BIS HCMC community was to follow regular academic timetables of classes and daily routines. Every student was able to receive high-quality teaching and learning balanced with pastoral support to maintain both their progress and wellbeing.

Every day, primary students were able to attend online classes and meetings, retaining communication. Students, parents, and teachers could always support and encourage each other. Both academic progress and wellbeing are always monitored and appropriately supported. Pupils younger than four years old received an individual learning/activity material kit “SPLAT Box” (SPLAT stands for “Stay Play Learn All Together”) to aid with their online learning.

Building character through a holistic education

Students are divided into three campuses: Early Years and Infant Campus, Junior Campus, and Secondary Campus. At every level, they are provided with a British-style education that focuses on a combination of academics, wellbeing, and personal development.

Source: British International School Ho Chi Minh City

The school’s outstanding examination results year-on-year are proof of this successful combination. Yet, this shows only one facet of excellence. Comfortable, healthy, and happy students are equally as important to BIS HCMC. Here, faculty members are fully aware that student wellbeing is the base of all achievement and success. This is why teachers and mentors always provide personalised feedback and facilitate ongoing dialogue with students to ensure that they are on the right track.

Supplementing this is the sheer breadth and depth of co-curricular activities at BIS HCMC. These ensure that every student have opportunities to flourish and develop vital skills for the future such as creativity and leadership. Students of all ages take part in a wide range of sports activities – among them athletics, badminton, cricket, football, basketball, swimming, tennis, ice skating, and fencing.

Source: British International School Ho Chi Minh City

They’re also provided with ample opportunities to discover new interests in the numerous non-sporting co-curricular activities. These include a Coding Club, Minecraft Club, Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, Chamber Choir and Orchestra, Art workshops, and many more. The School focuses on providing quality education and exposure to all three of the performing arts – music, dance, and drama – through fostering ongoing collaborations.

The collaboration with the Juilliard School enhances the learning of performing arts at BIS HCMC. They get to explore core works of music, dance, and drama using teaching materials, creative activities, historical information, rehearsal strategies, and professional development – all designed by the prestigious conservatory. In the Juilliard Creative Classroom, they get access to an extraordinary online collection of educational resources too.

Source: British International School Ho Chi Minh City

Another example of the school’s collaboration with renowned institutions is its Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) STEAM curriculum. It tackles real-world challenges across the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM), where students get to develop transferable skills such as flexibility, creativity, and communication. Learn more about the four main components of the Nord Anglia Education and MIT collaboration here.

Developing socially-responsible global citizens

BIS HCMC aims to empower every child to change the world. With its collaboration with UNICEF, students get to take part in Sustainable Development Goals projects, engage with world leaders at regional and global summits, and even join its annual trip to the headquarters of the United Nations in New York.

By the time they leave BIS HCMC, students have long been exposed to global challenges and have developed a strong sense of self and who they are in the world. It’s no wonder that over half of students go on to QS Top 50 globally ranked universities, with the other half attending reputable schools that are highly-ranked in their subject areas.

Interested in your child receiving a well-rounded education at BIS HCMC? Register to attend a personalised Virtual Discovery Meeting, where you can speak with admissions officers online, discuss your child’s learning needs, and find out how the school can meet them. You can also contact BIS HCMC through the Admissions Enquiry form.

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