Hoi An International School

Preserving Local Values, Integrating to be Global Citizens

Students in Preparatory – Grade 5 are taught both the Ministry of Education and Training curriculum (MOET) and the English as a Second Language and Science Cambridge International curriculum. Our Bilingual programme develops students’ skills in mathematics, language, and more while encouraging inquiry and enthusiasm for learning. Although the emphasis is given to global perspectives, our Bilingual programme embraces Vietnamese values and culture. We offer a play and structured inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning.

 

Subjects following the Vietnamese Programme:


Vietnamese


Vietnamese

Vietnamese lessons focus on helping students to form and develop understanding in specific areas, including: 

  • love for nature, family, and Vietnam; 
  • cultural awareness; 
  • emotional stability; 
  • interest and love for learning; 
  • integrity in study and life; 
  • sense of responsibility towards self, family, society and the surrounding environment. 

Students initially form basic reading, writing, speaking and listening skills such as: 

  • reading correctly and fluently; 
  • understanding content; 
  • correct spelling and grammar; 
  • writing sentences, paragraphs and short essays; 
  • speaking clearly; 
  • effective listening. 

Students will also distinguish between and be able to read poems and stories; recognize the beauty of artistic words; develop imagination, understand and be moved by the beauty and goodness of people and the surrounding world expressed in literary texts.

The level of reading and writing is gradually increased with each class. After completing the programme, the level of achievement for each class are shown as follows:

For Grade 1

  • Read a passage of about 90 words correctly. The reading speed should be about 40 – 60 words per minute.
  • Correctly write a 30 – 35 word passage both by transcribing and by listening in 15 minutes.

For Grade 2

  • Read a passage of about 150 words correctly. The reading speed should be about 60 – 70 words per minute.
  • Listen to and then write out a poem or passage of about 50 – 55 words in 15 minutes.

For Grade 3

  • Read a passage of about 200 words correctly. The reading speed should be about 70 – 80 words per minute.
  • Listen, recall and write a passage of about 60 – 70 words in 15 minutes.

For Grade 4

  • Read a passage of about 250 words correctly. The reading speed should be about 90 – 100 words per minute.
  • Listen, recall and write a passage of about 80 – 90 words in 15 minutes.

For Grade 5

  • Read a passage of about 300 words correctly. The reading speed should be about 100 – 120 words per minute.
  • Listen, recall and write a passage of about 100 words in 15 minutes.
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Mathematics


Mathematics

In Mathematics, students learn basic maths skills and knowledge regarding numbers and problem-solving, common quantities and their measurements, geometry and statistical factors like simple probabilities.

Grade 1:

  • Read and write numbers up to 100. Add and subtract up to 100.
  • Identify basic shapes such as: squares, triangles, circles, cubes and rectangular prisms.
  • Solve problems with addition or subtraction of several units.

Grade 2:

  • Read, write and compare numbers up to 1000. Add and subtract numbers up to 1000. 
  • Recognise the facts (or elements) of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
  • Problem-solving with addition and subtraction.

Grade 3:

  • Practice 2, 3, 4 and 5 times tables and division tables. Develop 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 times tables. Introduce numbers up to 100,000. Add and subtract 3 digit numbers.
  • Introduce geometric elements. Find the perimeter and area of ​​rectangles and squares.
  • Solve two-step problems and solve problems with geometric content.

Grade 4:

  • Read, write and compare numbers up to a million. Introduce a billion. Practice solving problems with fractions with up to 2 or 3 steps.
  • Solve expressions with numbers and variables using 4 mathematical operations.
  • Introduce the rhombus and the formula to find the area of a ​​parallelogram or rhombus.
  • Problem-solving: find two numbers from a  known sum or difference and their ratio, find two numbers based on a sum, and find the difference between them.

Grade 5:

  • Read, write and perform calculations with decimals and measurements of time.
  • Introduce the concept of percentages. Read and write percentages.
  • Calculate perimeter, area and volume of shapes. Introduce the concepts of speed, time, and distance. Perform simple maths problems about uniform motion and motion in the same or opposite direction.
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History and Geography

Upper Primary only


History and Geography

Students’ learning about history and geography includes applying knowledge and skills learned, forming and developing common competencies, self-control and self-study, communication and cooperation, problem-solving and creativity. The subjects help students explore the natural world and society around them and enhance national pride, love for nature and the homeland, raise awareness for protecting nature, preserving and developing Vietnamese cultural values, respecting cultural differences between countries and peoples, thereby contributing to the formation and development of patriotic, compassionate, hardworking, honest and responsible citizens.

The programme content includes basic and essential knowledge and skills about geography and history of the local region, Vietnam and neighbouring countries, and some basic features of geography and history in the world.

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Lifestyle Education


Lifestyle Education

This subject aims to form and develop in students the initial understanding of ethical and accepted standards of behaviour. It helps students to recognise and adjust their own emotions, attitudes and behaviours. They will also observe, understand and learn about their family, homeland, country and behaviour, plan and implement personal goals, and form basic, necessary habits and routines for academic and personal life. In the 2022-2023 school year, students will study the following themes:

Grade 1

Topics covered include:

  • Self-care
  • Love your family
  • Take care of your family and loved ones
  • Classroom rules
  • Routine activities
  • Independence
  • Honesty
  • Preventing accidents and injuries

Grade 2

Topics covered include:

  • My hometown
  • Respect teachers and love friends
  • Understand the value of time
  • Admit and correct your own mistakes
  • Keeping your personal belongings safe at school and being responsible for belongings at home
  • Identify and express your feelings
  • Learn to ask for help and support from others
  •  Follow the rules of public places

Grades 3, 4, and 5

Topics covered include:

  • Understanding yourself
  • Relationships with others (Interpersonal relationship)
  • Working relationship
  • Developing a relationship with the community, country and humanity
  • Developing a relationship with nature
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Computer Science

From Grade 2 and up


Computer Science

This subject helps students develop an initial understanding of Information Technology and its applications in life and learning.

Students develop the ability to use computers in learning other subjects, in a range of activities and for entertainment in order to improve the quality of education and create the conditions for students to adapt to modern life. Students will use computer tools to solve problems. 

Grade 2 & 3

  • Topic 1: Getting to know computers
  • Topic 2: Practising drawing
  • Topic 3: Text editing
  • Topic 4: Design a presentation

Grade 4

  • Topic 1: Discover your computer
  • Topic 2: Practising drawing
  • Topic 3: Text editing
  • Topic 4: Design a presentation
  • Topic 5: Logo World

Grade 5

  • Topic 1: Discover your computer
  • Topic 2: Text editing
  • Topic 3: Design a presentation
  • Topic 4: Logo World
  • Topic 5: Studying music

The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has just issued a document guiding the implementation of the Practical Activities Program in Primary School in the General Education Program issued under Circular No. 32/2018/TT-BGDĐT dated 26 December 2018 of the Minister of Education and Training (GDPT 2018 Program).

In terms of content, the Practical Activities program prescribes three content circuits for grade 1: self-directed activities, social-oriented activities, nature-oriented activities, and four content circuits for Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5: self-directed activities, social-oriented activities, nature-oriented activities and career orientation activities. In addition, local educational content is integrated in the Practical Activities including basic or current issues of culture, economy, society, environment, career guidance.

In terms of type, practical activities are carried out through four main types of activities: assemblies, class activities, educational activities by thematic and club activities (of which the club is elective type). Organized experiential activities are held inside and outside the classroom, inside and outside of school according to group size, class size, grade level or school size.

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Subjects following the International Programme:


Mathematics


Mathematics

Maths concepts are taught within the Vietnamese curriculum, the aim of Maths in English is to ensure that students understand maths-related vocabulary in English. Vocabulary covered includes numbers, fractions, decimals, shapes, measures and directions. In Grade 5 links are made to the Cambridge Maths curriculum in preparation for transition to Year 7 where Maths is taught in English.

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English Language


English Language

Preparatory

Students follow the targets from Stage 1 Cambridge English as a Second Language curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • Me
  • My family 
  • My favourite things 
  • My school 
  • My classroom
  • Places around us
  • Getting around 
  • My day 
  • People and animals.

Key skills developed:

  • Speaking and Listening – Be able to give basic information about themselves and respond to questions, describing objects in terms of colour and size, describing actions of people and animals.
  • Reading – Learn the English alphabet and begin to blend sounds together to read regular 3 and 4-letter words, learn high-frequency words, share simple traditional stories with the teacher.
  • Writing – Labelling pictures, using word mats to copy topic words, begin to write simple sentences with support.

Grade 1/2

Students follow the targets from Stage 2 and Stage 3 Cambridge English as a Second Language curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • Weather
  • Clothes
  • Feelings
  • The world around us
  • Our bodies
  • Free time
  • Jobs
  • Famous people
  • Keep in touch.

Key skills developed:

  • Speaking and Listening – Be able to give basic information about themselves and respond to questions, describing objects in terms of colour and size, describing actions of people and animals.
  • Reading – Learn the English alphabet and begin to blend sounds together to read regular 3 and 4-letter words, learn high-frequency words, share simple traditional stories with the teacher.
  • Writing – Labelling pictures, using word mats to copy topic words, begin to write simple sentences with support.

Grade 3/4

Students follow the targets from Stage 4 and Stage 5 Cambridge English as a Second Language curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • My country
  • Different countries
  • Planning a trip 
  • Sport
  • Food and health
  • In your head
  • Transport 
  • Travel
  • Changing times.

Key skills developed:

  • Speaking and Listening – To be able to confidently talk about themselves including information about their family and interests, listen to longer stories and recall the main events, understand key information in a range of topics.
  • Reading – Learn long vowel sounds and common letter combinations, develop decoding skills and build up sight vocabulary, start reading simple stories and information texts independently.
  • Writing – Start to spell regular words, understand some spelling rules like plurals, write sentences to tell a story and record information. Begin to understand sentence structure and use of verbs, adjectives and pronouns.

Grade 5

Students follow the targets from Stage 6 Cambridge English as a Second Language curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • Education
  • People at work
  • The arts
  • Everyday wonders 
  • Entertainment
  • Money
  • Things that have changed our lives.

Key skills developed:

  • Speaking and Listening – Communicate with greater confidence and express ideas and opinions, to be able to present information on a range of topics, and listen for key information in longer discussions.
  • Reading – Develop confidence and fluency, reading comprehension including inference, understanding of characters and events, making predictions.
  • Writing – Extend understanding of sentence structure and punctuation, develop accurate use of verbs and understanding of tenses. Write short stories and informational texts with greater accuracy.
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Science


Science

Each year group follows a selection of topics from the Cambridge Science curriculum. Science provides an excellent opportunity for students to extend their knowledge of the world as well as extend their English vocabulary. A range of practical activities help students to develop their observational skills and other scientific skills like making predictions, measuring and interpreting data.

Preparatory

Students follow the targets from Stage 1 Cambridge Science curriculum.

Topics covered include:

Topics are taught integrated within the English curriculum. 

Key skills developed:

Observe changes over a period of time, notice patterns and grouping objects or living things, make simple comparisons, ask questions and develop appropriate vocabulary.

Grade 1/2

Students follow the targets from Stage 2 and Stage 3 Cambridge Science curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • Living things in different places
  • Polar explorer
  • The science of my toys
  • Growing and keeping healthy
  • Journey to the international space station 
  • Plants

Key skills developed:

Make more detailed observations, carry out experiments and investigations, take measurements, find out information from books and videos, explain their findings and draw simple conclusions.

Grade 3/4

Students follow the targets from Stage 4 and Stage 5 Cambridge Science curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • Electricity
  • States of matter
  • Earth and beyond
  • Living things including plants
  • Lights and shadows
  • Animals including humans.

Key skills developed:

Gain a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas, know that scientific questions can be answered in a variety of ways

Grade 5

Students follow the targets from Stage 6 Cambridge Science curriculum.

Topics covered include:

  • Forces and movement on Earth and beyond
  • Animals
  • Materials
  • Human health and disease
  • Types of rocks
  • Ecosystems

Key skills developed:

Gain a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas, know that scientific questions can be answered in a variety of ways, use appropriate scientific vocabulary to explain their observations and findings, know how to carry out a fair test and make accurate observations or measurements.

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Environmental Management


Environmental Management

Environmental Management draws upon the science disciplines to teach learners about natural systems, natural resources and sustainable development. Learners explore the impact of human development on the environment and how this can be managed sustainably in the future.

A range of topics are covered throughout lower secondary, such as: the study of ecosystems; natural disasters and land management; oceans and their exploitation; agriculture and the environment; and Water Management.

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Physical
Education


Physical
Education

Physical Education is a vital part of a balanced school curriculum. Regular exercise improves physical and mental health and there is growing evidence that it improves academic performance across the curriculum.
Learners develop skills through a wide variety of age-appropriate physical activities, including games, team sports, gymnastics, swimming and dance.
What will students learn?
    • Increase confidence, moving with increasing control, fluency and variety;
    • Improve their understanding of concepts, rules, tactics, strategies and compositional ideas;
    • Participate in respectful and responsible ways, engaging appropriately and safely;
    • Improve knowledge and understanding of how physical education can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle;
    • Develop transferable skills promoting physical, cognitive, and social development, and become independent, critical and reflective movers and thinkers.
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Art and Design


Art and Design

Art and Design gives learners a platform to express themselves, sparking imagination, creativity, and developing transferable skills. Students explore and push boundaries to become reflective, critical and decisive thinkers. They learn how to articulate personal responses to their experiences.
What will students learn?
    • Develop creative skills that will help with many aspects of their future learning and development;
    • Learn to see themselves as artists and become increasingly reflective and independent;
    • Develop the skills needed to express ideas creatively and to communicate visually;
    • Understand their place and the place of others in a creative, innovative and interconnected world.
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Music


Music

Music fosters creativity and builds confidence. It helps learners to express themselves and shows them the importance of communication as they learn to connect with other musicians and with audiences.
Learners explore music as performers, composers and informed listeners. They make, understand and appreciate music from different cultures, times and places, helping them to develop leadership and collaboration skills as well as self-confidence.
What will students learn?
    • To cultivate a joy of music through participating in meaningful and enjoyable experiences;
    • To develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to contribute as musicians;
    • To collaborate with others in purposeful and expressive ways through singing and playing instruments;
    • To nurture their individual and collective creativity;
    • To use their growing knowledge to explore and generate music that is unique, relevant and valuable.
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Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh

Grade 4 Teacher

Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh

Grade 4 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Foriegn Language – English; Bachelor of Economics – Business Administration; Certificate of Pedagogical Training; Master in Primary Education

Linh taught English for Vietnamese students aged 4-18 for seven years before commencing work at HAIS. She feels very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with students of all ages. Each age group has its own characteristics and interesting highlights. Working with Secondary students is challenging, however, Linh enjoys this age group the most.

Linh has been working at HAIS since 2019. She is delighted to be a member of the HAIS community. This is a school where the education, well-being and happiness of the students are always the primary focus. At HAIS, there are regular professional development sessions for teachers. Linh feels these are great opportunities for her professional growth as well as being immediately applicable to her work.

Fun fact: Linh is afraid of extreme rides so she has never even dared to try things such as roller coasters. However, she accepted her cousin’s invitation to go paragliding during summer three years ago. It was fortunate that she agreed as she was able to experience fifteen minutes of panoramic views of the beach from above. It was a life changing moment for her.

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Nguyen Thi Chung Ha

Bilingual Primary Learning Lead, Bilingual Grade 5 Teacher

Nguyen Thi Chung Ha

Bilingual Primary Learning Lead, Bilingual Grade 5 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 15
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor Degree

Ha is a Vietnamese literature teacher who has been working in education for 12 years with different age groups. She is currently teaching at HAIS as a Bilingual Primary School teacher and Vietnamese language teacher. This is also her third year being a member of HAIS. 

Working at HAIS brings Ha a lot of joy. Most of her cheerful moments are created from the support and care of her students and colleagues as well as the school’s Leadership Team. Working at HAIS has given Ha the chance to discover her own abilities through interesting activities. These are the reasons why she is proud to be part of the HAIS community.

Fun Fact: Ha loves reading books about the countryside in Vietnam, seeing the paddie fields and smelling the ripened rice. On the way to work, occasionally, she stops on the side of the road to take a deep breath when she sees golden paddies.

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Jeanri Smit

Bilingual International Learning Lead, Bilingual International Grade 1 - Grade 4 Teacher

Jeanri Smit

Bilingual International Learning Lead, Bilingual International Grade 1 - Grade 4 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Arts in Education, Post Graduate Diploma in Special needs Education, Post Graduate Diploma in Autism, Certificate in Junior Drama, TEFL Certificate

Jeanri grew up in South Africa with her first passion being a career in arts.  Jeanri felt a personal void in her life and had the urge to work with people and use her creativity to help others. This is when Jeanri decided to follow her dreams and become a teacher.

Jeanri remembers growing up and her mother always saying, ‘Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.’  For Jeanri her career as a teacher has never felt like a job, rather more of a calling, a passion, a lifestyle.

Prior to working at HAIS Jeanri worked as a teacher at primary schools in South Africa and Vietnam. Whilst working in South Africa Jeanri ran classes of up to 53 students. This taught Jeanri the value of good classroom management. Before moving to Hoi An, Jeanri worked as a bilingual primary teacher at a well renowned school in Hanoi, Vietnam.  

During the 2019/2020 academic year Jeanri worked as the substitute teacher at HAIS and supported the school across both primary and secondary sector throughout the year.  Jeanri was heavily involved in extra-curricular activities across the year, running art classes for our students. Over the last 12 months Jeanri has blended into our school and is well known for her positive attitude and warm welcoming smile.

Jeanri is excited about joining the HAIS family this year as a full time teacher.  Jeanri will begin her 6th year of teaching this year and her focus will be on encouraging students to ask questions, take risks and overcome any fear that may impede their learning.

Jeanri is looking forward to a wonderful year full of learning, laughter and growth and even more so she is thrilled about meeting all of the HAIS students and families.

Fun Fact:
Jeanri loves animals and watersports. Jeanri even trained her dog to join her when she heads out to sea on her standup paddleboard.

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Cao Thi Hoang Nga

Bilingual Prep Homeroom Teacher

Cao Thi Hoang Nga

Bilingual Prep Homeroom Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 3

After graduating in 2017, Nga started working in Hoi An and found her passion in working in education. Fortunately, Nga has been blessed to be a member of the HAIS family since 2021. Working in a professional environment along with friendly and enthusiastic colleagues has helped her improve and develop a wide variety of skills. 

Fun fact: Nga loves her job as well as her little students. Her hobbies are to make a lot of new hairstyles for girls in our class. She is also interested in cooking and baking.

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Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly

Bilingual Grade 1 Teacher

Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly

Bilingual Grade 1 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 3+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor in Primary Education

Ly is teaching in the Bilingual Primary Programme and this is her 3rd year at HAIS. She is very happy to work in the HAIS family. She feels HAIS members are very friendly, open and willing to help others and the students are adorable and polite. She believes working with professional teachers is a great opportunity for her professional enhancement.

Fun Fact: Ly enjoys going out with friends and watching the sunset.

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Nguyen Thi Hương Giang

Bilingual Grade 1 - Grade 4 Teaching Assistant

Nguyen Thi Hương Giang

Bilingual Grade 1 - Grade 4 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Laboratory Technology; TOEIC Certificate; TESOL Certificate

There are numerous reasons for why Giang chose to become a teaching assistant. First, she simply loves working with children. They have a fresh perspective on life and can teach us adults quite a bit. Plus, every day looks different when you are working with a group of energetic students. Finally, she enjoys working with school staff. Giang thinks it is so important that we strive to support each other’s success and career development.

Giang worked as an English assistant at the GLC centre for a year. Then she spent three years as an English teacher at Rainbow English House.

Her teaching philosophy is to make each training session as interactive as possible. Giang believes that an interactive curriculum is more memorable so she uses tactics such as role-playing and competitive quiz games.

Fun Fact: It has been three years since Giang chose to cut meat from her diet and become a vegetarian. She can safely say that it’s the best decision that she has ever made. She also loves to cook – her signature dish is homemade spaghetti and My Quang. Finally, her favourite hobby is hiking, which helps her to clear her mind and see the positive things in life.

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Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoang

Bilingual Grade 3 Teacher

Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoang

Bilingual Grade 3 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor Degree; Masters in Primary Education

Hoang has been with HAIS for 5 years. She started as an International Early Years Teaching Assistant before transitioning into the role of a Bilingual Programme teacher. Hoang feels she has good connection between the 2 programmes, thus enabling her to to bring the best support for language and learning activities to her students.

At HAIS, Hoang has participated in an IB Training Programme and taught myself through many Professional Development programmes. She has already completed specialized training in Dyslexia Awareness, supporting students with speech delay (Differentiation for Catch-up), EAL for the Classroom and Differentiation in Practice. Additionally, she participated in a training course organized by the Ministry of Education and Training for primary teachers on the book programme and effective teaching methods with students.

Fun fact: Hoang loves reading and has a free Book Garden dedicated to her family and community. Her favourite book so far is “Two Fates” by Jeffrey Archer.

 

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Elton Dry

International Bilingual Grade 5 Teacher, World Languages Coordinator - English and French, Early Years and Lower Primary Physical Education Teacher

Elton Dry

International Bilingual Grade 5 Teacher, World Languages Coordinator - English and French, Early Years and Lower Primary Physical Education Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 15+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Commerce in Sport Management; Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCSE)

This is Elton’s 4th year teaching in Vietnam. It is also his 16th year teaching as a whole, and he absolutely adores the profession. Elton’s career objective is to be an educator who will create opportunities for students to pursue and achieve their true potential as lifelong learners. He strives to create the best possible environment for children to succeed and develop as individuals through encouraging curiosity, character development and fashioning a safe space for them to explore and enjoy their world.His belief is that learning should never stop and that children should learn from all the experiences and from others. He is truly excited to form part of the the HAIS family, and looks forward to spending his time here.

Fun Fact: As a young man, Elton spent his summer breaks working for a Circus.

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Nguyen Thi Tra My

Bilingual Grade 5 Teaching Assistant

Nguyen Thi Tra My

Bilingual Grade 5 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 3+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Foriegn Language – English

Teaching Experience: My graduated from the University of Foreign Languages ​​- Da Nang University with Bachelor in English in 2013. After graduating, she had the opportunity to work for a local travel agency, which helped her to enhance her English skills and in part, develop skills for her current teaching assistant job. My joined the HAIS community in 2019. At HAIS, she not only became acquainted with a professional working environment but also had the chance to participate in many professional training courses such as Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for the Classroom Teacher and some other courses through our Optimus programme.

Fun Fact: My is even shorter than her HAIS Primary students.

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Jo Darby

International Bilingual Early Years Coordinator, International Bilingual Playgroup, K2 & Prep Teacher, Basketball Team Coach

Jo Darby

International Bilingual Early Years Coordinator, International Bilingual Playgroup, K2 & Prep Teacher, Basketball Team Coach

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degree & Certifications: B.A. in Early Childhood Studies, TEFL, P4C, EYFS Bitesize, Early Years SEN, IB (PYP), Middle Leadership Essentials.

Jo has over a decade of teaching experience throughout different Asian countries. Since growing up in London, he has actually spent a significant portion of his adult life working in international schools in China to build and strengthen their bilingual programmes.

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Jo completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness,  Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS Bitesize), Early Years SEN, EAL for Classroom Teachers and Middle Leadership Essentials.

While his degree is specifically in Early Childhood Studies, Jo believes there are always new things to learn and has continued his professional development as a teacher by adding additional certifications, including a TEFL, P4C and IB (PYP) training.

Fun Fact: Jo likes to write music in his spare time and has released one studio album. He is also a life-long learner of languages. He is conversational in Chinese and Thai, and is currently studying Spanish during his free time.

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Vu Thi Van Anh

Bilingual K2 & Prep Teaching Assistant

Vu Thi Van Anh

Bilingual K2 & Prep Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 2+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Hospitality Management; TESOL Certificate; TOEIC Certificate

Van Anh has always liked children. She wants to have many children of her own and she believes being a Teaching Assistant will foster her passions. She has experience working in a Montessori school in Hanoi and tutoring children in mathematics. She really enjoys helping people and is happy to be part of teaching in the Early Years programme at HAIS. These are the years when students are most impressionable and she hopes that she can make an indelible positive impact on their lives.

Fun Fact: Van Anh loves cooking, dancing and can speak 3 languages!

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Specialist Subjects Teachers

Frances Dobson

Specialist Subjects Learning Lead, Art Teacher, Year 11 Homeroom Teacher

Frances Dobson

Specialist Subjects Learning Lead, Art Teacher, Year 11 Homeroom Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 11+
Degree & Certifications: B.A. (Fine Arts), PGCE, Developmental Lesson Observation.

Frances has taught Art and Design across a range of age groups in both the UK and Hong Kong. She is a skilled painter and drawer and also enjoys printmaking, mixed media, conceptual art and ceramics. She brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the classroom, including the ability to instruct students across a broad range of techniques and processes. 

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Frances completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, Tackling Low-Level Disruption and Developmental Lesson Observation.

Frances believes in the importance of providing outlets for creative expression at all ages. She feels that the HAIS programmes allow students to learn the fundamental elements of art and explore, experiment, and build on that knowledge, refining their skills as they progress from EYFS into primary, secondary and beyond.

Fun Fact: Frances loves to travel and has visited 37 countries in the last nine years. She is also an accomplished musician and plays piano and violin.

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Yoann Labrue

Physical Education Teacher, Swimming Instructor, Year 7 Homeroom Teacher

Yoann Labrue

Physical Education Teacher, Swimming Instructor, Year 7 Homeroom Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 11+
Degree & Certifications: M.S. in Sports and Physical Education, M.A. in American Studies, Teaching Training and Certification Program (Physical Education), AustSwim Accreditation – Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety.

After completing his Master’s in Sports Education, Yoann spent one year in America as a teaching assistant. He then obtained a Master’s degree in American Studies. Yoann has a wide-range of experience with children in varying posts such as lifeguard, camp counsellor, coach, and most recently, as a PE teacher in Hanoi for six years. In early 2021, Yoann completed a Cambridge Assessment International Education course in Primary Physical Education. 

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Yoann completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, the Teacher Development Program and Middle Leadership Essentials.

Yoann decided to become a PE teacher because he wanted to share his love of sports with children and encourage healthy, active lifestyles. His teaching philosophy centres around teaching students how to be physically active, not just as youth, but to provide them with the tools and knowledge to remain healthy and active throughout their lives.

Fun Fact: Yoann participated in the World Championship of Ping Pong in London in 2013; it was shown live on SkySports TV

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Josh Weatheritt

Early Years and Primary Music Teacher

Josh Weatheritt

Early Years and Primary Music Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+

Degree & Certifications: ABRSM Piano Grade 5

Inspired by his own teachers and passion for learning, Josh began teaching in 2015. He has an array of teaching and musical experience to contribute to the Early Years and Primary Music sectors this coming year. Having taught a range of different subjects, Josh now specialises in music and prides himself on teaching informative, direct, fun and engaging lessons. Josh believes that positive reinforcement creates a joyful and expressive atmosphere in the classroom to allow the students to thrive. To add to his teaching experience, he has played, and continues to play, live music in a variety of styles across Vietnam. This contributes to his passion for music and enthusiasm with encouraging the students to perform with confidence and self assurance.

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Le Gia Huy

Physical Education Teaching Assistant, Aquatics Manager

Le Gia Huy

Physical Education Teaching Assistant, Aquatics Manager

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Katherine Brewer

Head Librarian

Katherine Brewer

Head Librarian

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education; Masters in Librarian and Information Science

Katya has over a decade of teaching experience in public and private schools in the United States and internationally in Europe and Asia.

She began her teaching career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria from  2005-2007. This experience gave her an appreciation for exploring other languages and cultures.  

Katya also has experience in bilingual education. Four years ago, she was a founding member of a new bilingual school in Shanghai, China.  She founded the library programme for both bilingual and international students.

Fun Fact: Katya loves to travel and looks forward to exploring Vietnam. She also enjoys running and swimming in her spare time.

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Nguyen Thi Thuy An

Assistant Librarian

Nguyen Thi Thuy An

Assistant Librarian

Years of Teaching Experience: 2+
Degree & Certifications: Certificate of Training in Library and Information Competence; Bachelor of Tourism & Hospitality Management

After earning a Bachelors in Tourism & Hospitality Management, Thuy An realized that her passion is in education, so she has been pursuing this career and constantly improving herself. Thuy An has been working as an Assistant Librarian at HAIS for 2 years now. She loves working with students, in education and with books, which led her to this job.

Fun Fact: Thuy An loves dancing although she feels she is not really good at it. She enjoys reading and running in her spare time.

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Elton Dry

International Bilingual Grade 5 Teacher, World Languages Coordinator - English and French, Early Years and Lower Primary Physical Education Teacher

Elton Dry

International Bilingual Grade 5 Teacher, World Languages Coordinator - English and French, Early Years and Lower Primary Physical Education Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 15+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Commerce in Sport Management; Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCSE)

This is Elton’s 4th year teaching in Vietnam. It is also his 16th year teaching as a whole, and he absolutely adores the profession. Elton’s career objective is to be an educator who will create opportunities for students to pursue and achieve their true potential as lifelong learners. He strives to create the best possible environment for children to succeed and develop as individuals through encouraging curiosity, character development and fashioning a safe space for them to explore and enjoy their world.His belief is that learning should never stop and that children should learn from all the experiences and from others. He is truly excited to form part of the the HAIS family, and looks forward to spending his time here.

Fun Fact: As a young man, Elton spent his summer breaks working for a Circus.

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Anna Talbot

International Nursery Teacher, International Bilingual K1 Teacher, Playgroup Teacher, Early Years and Lower Primary Art Teacher

Anna Talbot

International Nursery Teacher, International Bilingual K1 Teacher, Playgroup Teacher, Early Years and Lower Primary Art Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+

Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of English

Anna was lucky to have a childhood full of opportunities to create, explore and be active. Her passion is to provide that opportunity to others through teaching art and early years. She is very happy to be at a school that values the whole child and offers such a vast range of experiences and activities! 

Anna began her career in 2006 as a recreation leader, art teacher and community art facilitator. Throughout her time in Canada, she developed numerous murals and school wide art projects. 

She came to Vietnam in 2017 and trained in Montessori and Reggio Emilia teaching methodologies, then went on to complete her teaching qualification with a focus on Early Years. She believes Early Years education is the foundation for life and seeks to guide children to develop their strengths, curiosity, independence and lifelong love for learning.

Fun Fact: Anna also has a background in costume and fashion design and designed for film.

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