Hoi An International School

An International Education

From the Early Years Foundation Stage, children can transfer, on completion of a successful admissions interview, to Years 1 and 2 of the Primary School, where they begin a more formalised approach to learning. The HAIS curriculum is broad and diverse and, whilst it is subject-based, there are many opportunities for a cross-curricular approach to learning. Much of the timetable is classroom-based, with each class having a teaching support assistant.

In this very important phase of their education, children apply the skills they have learned in the Foundation Stage and begin to develop new approaches to learning. As children progress through Years 1 and 2, we encourage them to become increasingly independent as learners by helping them to:

  • Be resilient – show determination and initiative.
  • Be resourceful – self-select resources that help with their learning.
  • Be reflective – thinking about the next step in their learning and how to do better next time.

The curriculum for Years 3 to 6 is designed to ensure children gain learning experiences that develop mastery of linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, social, physical, aesthetic and creative skills and abilities. The class teachers are responsible for the delivery of the Cambridge International Primary Curriculum subjects and the pastoral care of our students. The Cambridge International Primary Curriculum at HAIS develops the skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare learners for a smooth transition to Cambridge Lower Secondary.

 

Core Subjects


English Language


English Language

STAGES 1 & 2

By the beginning of Year 2, pupils should be able to read all common graphemes (letters and letter combinations used to represent sounds). They should be able to read unfamiliar words containing these graphemes accurately and without undue hesitation by sounding them out in books that are matched closely to each pupil’s level of word reading knowledge. They should also be able to read many common words taught so far (for example, shout, hand, stop, or dream) without needing to blend the sounds out loud first. Pupils’ reading of common exception words (for example, you, could, many, or people) should be secure. Pupils will increase their fluency by being able to read these words easily and automatically. Finally, pupils are able to retell some familiar stories that have been read to and discussed with them or that they have acted out during Year 1. 

During Year 2, teachers continue to focus on establishing pupils’ accurate and speedy word reading skills. They make sure that pupils listen to and discuss a wide range of stories, poems, plays, and information books. The sooner pupils read well and do so frequently, the sooner they are able to increase their vocabulary, comprehension and knowledge across the wider curriculum. 

In writing, pupils in Year 2 should be able to compose individual sentences orally and then write them down. They should be able to spell correctly many of the words covered in Year 1. They should also be able to make phonetically plausible attempts to spell words they have not yet learnt. Finally, they are taught to form individual letters correctly, establishing good handwriting habits from the beginning.

STAGES 3-6

By the beginning of Year 3, students should be able to read books written at an age-appropriate interest level. They should be able to read them accurately and at a speed that is sufficient for them to focus on understanding what they read rather than on decoding individual words. They should be able to decode most new words outside their spoken vocabulary, making a good approximation to the word’s pronunciation. As their decoding skills become increasingly secure, teaching is directed more towards developing their vocabulary and the breadth and depth of their reading, making sure that they become independent, fluent, and enthusiastic readers who read widely and frequently. 

By the beginning of Year 5, students should be able to read aloud a more comprehensive range of poetry and books written at an age-appropriate interest level with accuracy and a reasonable speaking pace. They should be able to read most words effortlessly and work out how to pronounce unfamiliar written words with increasing automaticity. 

They should be reading widely and frequently, outside as well as in school, for pleasure and information. They should be able to read silently, with good understanding, inferring the meanings of unfamiliar words, and then discuss what they have read.

By the end of Year 6, students’ reading and writing should be sufficiently fluent and effortless for them to manage the general demands of the curriculum in Year 7 across all subjects, and there will continue to be a need for students to learn subject-specific vocabulary. 

Specific requirements for students to discuss what they are learning and to develop their wider skills in spoken language form part of the HAIS English curriculum. In Years 5 and 6, students’ confidence, enjoyment and mastery of language are extended through public speaking, performance, and debate.

x


Mathematics


Mathematics

STAGES 1 & 2

The principal focus of mathematics teaching in Years 1 and 2 at HAIS is to ensure that pupils develop confidence and mental fluency with whole numbers, counting, and place value. This involves working with numerals, words, and the four operations, including using practical resources (for example, concrete objects and measuring tools). At this stage, pupils develop their ability to recognise, describe, draw, compare and sort different shapes and use the related vocabulary. Teaching also involves using a range of measures to describe and compare different quantities, such as length, mass, capacity/volume, time and money. 

By the end of Year 2, pupils should know the number bonds to 20 and be precise in using and understanding place value. An emphasis on practice at this early stage will aid fluency. 

Pupils read and spell mathematical vocabulary at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge in Years 1 and 2.

STAGES 3-6

The principal focus of mathematics teaching in the upper primary school at HAIS is to ensure that students extend their understanding of the number system and place value to include larger integers. This will develop the connections that students make between multiplication and division with fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios.

At this stage, students develop their ability to solve a wide range of problems, including increasingly complex properties of numbers and arithmetic and problems demanding efficient written and mental calculation methods. 

By the end of Year 4, students should have memorised their multiplication tables up to and including the 12 multiplication tables and show precision and fluency in their work.

In Year 5, with this foundation in arithmetic, students are introduced to the language of algebra as a means for solving a variety of problems. Teaching geometry and measurement consolidates and extends knowledge developed in numbers. Students classify shapes with increasingly complex geometric properties and they learn the vocabulary needed to describe them.

By the end of Year 6, students are fluent in written methods for all four operations, including long multiplication and division and secure in working with fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Students can read, spell and pronounce mathematical vocabulary correctly.

x


Global
Perspectives


Global
Perspectives

STAGES 1-6

Global Perspectives is a unique, transformational programme that helps primary learners to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. It offers valuable opportunities to reinforce links and skills learnt in other subjects across the Cambridge Primary programme. 

The emphasis is on developing learners’ ability to think critically about a range of global issues where there is always more than one point of view. Learners study global topics relevant to them – for example, the environment, education and keeping healthy.

The key benefits and aims of the programme provide a comprehensive set of learning objectives detailing what learners should be able to do by the end of each stage. Learning objectives are divided into six main areas called ‘strands’, which run through every stage. Each strand corresponds to one of the following skills: 

    • Research
    • Analysis
    • Evaluation
    • Reflection
    • Collaboration
    • Communication

The skills are taught through a wide range of topics using a personal, local and global perspective.

Global Perspectives is taught through a series of Challenges. Each Challenge encourages learners to become independent, active and lifelong learners. They include activities that follow a dynamic learning approach to support the development of a particular skill. They also include guidance on how to encourage learners to consider and connect personal, local and global perspectives.

x


Science


Science

STAGES 1 & 2

The principal focus of science teaching in Years 1 and 2 at HAIS is to enable pupils to experience and observe phenomena, looking more closely at the natural and humanly constructed world around them. They are encouraged to be curious and ask questions about what they notice. They are supported to develop their understanding of scientific ideas by using different types of scientific enquiry to answer their own questions, including observing changes over a period of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out simple comparative tests, and finding things out using secondary sources of information. They begin to use simple scientific language to talk about what they have found out and communicate their ideas to a range of audiences in various ways. Most of the learning about science is done through the use of first-hand practical experiences. There is also some use of appropriate secondary sources, such as books, photographs, and videos. 

Pupils read and spell scientific vocabulary at a level consistent with their increasing word reading and spelling knowledge in Years 1 and 2.

STAGES 3-6

The principal focus of science teaching in the upper primary school at HAIS is to enable students to develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of scientific ideas. They will do this by systematically exploring and talking about their ideas, asking their own questions about scientific phenomena, and analysing functions, relationships, and interactions. They will encounter more abstract ideas and begin to recognise how these ideas help them to understand and predict how the world operates. They will also begin to recognise that scientific ideas change and develop over time. They will select the most appropriate ways to answer science questions using different types of scientific enquiry, including observing changes over different periods of time, noticing patterns, grouping and classifying things, carrying out comparative and fair tests, and finding things out using a wide range of secondary sources of information. Students will be able to draw conclusions based on their data and observations, use evidence to justify their ideas, and use their scientific knowledge and understanding to explain their findings. 

Students should read, spell, pronounce and use scientific vocabulary correctly.

x


Non-Core Subjects


Digital Literacy


Digital Literacy

The Cambridge Primary Digital Literacy curriculum enables learners to become accomplished users of digital tools and to understand the digital world that they are growing up in. Learners will develop the skills to create digital artefacts with increasing proficiency and sophistication. They will become equipped to join the digital world and will be increasingly able to make important decisions about their own safety and wellbeing.

x


S.T.E.M.


S.T.E.M.

STAGES 1 & 2

Children learn how to think imaginatively and talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making. They build on their early childhood experiences by investigating objects around them. They explore how familiar things work and talk about, draw and model their ideas and engage in long-term projects using a range of materials including digital resources. They learn how to design and make safely and how to start using STEM as part of their designing and making.

STAGES 3 -6

Children work on their own and as part of a team on a range of designing and making activities and long-term projects. They think about what products are used for and the needs of the people who use them. Students plan what must be done and identify what works well and what could be improved in their own and other people’s designs. They draw on knowledge and understanding from other areas of the curriculum and use digital resources in a range of ways.

x


Environmental Management


Environmental Management

Environmental Management is a great way for our students to learn about the Earth and how best to take care of our amazing planet. We are living in times of great change and we feel at HAIS that it is vital that students understand, care and respect the environment in which we live. 

During the year, we will be focusing on three overarching themes. These include waste management, biodiversity and green energy solutions. Through these themes, students will develop new understandings and insights into the world in which they live. We begin by focusing on our local community in the lower primary. In the upper primary, we move towards looking at issues on a global scale. 

We enjoy teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom for Environmental Management.  Our lessons focus on hands-on learning to inspire the students to be active global citizens and develop a love for our planet.

x


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. Establishing good patterns of exercise in school provides learners with the foundation of an active and healthy lifestyle.

What will students learn?

    • Increase confidence and move with increasing control, fluency and variety;
    • Improve 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.
x


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?

    • Learn will see themselves as artists and become increasingly reflective and independent;
    • Develop the skills needed to express ideas creatively and to communicate visually; and
    • Understand their place and the place of others in a creative, innovative and interconnected world.
x


Music


Music

Music fosters creativity and builds confidence. It helps learners express themselves and shows them the importance of communication as they learn to connect with other musicians and audiences.

Learners explore music as performers, composers and informed listeners. They make, understand and appreciate music from different cultures, times and places, helping them develop leadership and collaboration skills and self-confidence.

What will students learn?

    • Cultivate a joy of music through participating in meaningful and enjoyable experiences;
    • Develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to contribute as musicians;
    • Collaborate with others in purposeful and expressive ways through singing and playing instruments;
    • Nurture their individual and collective creativity; and
    • Use their growing knowledge to explore and generate unique, relevant and valuable music.
x


World Languages


World Languages

    • English as an Additional Language
    • Vietnamese as an Additional Language
    • French as an Additional Language
x

Tom Dowden

International Primary Learning Lead, International Year 5 Teacher

Tom Dowden

International Primary Learning Lead, International Year 5 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 12+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Journalism; Graduate Diploma of Education (middle years); Australian (QLD) Teacher Registration

After a career in journalism and public relations in London, Tom became focused on searching for a profession that would have more of a positive impact on society and would allow him to help others in a more direct manner. This naturally led him to the profession of teaching where he has happily provided his services for more than a decade. Tom discovered his passion for teaching early on and has been working ever since on a journey of lifelong learning with the children under his care as his sole inspiration. Students in their primary years of schooling are naturally curious about the world around them and Tom found that it was his responsibility to not only nurture this curiosity, but to expand on it and take it to levels the students never imagined.   

Throughout the course of his career and because of his background in journalism, Tom developed a desire to become an expert at teaching literacy. He sought the services of a literacy coach for 5 years to hone his craft and learn as much as he could about the explicit teaching of reading and writing. As a result, Tom has taught countless numbers of children to read, all of them with individual challenges and needs that needed to be met in order for them to access the incredible world of literacy. Tom inspires children to not only read to learn but to develop a lifelong passion for reading for pleasure.   

While Tom has become a specialised teacher of literacy, he is also devoted to providing the highest level of instruction in Mathematics and Science. He is passionate about the scientific methods of investigation, both inside and outside of school, and believes that Science has always been the driving force behind developing a better society. Unlike a lot of people, the heroes and inspirational people in Tom’s life have mainly been mathematicians and scientists. He believes Mathematics and Science should be taught practically, in a hands-on manner as much as possible, to excite students and to further develop that natural curiosity.

Tom has been working as the Learning Lead of the International Primary Sector for over a year now. During this time, he has built meaningful relationships with the students, parents and staff within the HAIS community. He continues to place students at the centre of everything he does at HAIS and is always available to speak to parents about issues surrounding education.

Fun Fact: Tom once held the Sgt. Pepper’s drum and some amplifiers belonging to Jimi Hendrix the day before helping to sell a £37 million painting. For more information, you’ll have to introduce yourself to Tom. 

x

Kerry Dowden

International Year 1 Teacher

Kerry Dowden

International Year 1 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor Teaching (major: Early Years), Diploma Early Childhood, Certificate Effective Guided Reading and fluency, Certificate Explicit Teaching Instruction

With a degree in teaching and extensive experience in early years education, Kerry was teaching in primary schools in Australia for 2½ years, prior to making the move to Vietnam to teach in an international school near Ho Chi minh City. After 3 years in Vietnam Kerry has been able to develop her skills in teaching diverse learners and has focused on continuing to build upon her experiences  in teaching instruction and in student centred support roles.

Kerry believes the aim of education is to prepare students for life. Education and a love of learning is something that is instilled in students from an early age. Education should initially focus on each individual, fostered through the promotion of positive self-esteem and the valuing of yourself and others. While teaching at HAIS, Kerry hopes to encourage students as lifelong learners and instill confidence and curiosity into each and every student she encounters.

Fun Fact:
As a child, Kerry spent a lot of her time sailing and camping on the local islands around South East Queensland. She continues to enjoy a life filled with adventure and outdoor activities as she instills her passion for discovery, curiosity and travel in her two young children. Kerry is wife of HAIS’ new Primary Learning Lead, Mr Thomas Dowden, and is proud to have children, Lily and Henry along for the journey in our HAIS community.

x

Vo Thi My Chau

International Year 1 Teaching Assistant

Vo Thi My Chau

International Year 1 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 4+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Foriegn Language – English, Certificate of Pedagogical Training and Age Three to Six Orientation Course

After graduation, Chau taught at an English centre before working at HAIS. She has been working as an Early Years Teaching Assistant for over 3 years. With her experience, Chau hopes she can help our students have the best education.

Fun Fact: Chau likes to plant trees in her free time.

x

Simone Kidd

International Year 2 Teacher

Simone Kidd

International Year 2 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Arts in Education

Simone completed her bachelor’s degree at Embury Institute in South Africa before beginning her journey abroad. From 2017 – 2020, she trained on and worked with the Cambridge curriculum at international schools in China and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Simone completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, Differentiation for Practice, Differentiation for Catch-up, Positive Relationships and the Teacher Development Programme.

Simone loves learning and obtaining new ways to reach higher and higher heights. She wants to teach and inspire her future students to be the best they can be by creating a fun, safe, and positive environment where her students can learn and express themselves. 

Fun Fact: Simone loves to sew, make crafts and paint in her spare time.

x

Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi

International Year 2 Teaching Assistant

Nguyen Thi Thu Nhi

International Year 2 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 2+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of English

English has brought another culture to Nhi, a new world where she would like to bring this language to others. To understand the language deeply and perfect her English, Nhi chose to become a TA and work in an international environment.

Nhi worked as a manager and GM assistant for 3 years before becoming an English teacher for Primary and Secondary students. She believes that she can manage students well, as well as provide the necessary support to class teachers, to best offer students the knowledge and skills they need for the future.

She prefers to use a “blended” learning style for her students because it allows her to explore many different teaching methods appropriate to the subject matter. In this way, her students become more excited about lessons.

Fun Fact: Nhi is an Aries who love pastel colours, including white. Her favourite foods are steak and pizza, with an ice-blended matcha on the side. She also loves travelling and reading.

x

Claire Ketcher

International Year 3 Teacher

Claire Ketcher

International Year 3 Teacher

Years of Teaching Experience: 10+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase; Honours Bachelor of Education Specialising in Learning Support and Remedial Education; South African Council of Education Teaching License

Claire loves working with children and has always been interested in education. Her Grade 4 teacher actually inspired her to become a teacher.

She has taught in a wide variety of schools in South Africa, America and now Vietnam. Being a global educator has shaped Claire’s teaching style in an ever-changing world. She allows her students the freedom to be who they are and become independent and self-motivated learners. Claire has learnt how vital it is to promote a growth mindset where critical and creative thinking is incorporated into daily learning. She chooses to focus on the holistic development of students to enable them to reach their full potential.

Fun Fact: Claire speaks Afrikaans, a language that is only spoken in South Africa.

x

Nguyen Thi Kim Chau

International Year 3 Teaching Assistant

Nguyen Thi Kim Chau

International Year 3 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 2+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Foriegn Language – English; Certificate in Pedagogy

Chau has nearly 2 years of experience working as a part-time and full-time English teacher at an English centre. Besides teaching English, she has had an opportunity to join and organise English clubs at some primary schools in Hoi An city. Chau has been working at HAIS since 2021 as a Teaching Assistant, which has opened a new door for her to approach a variety of cultures, teaching methods, knowledge and crucial skills in education.

Fun fact: Chau is an introverted person but she likes to have talkative friends.

x

Amanda Gustin

International Year 4 Teacher, General Coordinator, Swim Coach

Amanda Gustin

International Year 4 Teacher, General Coordinator, Swim Coach

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+
Degree & Certifications: Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Craft and Material Studies), Associate Degree in Arts (Art & General Education), TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate, Level 2 U.S. Masters Swimming Coach Certificate

Amanda developed an interest in teaching early as a water safety and first-responder instructor during her secondary and college years. Whilst undertaking her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, Amanda worked for four years coordinating the university’s student affairs programmes for student health, wellness and recreation – this work continued well after Amanda finalised her degree.

Since leaving the United States, Amanda has taught primary and secondary students in Korea, worked as the HAIS Learning Support teacher from 2019-2020 and spent a year as the HAIS Head of Administration from 2020-2021. During those years, she also completed her post-graduate degree in primary education. In addition, Amanda is proud to have founded the HAIS Swim Team, of which she is currently the Head Coach. 

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Amanda has completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, Preventing and Tackling Cyberbullying, Preventing Extremism and Radicalism, Sexual Exploitation and Grooming Awareness and Early Years SEN. Amanda also completed the SEND Inclusive Teaching programme and Cambridge Understanding Assessment courses. 

Amanda passionately believes that knowledge is the most valuable commodity that a person can possess and that learning can take many forms. Amanda has dedicated her life to instilling these learning values in younger generations. Although we all learn differently, the most important factor is that we always continue to learn.

Fun Fact: Amanda’s father was an army special forces instructor and growing up, he taught her defensive combatives, how to train and push the mind and body, wilderness survival, and respect and understanding of wildlife. Her father was continually teaching her, which instilled in her the desire to teach others.

x

Dam Thi Tinh

International Year 4 Teaching Assistant

Dam Thi Tinh

International Year 4 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 3+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Certificate of Pedagogy

Before becoming a Teaching Assistant  at HAIS, Tinh taught for one year as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) teacher in Da Nang. That time of learning and playing with children made her feel incredibly peaceful and happy. Tinh was captivated by their innocence and carefree personalities. She discovered what she wanted most was to accompany children on their path to finding their passions and dreams. This is her second year at HAIS and she feels that at HAIS, she and her colleagues are always supported and encouraged to develop personally and professionally.

Fun Fact: Tinh loves running – it helps her balance her emotions and find peace.

x

Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly

International Year 5 Teaching Assistant

Nguyen Thi Khanh Ly

International Year 5 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 3+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of French Language

Ly became a teacher because she loves working with children. After spending more than three years working in international schools, she realised that her goal with education is to learn by doing and hse hopes to instil the same values in her students

Fun Fact: Ly is amused that students have a question for everything and it’s usually “why?” – for example “Why can’t penguins fly?”

x

Emma Pook

International Year 6 Teacher, Debate Coach, Tennis Coach

Emma Pook

International Year 6 Teacher, Debate Coach, Tennis Coach

Years of Teaching Experience: 5+
Degree & Certifications: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English Language and Linguistics; Postgraduate in Education; Certificate in Coaching Debate

At university, Emma studied for a Bachelor of Arts Degree with majors in Psychology and English Language and Linguistics. She later went on to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Education. During her fourth year at university, she also coached tennis at a private boarding school. Starting in 2016, Emma taught for 3 years in South Africa before making the leap to Vietnam where she taught at an international school in Saigon from 2019-2020. While working in Saigon, she also accepted the role of Master of Ceremonies for school events. Emma completed a communications course to become a certified debating coach, as well as a special needs course to build and refresh her knowledge of special needs.

Under the HAIS Continuing Professional Development programme, Emma completed professional development training in Dyslexia Awareness, EAL for Classroom Teachers, SEND Inclusive Teaching Programme, Effective Self-Care, Differentiation for Catch-Up, Careers-Related Learning in Primary Schools, Positive Relationships and a Teacher Development Programme. 

Emma decided to become a teacher because she is passionate about education and making a difference in children’s lives. Her pedagogical philosophy consists of motivating students to become their best possible selves. Emma believes in education that encourages students to become solution-oriented thinkers that are passionate about making the world a better place. 

Fun Fact: During her school years, Emma played tennis very seriously and was chosen to represent a South African Tennis side in Scotland and England when she was in Year 11.

x

Huynh Thi Kim Van

International Year 6 Teaching Assistant

Huynh Thi Kim Van

International Year 6 Teaching Assistant

Years of Teaching Experience: 6+
Degree & Certifications: Certificate of Education TESOL

Van has been a private teacher for both English and Vietnamese languages for many years while living in Da Nang. This is her second year at HAIS and she feels that it has been a great year so far. She is looking forward to continuing to work with this wonderful school.

Fun fact: Van loves traveling, reading books, cooking and yoga. Thailand is the 40th country that she has visited so far and she cannot wait to see more of this beautiful world.

x


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.

x

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

x

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.

x

Le Gia Huy

Physical Education Teaching Assistant, Aquatics Manager

Le Gia Huy

Physical Education Teaching Assistant, Aquatics Manager

x

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.

x

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.

x

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.

x

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.

x

CONTACT US