The Integrated Bilingual Primary Programme at HAIS combines the teaching of subjects in Vietnamese, in line with the regulations set by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam (MOET), with subjects from the Cambridge International curriculum. This approach fosters a diverse, inclusive, and cohesive environment where students can embrace their own identity while respecting the values of other cultures.

This comprehensive educational programme places significant emphasis on developing Vietnamese language skills for both communication and academic purposes. Beyond enhancing linguistic abilities, the programme also strengthens students’ mathematical thinking and offers rich insights into historical events, significant landmarks, and local culture—covering Vietnam as a whole and each region in particular.

A distinctive feature of the Integrated Bilingual Programme at HAIS is its dedication to honouring Vietnamese national identity while promoting global cultures in a balanced manner. On one hand, the programme emphasizes the preservation and celebration of the mother tongue, Vietnamese, enabling students to deeply appreciate traditional cultural values. On the other hand, it also provides access to the English language and other outstanding international subjects, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to become global citizens, while ensuring that their Vietnamese identity remains an integral part of who they are.

The programme builds upon the foundational knowledge provided by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, with flexible adaptations to suit students’ varying levels and engagement in dynamic learning activities, including those with diverse linguistic backgrounds. The programme aims to highlight students’ strengths in a vibrant, integrated, and diverse learning environment. Students are encouraged to engage in an array of activities both inside the classroom and within the community. This not only fosters a solid foundation of knowledge but also empowers students to apply their learning in real-world situations, enhancing their skills through the rich experience of the Vietnamese language.

Teachers play a crucial role not only in imparting knowledge but also in nurturing a love for the Vietnamese language and culture. This helps instill a sense of pride in their heritage and empowers students to showcase Vietnam’s strengths on the global stage.

A significant advantage of this programme is that students with Vietnamese nationality receive a thorough grounding in the Vietnamese Education and Training Program, which opens up various educational pathways after they graduate from Integrated Primary School at HAIS. Moreover, those who continue their studies at HAIS will further enhance their Vietnamese language skills, positioning themselves advantageously in a global context. This proficiency in Vietnamese becomes a valuable asset, providing them with numerous opportunities for the future.

For the 2024-2025 school year, HAIS will continue to offer this program with an enhanced emphasis on developing core Vietnamese language skills across all levels, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum will be tailored to students’ ages, incorporating relevant Vietnamese knowledge that is aligned with their developmental stages. In addition to the standard curriculum, students will have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities designed to nurture their talents in both the arts and information technology.

To fulfil their personal goals in any educational programme, it is crucial for each student to have the support of both their family and the school, as these two elements are interconnected. This collaboration is particularly crucial for “mixed” students, who will benefit from consistent Vietnamese communication at home with parents, friends, and teachers. This practice not only improves their language skills but also fosters the development of natural language reflexes.

As the Learning Team Leader and a teacher in the Integrated Bilingual Programme at HAIS, I am committed to nurturing students’ linguistic abilities and emotional growth through our Vietnamese lessons. My goal is to ensure that each student reaches their full potential in both language proficiency and personal development.

Ms Nguyễn Thị Chung Hà

Vietnamese Studies Learning Lead