Learning beyond the classroom.
It started with a simple question.
"What's something in the world that bothers you and what could you actually do about it?"
For our Year 6 students, that question became much more than a classroom discussion. It became the beginning of a journey that led to environmental initiatives, community partnerships, bake sales, and meaningful connections with local organisations across Hoi An.
As part of their Cambridge Global Perspectives projects, students discovered that learning is at its most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom and creates a positive impact in the real world.
From awareness to action
For one group, the focus was plastic waste.
Partnering with Not Just Plastic, students explored how everyday choices contribute to a much bigger environmental challenge. What initially seemed like a global issue soon became something much closer to home as they looked differently at water bottles, food packaging, and classroom waste.
Recycling bins were introduced throughout Upper and Lower Primary, encouraging students to collect suitable plastic from home and school. But the project was never about collecting the most plastic. It was about changing habits.
Students reminded one another to recycle. Families joined the conversation at
Learning beyond the classroom.
It started with a simple question.
“What’s something in the world that bothers you and what could you actually do about it?”
For our Year 6 students, that question became much more than a classroom discussion. It became the beginning of a journey that led to environmental initiatives, community partnerships, bake sales, and meaningful connections with local organisations across Hoi An.
As part of their Cambridge Global Perspectives projects, students discovered that learning is at its most powerful when it extends beyond the classroom and creates a positive impact in the real world.
From awareness to action
For one group, the focus was plastic waste.
Partnering with Not Just Plastic, students explored how everyday choices contribute to a much bigger environmental challenge. What initially seemed like a global issue soon became something much closer to home as they looked differently at water bottles, food packaging, and classroom waste.
Recycling bins were introduced throughout Upper and Lower Primary, encouraging students to collect suitable plastic from home and school. But the project was never about collecting the most plastic. It was about changing habits.
Students reminded one another to recycle. Families joined the conversation at home. Others proudly shared how they had already reduced their use of single use plastics by choosing reusable alternatives.
The project became a reminder that meaningful environmental change often begins with small, everyday decisions.
Building community through kindness
Another group chose to support families affected by the recent historic floods through Children’s Hope in Action (CHIA).
What began as a bake sale quickly became an opportunity to make a real difference. Together, the students raised VND 9,340,000 to support families in need.
The most memorable part of the project came after the fundraising. During their visit to CHIA, students spent time with children with disabilities, playing games, sharing conversations, and building genuine connections. It became a powerful reminder that meaningful support is not only about donations, but also about empathy, respect, and spending time with others.
“This is one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever been part of. We learned how to plan a bake sale, set prices, and raise money, but the best part was knowing that we were helping families affected by the recent historic floods. It made me realise how lucky I am to have a supportive family, a safe home, and that even small actions can make a difference.”
— Ingrid, Year 6
Compassion in action
A third group partnered with PAWs for Compassion, combining their love of animals with a desire to support the local community.
Through another successful bake sale, students raised VND 9,370,000 to help provide vaccinations for abandoned animals.
Visiting the shelter allowed students to see the direct impact of their efforts. Meeting the animals they had helped transformed fundraising from an activity into a personal experience, encouraging thoughtful conversations about responsibility, compassion, and the importance of animal welfare.
More than a school project. It’s learning beyond the classroom
Although each group focused on a different issue, they all shared the same purpose: identifying a challenge, working together to develop solutions, and taking meaningful action.
Along the way, students strengthened their research, communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills. More importantly, they discovered that even at a young age, they have the ability to make a positive contribution to the communities around them.
Perhaps that is the most valuable lesson of all.
Not simply that they completed a project.
But that they began to see themselves as people who can make a difference.
These are the experiences students carry with them long after a project has finished. Experiences that connect knowledge with empathy, encourage curiosity with purpose, and remind young people that meaningful change often begins with a single question.
At Hoi An International School, learning is about more than preparing students for exams. It’s about helping students become thoughtful, compassionate, and confident individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world around them.
