With the approval of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Department of Education and Training (DOET) of Ho Chi Minh City has implemented the program “Teaching and Learning Mathematics, Science, and English Integrating the UK and Vietnamese Curricula.” EMG Education serves as the implementing unit, with learning outcomes aligned to the Edexcel standards of Pearson Education (UK).
After more than a year of applying this integrated program to selected primary and lower secondary grades at 60 schools across Ho Chi Minh City, it has received highly positive feedback from school administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Consequently, in the 2016–2017 academic year, more schools have confidently registered to adopt the program, creating a widespread and positive educational effect that contributes to improving teaching quality and overall training outcomes.
A Highlight in the New Educational Approach
Tran Binh Trong Primary School (District 5) has implemented the Integrated English Program for one academic year. Initially, there were certain difficulties as parents had access to various information sources but did not fully understand the program. From the beginning, the school organized information sessions to build trust and clarify details with parents.
Principal Nguyen Thi Kim An shared: “Our school successfully launched two integrated classes, and throughout the year, students have made remarkable progress in listening and comprehension. They listen well and pronounce accurately because they receive eight English lessons per week — including four English language classes and four Math and Science lessons taught in English by foreign teachers. This helps them become more confident, proactive, and communicative. The foreign teachers have strong pedagogical expertise and modern teaching methods. They convey lessons effectively through visuals and interactive games that enhance memory retention. I believe this program has great potential for expansion. In the 2016–2017 academic year, our school will continue to implement it.”
Students from Integrated Class 1/2 at Tran Binh Trong Primary School (District 5)
At Ho Van Hue Primary School (Phu Nhuan District), the 2015–2016 academic year also marked the implementation of two integrated classes with 44 students. Principal Truong Quoc Hung noted: “Initially, many parents were hesitant, worrying about their children’s ability to absorb lessons and mistaking this program for those offered by language centers. However, after a year of study, they realized how engaging it is. Students not only learn English as a subject but also study Math and Science in English. To ensure success, the homeroom teachers work closely with the integrated program instructors to help students master both content and language skills.”
Positive Outcomes Across Districts
“District 9 is a suburban area where residents face certain economic challenges,” said Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, Head of the District 9 Department of Education and Training.
“However, being home to the Hi-Tech Park, the district requires a workforce with strong qualifications. Therefore, introducing the Integrated English Program from the primary and lower secondary levels will help students develop both language proficiency and cognitive skills. This is a modern program that enhances students’ language abilities while fostering their thinking, character, and competencies. We hope to bring this program to schools where conditions allow, offering opportunities for interested parents and students.”
For the 2016–2017 school year—the first year District 9 officially launched the program—the district education office surveyed schools with suitable facilities and sufficient parent demand. The program is expected to be implemented at three primary schools (Le Van Viet, Bui Van Moi, and Phuoc Binh) and two lower secondary schools (Hoa Lu and Tran Quoc Toan), all meeting national infrastructure standards.
Ms. Hien added:
“Although the program was not yet implemented in 2015–2016, information about it reached many parents and attracted great interest. We expect strong participation once the program officially starts in our district.”
Many schools have proactively registered to implement the Integrated English Program. Photo: Hồng Lợi
In District 6, which has 10 lower secondary schools and 18 primary schools, the plan for 2016–2017 is to launch the Integrated English Program at five schools for each level. Class sizes will depend on student registration.
Luu Hong Uyen, Head of the District 6 DOET, shared:
“After studying how other districts implemented the program in 2015–2016, I found its effectiveness very high. It meets parents’ and students’ expectations for English learning. Students not only speak fluently but also use English as a tool to learn Math, Science, and Social Studies. I hope this program will meet the district’s integration and development goals. The district office has coordinated with the city DOET and EMG Education to ensure smooth implementation and to inform school principals of both primary and lower secondary levels.”
Long-Term Vision
The Integrated English Program is academically rigorous and designed for long-term student benefits. It ensures a seamless transition between education levels while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and practical application of knowledge. Students develop comprehensive skills and outstanding English proficiency.
Initially piloted for Grade 1 and Grade 6 students in select schools across Ho Chi Minh City, the program allows students meeting enrollment requirements to continue through all levels of general education. Accordingly, primary students will be routed to lower secondary schools offering the integrated program to ensure academic continuity.
Teachers and students of Nguyen Du Secondary School (District 1) during an Integrated English lesson. Photo: Hồng Lợi
Nguyen Du Lower Secondary School (District 1) is among the first ten schools to adopt the program. Principal Le An explained: “For sixth graders, adapting to a new environment and learning style was challenging at first. However, they quickly adjusted and showed steady academic improvement. After two years of implementation, I find the program highly suitable for students’ abilities. By combining the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training curriculum with the UK national curriculum in Math, English, and Science, students not only develop strong language skills but also effectively apply knowledge in real life.”
According to Ms. An, after three semesters, many parents reported that their children had made significant progress in English and teamwork skills. Their thinking and practical skills have also improved. The school hopes to organize more experiential activities to encourage creativity and applied learning.
Reflecting on one year of implementation in District 1, M.A. Le Thi Binh, Head of the District 1 DOET, observed: “Educational quality depends on many factors, and curriculum is a major one. After over a year of applying the Integrated English Program, I can say that our students have become more confident, developed better communication skills, and show greater enthusiasm for integrated English lessons. In recent assessments, most students have met the program’s expected learning outcomes.”
Ms. Binh also explained that the district follows citywide student placement policies. Primary students who previously studied under the Cambridge program and wish to continue with the Integrated English Program at lower secondary level may apply for out-of-zone admission. These students must take placement tests to ensure readiness for the integrated curriculum.
The Integrated English Program has full legal approval for implementation. Throughout its rollout, schools have received clear and timely guidance from the Ho Chi Minh City DOET.
Students enrolled in this program not only meet the academic standards set by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training but also achieve internationally recognized outcomes.
By Hong Loi – Vo Tham | Source: SGGP Online
