On the 29th November 2024, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training (DOET) held a conference to summarize 10 years of implementing Project 5695 (the Integrated English Program). This program was implemented in collaboration with EMG Education.

Project 5695, initiated in 2014 in HCMC, is a program for teaching Mathematics, Science, and English by integrating the Vietnamese and UK curricula. Over 10 years of implementation, the project has been assessed as groundbreaking and pioneering in the city's English teaching and learning efforts. It is considered a pillar for the city to effectively make English the second language in schools.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng stated that Project 5695 has closely adhered to the objectives of the Politburo's Resolution 29

Outstanding results of the Integrated English program

In his report at the conference, Deputy Director of DOET Nguyễn Quốc Bảo stated that the Integrated English Program was implemented in 2014. Since then, the number of students has gradually increased each year. Specifically, in 2014, there were only 18 schools in 3 districts with 600 students participating in the Integrated English Program. After 10 years of implementation, there are over 160 schools in 20 districts with over 30,000 students participating.

The results of the implementation of the Integrated English Program are clearly reflected in the quality of education. Specifically, the percentage of students achieving excellent grades at the primary level is over 93%, and at the secondary and high school levels, it is over 80%. The percentage of students obtaining Pearson Edexcel certificates is 86% at the primary level, 92% at the secondary level, and 96% at the high school level. Most students reach the corresponding levels according to 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework of the Ministry of Education and Training and Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Notably, 5 students achieved the highest scores in the world in Pearson Edexcel international certificate exams. 41 students were awarded the Outstanding Learners Awards by Pearson Edexcel International Examination Board for achieving the highest scores nationwide. 119 students were awarded the Excellence Awards by Pearson Edexcel International Examination Board for their outstanding achievements.

According to Ms. Nguyễn Phương Lan, CEO of EMG Education, the achievements over the past 10 years have demonstrated that Project 5695 is truly a solid foundation for making English the second language in schools. This is a model suitable for Vietnam's conditions and meets the trend of international integration. By participating in the program, students not only excel in knowledge but also confidently communicate and work in English, ready to compete fairly with international peers.

Ms. Lan cited that in 2023, nearly 1,000 students from the Integrated English Program participated in and performed well in Pearson Edexcel international high school certificate exams. These achievements are a testament to the success of Project 5695.

According to Ms. Nguyễn Phương Lan, practical experience shows that for the program to succeed, four key conditions must be ensured: a consistent, effective, and successful 'four-pillar' cooperation model; a team of excellent teachers; the development of a high-quality, internationally-standardized curriculum utilizing advanced technology; and the creation of a practical English application environment, learning anytime and anywhere, not limited to classroom hours.

The 'four-pillar’ cooperation model includes government, schools, businesses (trusted partners involved in teaching and implementing the program), and families (parents-students). This model has been highly effective in integrating English into the teaching of core subjects such as Mathematics and Science in English. The cooperation and consensus of these four pillars bring consistency and sustainability to the program, and it is also a prerequisite for the program to be expanded in the future.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Thuong, Deputy Minister of Education and Training (third from right) and Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy (second from left) presented certificates of merit to Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City and EMG Education

Project 5695 closely follows the goals of Resolution 29

At the conference, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng assessed that the implementation of Project 5695 in Ho Chi Minh City was very timely, reflecting the strategic foresight of the city's leadership. The project has implemented very specific objectives of the Central Committee's Resolution 29 on the fundamental and comprehensive renovation of education and training, and its effectiveness has been proven in practice.

The Deputy Minister stated that the project brings '6 benefits' to Ho Chi Minh City: Students are improved in their competencies and qualities; Teachers are enhanced in their professional skills; Schools are strengthened with facilities and equipment; Management staff benefit from students' academic results and qualities; Parents gain joy and trust in education and in the government; The education sector gains another model for improving educational quality, socialization, and public-private cooperation.

In the future, Deputy Minister Phạm Ngọc Thưởng suggested that Ho Chi Minh City continue to consider expanding the number of schools and classes implementing the model. Based on the experience of implementing Mathematics and Science in English, the city should consider expanding to other subjects as conditions permit, in accordance with Conclusion No. 91 of the Politburo, to gradually make English the second language in schools.

He also suggested that other provincial and municipal Departments of Education and Training replicate the model and choose suitable partners.

'Currently, the Ministry has advised the Government to issue a program to implement Conclusion No. 91 and is also developing a specific plan to gradually make English the second language in schools. To implement Conclusion No. 91, the Ministry has initially proposed solutions: policy mechanisms; facilities solutions; workforce solutions, including new training; socialization and international cooperation solutions. Project 5695 is a model of socialization and international cooperation, public-private partnership; a lesson in teaching and assessment methods, not just teaching English as a foreign language but teaching English as a language,' Mr. Thưởng explained.

However, Deputy Minister Phạm Ngọc Thưởng also noted that when implementing, solutions must be synchronized, but not necessarily uniformly applied.

A lesson by native teachers under Project 5695

Continue implementing the project in the near future

Speaking at the conference on behalf of the city's leadership, Deputy Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Trần Thị Diệu Thuý commended the determination of the Department of Education and Training and their partner, EMG Education.

Ms. Thúy acknowledged that the success of Project 5695 stemmed primarily from the consensus of parents and the determined perseverance of teachers, the school administration, and the decisive leadership of the Department of Education and Training in enhancing students' English proficiency.

However, she noted that the number of students participating in the program is still limited, and reliance on native teachers poses a challenge in its implementation.

Deputy Chairman Trần Thị Diệu Thuý stated that the city agrees to allow the education sector to continue implementing the project and requested the Department of Education and Training to study expanding the program to increase access for more students, increasing the number of students participating and the number of subjects taught in English.

Additionally, she suggested researching additional training forms with lower participation fees, where teachers could be Vietnamese but have equivalent qualifications.

Source: Government Electronic Newspaper (Ho Chi Minh City section)