Gradually making English the second language in Vietnamese schools is an ambitious but very much necessary direction.

A science experiment in an Integrated English Program lesson

On the 29th November 2024, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training (DOET) held a conference to review the 10-year implementation of the project “Teaching and Learning Mathematics, Science, and English Integrated with the Vietnamese and British Programs” (Integrated English Program - Project 5695) as part of the Decision No. 5695/QD-UBND.

Breakthrough project

In the picture of Vietnam's educational innovation, Ho Chi Minh City consistently asserts its pioneering position with breakthrough initiatives.

Mr. Trịnh Đình Thảo, Vice Principal of Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, affirmed that the implementation of Project 5695 is truly necessary. It helps students from early on to develop the ability to use English for academic activities and research, laying the foundation for the students’ future study as life-long learners.

At the same time, students have the opportunity to use English in various contexts and for many purposes, allowing the use of English as a second language to develop naturally.

According to DOET, in the 10 years of implementation, the academic results of students participating in Project 5695 have consistently been very positive, especially in Mathematics and Science.

The percentage of students achieving excellent grades in periodic and final exams in Mathematics and Science in English always ranges from 85% to 90%.

In Primary, more than 93% of students achieve good or excellent grades; at the secondary and high school levels, more than 80% of students achieve good or excellent grades.

Conference celebrating 10 years of implementing the project “Teaching and Learning Mathematics, Science, and English Integrated with the Vietnamese and British Programs”

Additionally, over the 10 years of implementation, many students of the program have achieved high results in international examinations, specifically in the Edexcel international qualifications.

For instance, 5 students achieved the highest scores in the world in the Pearson Edexcel international certificate exams; 41 students were awarded the Outstanding Learners Awards by Pearson Edexcel for achieving the highest scores nationwide; 119 students were awarded the Excellence Awards by Pearson Edexcel for their outstanding achievements, etc.

Over the 10 years of implementation, the project is considered a breakthrough 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.

Mr. Nguyễn Bảo Quốc, Deputy Director of DOET, spoke at the conference

The success of this pioneering model will create a strong foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to make English the second language in schools, as required by Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW, dated August 12, 2024, of the Politburo, continuing to implement Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW, dated November 4, 2013, of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party “On fundamental and comprehensive renovation of education and training, meeting the requirements of industrialization and modernization in the context of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration.”

An important basis for expansion

According to Ms. Nguyễn Phương Lan, CEO of EMG Education, the Integrated English Program under Project 5695 is designed to ensure the objectives and standards of the Vietnamese education program and the Pearson Edexcel standards of the United Kingdom for Mathematics, English, and Science subjects so that students can achieve the learning goals of both programs.

"As a result, students not only grasp the knowledge as required in the Vietnam national curriculum but also the learning outcomes of the international curriculum, helping them develop comprehensively and be ready for the global learning and working environment," said Ms. Nguyễn Phương Lan.

A unique aspect is the seamless integration across educational levels, from primary to high school, ensuring students have a coherent and continuous learning pathway.

The program not only focuses on knowledge but also sets clear bechmarking standards, when students can take international examinations such as Pearson Edexcel, PEIC, ACT...

These certificates not only assess students' English proficiency but also demonstrate their ability to apply the language in academic and professional fields.

According to DOET, the implementation of Project 5695 is not just about improving the quality and efficiency of teaching English in general. It also acts as an example of the strategic solutions for Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW to help promote making English the second language in schools, getting the students ready for the global stage.

Ms. Nguyễn Phương Lan, CEO of EMG Education, spoke at the conference

Speaking at the summary conference, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng emphasized that after 10 years of implementation, the project has proven to be effective and sustainable in practice.

Based on the program's success, the Deputy Minister suggested that, given the current situation, Ho Chi Minh City's education sector should expand to more schools, increase the number of classes, and add more subjects to be taught and learned in English.

Other local Departments of Education and Training should replicate this model to gradually make English the second language in schools.

Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng spoke at the conference

According to Deputy Minister Phạm Ngọc Thưởng, Project 5695 was implemented in a timely manner, achieving its objectives. It reflects the foresight of Ho Chi Minh City's leadership and the determination and boldness of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training.

This result motivates the effective implementation of gradually making English the second language in schools, immediately following Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW of the Politburo.

Source: Nhân Dân News