Becoming a global citizen with Vietnamese perspective

By Mark Jonathan Sayer - Principal, British Vietnamese International School Hanoi

This is just as true for students of other nationalities, who learn in an enhanced Vietnamese cultural and linguistic context as for Vietnamese, who are developing awareness of their own language and heritage. The benefit of learning multiple languages and the cognitive agility that this engenders makes the education at BVIS something unique but also accessible.

Students now require four elements as they move through schooling to the workplace. These are often referred to as the four C’s: critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. Any schooling worth its salt will develop high levels of knowledge, but at the same time strongly develop these skills. In the acquisition of these factors, students are future-proofed and enabled to move seamlessly between institutions and cultures whilst remaining connected to their own culture.

They do not challenge their intrinsic identity, but their approach in taking their place in the world, with enhanced values and a strong foundation of nationality and culture. It is how these four factors are delivered, and by whom, that matters.

All research points towards wellbeing as a foundational plank in the success of children. Students learn best when they are happy, respected, and listened to. An environment that recognises their worth and provides them with a safe culture to express their ideas brings about confident, expressive learners. Classroom time with these essential elements embedded provides a platform for the development of independent learners who are intrinsically motivated.

Independent learning is key, and providing what we call head space allows for the exploration of ideas. Homework, or independent study, of course has its place, but not as a time-filler. It is a key opportunity for students to explore their own understanding and to develop ideas, not just for marks and grades but for the joy of consolidating understanding.

A stimulating learning environment encourages students to explore and apply knowledge

Enquiry-based learning

It is for this reason that enquiry-based learning is gaining such traction. Students generally enjoy working together creatively, piecing together complementary strands of knowledge into themes, and sharing thoughts and opinions on the topic. The critical thinking element of the four C’s comes in the evaluation of the significance of knowledge, not just in the knowledge itself. It is not what young people know but what they do with what they know that matters most. It provides meaningful context to learning and activities based around that learning.

Much work has been done by Cambridge Assessment International Examinations to develop partnerships in Vietnamese public and private schools and with universities here in Vietnam. This is to be applauded. The programme is robust and widely-respected within schools for its ability to develop expansive thinking and rigour.

In addition, universities appreciate its approach to help students develop the necessary critical thinking skills and collaboration that underpin university education. At this current stage of Vietnam’s development, many of these courses will be delivered by teachers who have yet to gain the necessary experience or track record of success. Of course, this will come. But parents seeking this path for their children need to assess this carefully in advance.

Vietnamese students who graduate from a Cambridge International A-Level curriculum have their qualifications recognised by some of the world’s leading tertiary education institutions. Many top universities throughout the world give credits to students who study A-Levels, meaning that they are recognising the validity and rigour of the courses when compared to university degrees embarked upon by students who often have not gone through this demanding educational journey.

Because of the development of critical thinking skills, students will be more able to make decisions about the trajectory of their own university courses and careers. It is this aspect of responsibility-taking that enables students to get the most out of these university years. Many international schools like BVIS have provided students with significant consultancy from the University Guidance Counsellor to guide students and their parents through the demands of the university application process.

All BVIS Hanoi graduates are accepted to international universities

A global citizen with the awareness of national values will have significant advantage to make a difference

The beyond-traditional education at BVIS provides students with all necessary skills to thrive in the 21st century

Acquiring self-knowledge

Appreciating the interests, achievements, and direction of each student, the University Guidance Counsellor at international schools like BVIS can offer the best support in a way that outsourcing to a consultant service, who does not know the individual students and parents, cannot.

The four factors mentioned, in our view, lead to a fifth and highly significant C-word, and that is confidence. Any great school will invest heavily in facilities that support the pedagogical approach. Budgets are not infinite and careful consideration must inevitably be given to provide maximum benefit.

It is for this reason that facilities which support STEAM (for the delivery of cross-curricular science, technology, design, maths, and the performing arts) are key features for helping students make sense of their learning and to transform their learning beyond just the traditional, into contexts that bring meaning and pleasure to learning.

For a student to keep a deep sense of pride in who they are as Vietnamese citizens and take their place in a fast-moving and swiftly changing global environment requires agility of mind and heart, coupled with a deep self-knowledge and respect. We firmly believe that at The British Vietnamese International School, the combination of excellent teaching, right pedagogy, and enhanced facilities provide students with just the right environment to thrive.