VietNamNet Bridge – A model of advanced schools in which students learn soft skills, English and computer skills in a modern facility has been expanded to nine more public schools after approval by the HCM City People’s Committee.

Vang Anh Kindergarten in District 5 was one of HCM City’s 24 public schools implementing a so-called advanced model last year.

The schools include four primary schools: Bau Sen, Vo Thi Sau, Le Duc Tho and Tan Son Nhi; two kindergartens: Hoa Dao and Anh Dao; and three secondary schools: Ly Thanh Tong, Nguyen Chi Thanh and Phan Van Tri. They are located in districts 5, 8, 12, Go Vap and Tan Phu.

The advanced model was implemented in 24 public schools in the last academic year.

Students at Nguyen Hien, Nguyen Du and Le Quy Don high schools have benefited from the model for the last 10 years.

These schools closely follow the Ministry of Education and Training’s training programme which focuses on reducing academic theory and increasing the number of classes to develop students’ aptitudes, soft skills and English.

At the kindergarten level, for instance, there are two additional classes develop 10 motor skills, two English classes with native English-speaking teachers, and outdoor activities during the school year.

Primary students in the advanced model study subjects in the curriculum from the Ministry of Education and Training in the morning, and soft skills and aptitude in the afternoon.

Chung Minh Bao, principal of Chau Van Liem Primary School in District 6, told the Giao Duc Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (HCM City Education) newspaper that the school must meet national standards of education accreditation and have modern facilities for teaching and learning.

The school’s teachers also must be placed above the Ministry of Education and Training’s standards, while the number of students in each classroom is no more than 30.

Ha Huu Thach, principal at Le Quy Don High School in District 3, which has carried out the model for 10 years, said the school’s students were good at English and had good skills which would help them if they studied abroad.

The school is one of the country’s top schools with students who have high scores on the national high school graduation exam.

Students at the school benefit from advanced methodologies, he said, adding that the school has co-operated with others in the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand.

Its teachers have been sent to other countries to update their knowledge and methodologies, while the students have experience in studying in other countries in spring and summer.

Many parents have visited the schools with the advanced model, such as Vang Anh Kindergarten in District 5 and Chau Van Liem Primary School, to register for the new school year, although the enrollment period has not begun.

VNS