VietNamNet Bridge – After over 100 years, Quoc Hoc Hue (Hue National School) remains intact.

The Hue National School is probably Vietnam's most historic school and it's a wonderful French era complex of buildings and grounds that retain all of their old world charm.

The school was built on the site of a former squadron headquarter – a royal navy headquarters (1806 or the 5th year of Gia Long’s Reign).

It was founded pursuant to the royal decree dated September 17, 1896 (the 8th year of Thanh Thai Reign) and the decree on November 18, 1896 of the French Resident-Superior in Indochina.

In March 1990, the Hue National School was recognized as the national historical and cultural monument. Opposite to the school gate is the National School Stele, one of the historic monuments built in early 20th century, to commemorate the French and Vietnamese soldiers who sacrificed to help France fight the Germans in the First World War.

Hue National School was founded in order to train those who would serve the feudal colonial government, so in the study curricula French was the main subject.

Established under the reign of Thanh Thai King 1986, it was named Ecole Primaire Superieur but also called Quoc Hoc, Khai Dinh High School (1936-1954), Ngo Dinh Diem High School (1955 -1956) then Quoc Hoc since 1956 until now.

After more than 100-year history, Quoc Hoc today is still a well-maintained French colonial-style construction. The school is a complex of five blocks of classrooms, big football field, basketball court, five badminton courts, a swimming pool, a medium stadium and also a block of dormitory. 

It’s considered the largest and also the most beautiful high school campus in Vietnam. This surrounding makes a great picture of red French designed building in harmony with green background of a lot of large shady trees and stone benches. Especially in spring, when “diep anh dao” (a kind of cherry blossoms) is in bloom, the whole picture is filled with pinky dots above red thatched tile. Students often call that period of time “Pinky cloud season” and regard it as the most special moments of a year. 

Not only is Quoc Hoc famous for its charming scene, it also gains prominence for tradition of patriotism, industriousness, academic achievements and respect for the time-honored values of teacher-student relationships. 

Several Vietnam political leaders have been learning here, including: Nguyen Tat Thanh (President Ho Chi Minh), General Vo Nguyen Giap, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, etc. 

In addition, the school is famed for its students who are well-known poets (Xuan Dieu, Huy Can, To Huu, Luu Trong Lu etc.), scientists (Ta Quang Buu, Ton That Tung, Dang Van Ngu, etc.), musicians (Tran Hoan, Chau Ky, Nguyen Van Thuong, etc.) or sculptor Diem Phung Thi and so on.

Vnonline/VNE