International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC): The Paragon of Vietnam’s Educational Excellence
The ability Thirty years ago, Vietnam stood at the edge of a new chapter. Cities grew taller, industries expanded, and the country opened its doors to fresh ideas. Yet, education remained largely unchanged, rooted in tradition, shaped by familiar methods. The world was moving forward, and the next generation needed something different. They needed a place that didn’t just prepare them for exams but equipped them to think, question, and create.
At a time when international education in Vietnam
was still an idea, a bold experiment took shape. The first IB World School in
the country was a shift in mindset. Classrooms became spaces for debate,
learning extended beyond textbooks, and students were encouraged to explore
knowledge rather than memorize it. What started as the International Grammar
School with a handful of students is now InternationalSchool Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), a thriving community of over 1,500
learners from 60+ nationalities, pushing boundaries and shaping the future.
Transcending
Tradition with Innovation
ISHCMC has embraced technology, integrating it
seamlessly into every subject. Students engage in coding,
filmmaking, digital art, and design technology, developing essential skills for
future success. Design and critical thinking are embedded in the daily
curriculum, equipping students with the entrepreneurial and leadership skills
required in today’s world.
Furthermore, ISHCMC remains at the forefront of
educational innovation. The school is actively trialing two AI projects, one
through its Cognita network and another in partnership with University College
London (UCL). These initiatives empower both teachers and students to leverage
the latest technological advancements, ensuring they are well-prepared for the
future. By continuously adapting and innovating, ISHCMC remains dedicated to
providing an unparalleled educational experience that equips students with the
skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world.
Fostering a Lifelong Love of Learning
At ISHCMC, a lifelong love of learning is ignited by
fostering an environment where curiosity thrives and students are empowered to
take an active role in their educational journey. The school is committed to
nurturing the innate wonder within each child, ensuring they feel valued,
respected, and inspired to explore and discover.
Across all grade levels, ISHCMC cultivates this love of
learning through an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to ask
questions, delve deeper, and connect their learning to the world around them.
From hands-on projects and play-based exploration in the Early Years, inspired
by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, to the real-world application of concepts
within the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP) in
Secondary, students experience the joy of discovery and the excitement of
understanding.
Passionate educators at ISHCMC serve as mentors and guides,
sharing their own love of learning while providing personalized support. They
create a collaborative and inclusive community where students feel safe to take
risks, ask questions, and embrace the challenges of intellectual growth. By
fostering a sense of wonder and making learning relevant and engaging, ISHCMC
equips students not only with knowledge but also with a deep and enduring
passion for learning that will serve them throughout their lives.
Cultivating Resilient
Minds and Empowered Hearts
ISHCMC's bespoke wellbeing curriculum, Positive ISHCMC
(POSISH), is designed to empower students to thrive academically, socially, and
digitally. Inspired by the work of Professor Martin Seligman, Positive
Education focuses on cultivating positive emotions, character strengths, and
meaningful connections among students. By promoting mental well-being,
happiness, and joy, Positive Education helps reduce behavioral issues while
enhancing academic success.
Built on three core pillars, Social Emotional Learning,
Digital Citizenship, and Comprehensive Sexuality Education, POSISH encompasses
seven key domains, including balance, identity, and emotional intelligence. The
program is aligned with international standards from the UNCRC,
POSISH is a pioneering initiative designed to cultivate
responsible, empathetic, and confident global citizens. By fostering academic
success and social-emotional well-being, the program equips students with the
skills needed to thrive in school, relationships, and the digital world.
Teachers at ISHCMC go above and beyond to ensure students
engage in hands-on learning with real-world applications. In a recent Grade 10
Individuals and Societies lesson, students dressed as world leaders and
re-enacted the 1945 Yalta Conference, bringing history to life through creative
role-playing. Divided into opposing sides, students demonstrated a deep
understanding of the historical context and relevance of the nations they
represented, while applying critical thinking skills to formulate insightful
responses to their counterparts.
In the primary years, inquiry-led learning takes center stage,
encouraging students to explore, question, and connect their learning to the
world around them. Through immersive and interactive experiences, ISHCMC
fosters an environment where students actively engage with complex concepts,
develop problem-solving skills, and cultivate a deeper understanding of global
perspectives.
Pioneering Endless
Pathways
At ISHCMC, lessons are designed to be clear, engaging, and
accessible to all students. Teachers continually assess and refine their
differentiated instruction strategies to ensure they meet the varied needs of
each student. Instruction is tailored to provide multiple entry points for
students to engage with content, allowing them to connect with learning in
diverse ways.
To support students with varying strengths, teachers
incorporate a range of instructional strategies. For students who benefit from
visual support, educators use tools like graphic organizers, anchor charts,
written step-by-step instructions, and checklists to enhance clarity and
organization. Verbal repetition, strategic questioning, and clear explanations
are employed to ensure concepts are understood by all students, reinforcing key
ideas and ensuring accessibility through language.
For those who thrive on active engagement, teachers design
learning experiences that include movement-based activities, hands-on
experiences, and collaborative problem-solving, offering opportunities for
students to learn through doing and interacting.
In this way, ISHCMC’s approach to differentiation ensures
that every student has the tools, support, and encouragement they need to
thrive, regardless of their individual learning preferences or backgrounds.
With personalized support, ISHCMC ensures that every student
receives the guidance they need to succeed. By fostering an inclusive learning
environment, the school empowers students to develop confidence in their
abilities and reach their full potential.
Tailored Pathways to
Global Opportunities
From Grade 10, ISHCMC students receive tailored guidance from
teachers, Future Pathways Counselors, and IBDP students to ensure informed
subject choices. With a selection of over 34 subjects, students have the
opportunity to personalize their learning to align with their individual
university trajectories.
Once completed, these profiles are made accessible to a
network of participating universities, allowing institutions to proactively
identify and contact students whose profiles align with their academic programs
and admission criteria. This approach enhances traditional application methods
by increasing student visibility and expanding university opportunities. The
platform acts as a matchmaker, connecting students with institutions that best
fit their aspirations, helping them explore options they may not have
previously considered.
In addition to this structured guidance, the IBDP’s core
components, such as the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, foster critical
thinking and research skills essential for university success. Many ISHCMC
graduates report that their first year of university felt seamless due to the
strong academic foundation and skills developed through the IB program at
ISHCMC.
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Amplifying Voices that Matter
Cultural understanding and inclusion are fundamental at ISHCMC, where a diverse community of students and staff represents over 60 countries. This year, the school has reinforced its commitment to inclusivity by formally integrating it as a core value within the I.C.A.R.E. framework, alongside Curiosity, Achievement, Resilience, and Empathy.
As part of this initiative, ISHCMC has introduced its
inclusion value statement: "We
champion inclusion: By valuing and engaging diverse perspectives, experiences,
and strengths, we create opportunities for everyone to contribute and
thrive." This statement is actively embedded in teaching practices and
community engagement to ensure an environment where all voices are valued.
Embedding International Mindedness
At ISHCMC, international mindedness is not a standalone initiative or an annual theme,it's embedded deeply into the culture and everyday fabric of the school. Moving well beyond the traditional “Food, Flags, and Festivals” approach, ISHCMC has intentionally cultivated a learning environment where intercultural understanding is not an add-on, but a foundational principle that guides how students learn, how staff collaborate, and how the community engages.
International mindedness is woven into learning standards and assessment frameworks, ensuring that students aren’t just exposed to diverse perspectives; they develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Educators at ISHCMC model international mindedness daily, through the books they choose, the languages they value, the global issues they surface in discussions, and the inclusive tone they set in classrooms and hallways. Students are consistently encouraged to explore multiple perspectives, collaborate across differences, and reflect critically on their roles as global citizens.
In essence, international mindedness at ISHCMC is not an occasional experience, it is a lived experience. It shapes who the students are becoming and reflects the long-standing commitment of the school community to nurture ethically grounded learners who thrive in diverse contexts.
Fostering a Sense of
Community Engagement
Students at ISHCMC have access to a diverse range of
co-curricular activities from Primary through Grade 12. Dedicated Service as Action clubs for Grades 6–10
and Creativity, Activity, and Service
(CAS) groups provide opportunities for students to make a meaningful impact
on their communities.
From organizing dance performances to raise funds for
charitable causes to constructing libraries in public schools, ISHCMC students
actively engage in social impact initiatives.
At the(ISHCMC)
For over 15 years, the SRT has served as a vital platform for
student voice at ISHCMC. Meeting weekly during lunch, students plan and execute
projects that give back to both the school and local communities. The SRT is
structured into focused teams, including the Community Outreach Team, which
recently led a successful Tet Food Drive to support the Thien Phuoc Orphanage.
With strong support from their teachers, Ms. Ashley and Mr.
Cameron, students organized donation efforts that resulted in enough supplies
to feed 60 children for 6–8 months. Both Aamily and Ngan reflected on the
inspiration they drew from past student leaders and the challenges they
overcame in planning and gathering resources. Their experience highlighted not
only their own growth but also the power of collective action within the ISHCMC
community.
ISHCMC fosters a strong partnership with parents, recognizing
their essential role in student success. The school offers over 60 workshops
annually, presented in multiple languages, to equip parents with the knowledge
and tools needed to effectively support their children's learning. These
workshops create a vital connection between home and school, maximizing each
student's potential.
Beyond academic support, ISHCMC provides opportunities for
parents to connect on a personal level. The Rhino
Academy adult enrichment program offers a variety of classes, including
sports and language courses, fostering friendships and strengthening the school
community. Additionally, ISHCMC prioritizes cultural inclusivity by supporting
parent liaison groups for Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese families. These
groups offer translation services, cultural guidance, and essential support,
ensuring that all families feel welcome and informed.
Parents are actively welcomed into the classroom through
initiatives like Glass Classes, which offer a firsthand look at ISHCMC’s
teaching approach. Recent sessions included visits by Grade 4 and 5 parents to
art and music classes, with upcoming opportunities planned for Grade 3
families, fostering deeper connections between educators and parents. By
fostering open communication, providing educational resources, and cultivating
a welcoming environment, ISHCMC ensures that parents play an integral role in
their children's learning and school experience.
Nurturing
the Disruptors of the 21st Century
Situated in the dynamic heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 2,
a vibrant expatriate hub just minutes from District 1, ISHCMC’s two campuses
are designed to cultivate innovation and collaboration. The school empowers
students to become creators and problem-solvers through state-of-the-art
facilities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking. Film studios, green
screens, and music recording studios provide platforms for students to work
together, share ideas, and bring innovative concepts to life. Additionally, the
makerspace and fabrication lab offer hands-on opportunities for students to
design, build, and test their ideas.
Beyond academics, ISHCMC fosters collaboration and teamwork
through extensive sports amenities. Both campuses feature large swimming pools,
football fields, outdoor courts, gyms, and multi-purpose rooms, encouraging
physical activity and providing spaces for cooperative games and community
events. Understanding that innovation flourishes in a balanced environment, the
school also provides dedicated mindfulness spaces and zen dens for quiet reflection, supporting both individual and
collective well-being.
The Primary campus further emphasizes student-driven
innovation with newly built adventure and early years playgrounds designed by
kindergarten students, featuring in-ground trampolines and tunnels that
encourage imaginative play and collaborative exploration. Classrooms in the
Primary school are also designed to promote active, cooperative learning by
breaking down traditional classroom barriers. Students have the flexibility to
move freely and engage in shared corridor spaces, fostering a dynamic learning
environment where they can learn from one another, build on collective ideas,
and develop the essential collaborative skills needed for success in the 21st
century.
Accredited for
Excellence
ISHCMC’s dual
accreditation by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) reflects its commitment to
providing a high-quality, globally recognized education. This accreditation
ensures that the school meets rigorous international standards, offering
significant benefits to students and families. It enhances university
admissions prospects worldwide, as institutions recognize the credibility and
excellence associated with accredited schools.
Furthermore, accreditation guarantees continuous improvement
and accountability, ensuring that ISHCMC consistently evaluates and enhances
its educational offerings. This commitment to excellence provides students with
a richer learning experience and gives families peace of mind. Additionally,
CIS accreditation places a strong emphasis on international mindedness,
fostering a learning environment where students develop the skills and
perspectives needed to become Active participants in a shared global future.
Envisioning a
Future of Growth
ISHCMC is dedicated to a future of growth,
innovation, and educational excellence, with a focus on several key
initiatives:
Expanding
Academic Pathways and University Success: The school aims to
further enhance the academic opportunities available to students by providing
diverse pathways to higher education. Building on the recent achievement of
securing over $50 million USD in scholarship offers, ISHCMC seeks to achieve an
average of over $1 million USD in scholarships for students applying to funded
programs in the United States, ensuring graduates have access to top-tier
global opportunities.
Strengthening
Technology-richEducation: ISHCMC continues to prioritize subjects such as
robotics and coding, integrating these disciplines throughout the curriculum to
deepen students' understanding and application of critical skills in science,
technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Leading in
Generative AI Integration: The school is committed to empowering students
with the knowledge and skills to effectively use generative AI applications
across the curriculum. ISHCMC emphasizes the responsible and ethical deployment
of this technology, ensuring that students maintain their own voice in research
and creative work. Through its partnership with the Cognita group, the school
remains at the forefront of AI integration, exploring innovative tools such as
Flint AI for application across its global network of schools.
