Secondary School Update (16 June 2023)

Key Dates

• June 20th - 21st: Live Lunch
• June 23rd: Principal's Awards Assembly; school finish at 12:35 p.m.

Pastoral Update

It is with mixed feelings that I write my final newsletter article as Head of Sixth Form. Having been at the school for 10 years, it feels like a huge part of my life and has given me so many opportunities and experiences. I have had great pleasure in teaching so many Maths students here, as well as leading hundreds of young people on the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award expeditions since 2013. Being Head of Sixth Form has been a particular highlight for me, though, and I have been inspired by the attitudes and enthusiasm of all those young people who have passed through BIS Hanoi’s Sixth Form.

Having the very first celebratory Year 13 trip to Minh Chau in Ha Long Bay this year was a major highlight and a wonderful way to spend time with many of the Year 13 students in their final week. Graduation was as touching and salutary an experience as always, and it was also a great time to catch up with siblings of this year's graduates, who themselves remembered their own. Our special guest speaker, Mr. Tran Quoc Hung, was a graduate from our very first Sixth Form in 2016. Building relationships with these young people and, in many cases, their parents over these years has been something I am particularly proud of.

The Year 12 students have continued to shine, in particular through their perseverance, cooperation, and finding ways to maximise the fun they can have. This morning we enjoyed one of many tutor time competitions, and we will see how many more we can squeeze in before the end of term. They have proven to be adept at taking their studies and obligations seriously and yet finding ways to alleviate stress and pressure by bonding together, and I am certain that they will continue to do well as they move into Year 13.

I would like to finish by expressing my sincere gratitude to all of the tutors of the Sixth Form students, past and present, and to wish those who, like me, are moving on from BIS Hanoi as well as those who remain here all the best in their new adventures. In particular, I would like to congratulate Ms. Victoria Embling, who will take over from me as Head of Year 13. The students will find her the best ally and advocate they can have, and there is no one I would prefer to see take over their care.

Learning Showcase

MFL Restaurant Trip

This week, our Year 10 and Year 12 MFL students had the opportunity to visit authentic French and Spanish restaurants in Hanoi, practicing their language and trying French and Spanish food!

Two of our students, Maksym in Year 12 and Vaishanth in Year 10, have shared their experiences with us.

Review of the French trip to Quinza:

Located near the Red River, in Ngoc Thuy, is where you can find the best creperie in Long Bien, Hanoi. Quinza is a small French restaurant that sells a variety of traditional and authentic French food. Their crepes are a must-try, with both sweet and savory options available. The school took us on a school trip to this amazing place to experience the unique flavors of French cuisine and to teach us how to engage in multiple different aspects of a conversation in French. The galletes were amazing and loaded with different types of French cheeses, vegetables, and meat. As for the crepes, they were cooked to perfection and filled with sweet toppings that left us wanting more. Our French teacher also organized language immersion activities, such as playing a few verbal games like "two truths and one lie to pass the time and keep us engaged. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it an excellent spot for dine-in. The restaurant had a beautiful view at the back, showing a strikingly picturesque image depicting the beauty of the Red River. We had a brilliant time practicing our French and eating delicious food!

Vaishanth, Year 10

Review of the Spanish trip to La Salsa:

On Tuesday, June 13th, I attended the trip to the wonderful Spanish restaurant La Salsa in Hanoi. It was a long-awaited trip, and expectations were very high. The welcoming staff were very polite and kind as we were walking inside. Once we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by the chef himself, who showed us the key ingredients that he uses to create his dishes. He and the other waiters were polite and welcoming as well, making my first impression positive. For the first course, we got a piece of bread with garlic as well as a few fruits and seafood. The main dish, paella, contained different kinds of meats, such as chorizo or ribs, rice, and vegetables. It was amazing to try authentic Spanish food, and we would definitely recommend this restaurant. We loved being able to speak to each other in Spanish and hearing what the chef had to say!

Makysm, Year 12 

Year 8 Ceramics

This term, Year 8s has been exploring pre-Columbian ceramics and contemporary ceramic artists who are inspired by the human form. Taking these sources as a starting point, the students designed pots and then learned clay skills, such as wedging, pinching, and coiling, to bring their vessels to life. There are many steps involved in the ceramic process, from the technical skills of building and experimentation through realizing the finished creation by sanding out imperfections and finally applying the glaze. As Bao Han, 8B, shared, "It was enjoyable watching my classmates be so experimental and create completely different pots. The results look very professional".