BIS HCMC IBDP Visual Arts Exhibition 2025
Join us and experience where art, identity, and storytelling come together at our IBDP Visual Arts Exhibition 2025!
How It All Began
The BIS Community Rugby Co-Curricular Activity (CCA), in partnership with Rugby Cung Nhau (Rugby Together), is a powerful collaboration rooted in a shared vision: using sport as a tool to uplift and empower young people. This initiative began in June 2021 when Maurice Nguyen, Founder of BIS HCMC, connected with the Community Service team through our Principal, Anthony Rowlands. The goal was to explore an exciting opportunity — working with former French national rugby player, François Trinh-Duc, to launch a community rugby programme in Vietnam. The first of its kind in the country!
Inspired by his Vietnamese heritage, François' mission is clear: to "Empower Youth through Rugby" by introducing the sport to disadvantaged children, using its core values of teamwork, discipline, and respect to positively impact their lives. With the support of Phil Husband, Director of Sport (at the time), and the BIS team, this vision became reality on 12th March 2023, when the first training session welcomed 23 community children. As Tom Meyer, Lead Coach, and a former Federal 1 French player, reflects: "From our very first training session with that funny-shaped oval ball in March 2023, we’ve been inspired by the dedication of BIS students and staff. It’s been incredible watching the community children grow in confidence, teamwork, and skills. This Rugby Cung Nhau and BIS collaboration is only just beginning — and we can’t wait to expand!"
Growing Stronger Together
Since that first session, the programme has grown significantly. Today, more than 40 children from three community homes in Ho Chi Minh City — Mai âm Ánh Sáng (Sunlight Shelter for Boys), Mai âm Ga Sài Gòn (Saigon Railway Station Shelter for Girls), and the Christina Noble Children's Foundation — are transported to BIS every Sunday morning to take part in rugby training sessions on the Junior Campus sports field.
The sessions are led by Tom Meyer and supported by BIS staff members Gareth Wills (Deputy Headteacher, Welfare & Guidance), Mark Jones (Business & Economics Teacher), Paul Rispin (Senior College & University Guidance Counsellor), Phillip Robinson (Mathematics Teacher), Iain Colley (Director of Sport) and Minh Tran (Community Service Coordinator). Parent volunteers like Drew Duncan (DHL) and dedicated BIS students also play a key role. Together, they not only coach the children in rugby skills but also foster a fun, supportive environment where teamwork, resilience, and mutual respect take centre stage.
Reflecting on the impact of these sessions, Ambre, a Year 12 BIS Student Coach, shares: "As a student coach for the rugby training sessions, I have been the most impacted by witnessing the transformation in the children's confidence. Most of the children were initially pretty hesitant, but over time, not only have they improved significantly in rugby, but they have developed true unity and a sense of camaraderie. I have myself learned that it's not just about teaching rugby but watching them grow as individuals and building these meaningful connections together. I have learnt to be patient and to reinforce positivity in others. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of this collective journey as a community."
For many of the community children, rugby has become much more than just a weekend activity. As Bao Han from Saigon Station Shelter shares: "I truly enjoy coming to BIS every Sunday morning for rugby training. It’s more than just an activity — it’s a chance to meet new friends from other centres and connect with BIS students. I also love practising my English and feel much more confident speaking with people from many nationalities now. Before joining the programme, I had only ever seen rugby in movies — I never thought I’d get the chance to play!"
Additionally, in 2024, BIS HCMC hosted a special presentation to launch Rugby Cung Nhau (Rugby Together), led by former French national rugby player François Trinh-Duc and organised by Tracey Brownrigg, Whole School Community Manager & Co-Curricular Coordinator, and Iain Colley, our current Director of Sport. The event welcomed Principals, Head Teachers, and PE specialists from international schools across Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting the programme’s impact on disadvantaged youth and the active role BIS students play — with Year 12s fulfilling their IBDP CAS requirements and Years 10–11 working towards a Sports Leadership Qualification. The presentation aimed to inspire other schools to adopt this model, expanding the reach of rugby’s positive influence across HCMC and Vietnam more widely
A Shared Vision: Connecting Curriculum and Community
The BIS Community Rugby programme embodies BIS HCMC’s broader commitment to meaningful community service — moving beyond fundraising to emphasise the value of giving time, energy, and expertise. It opens doors for both our students and community partners, creating impactful and transformational learning experiences.
For our BIS students:
Year 12 students fulfil their IBDP CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirements by participating in the programme.
Year 10-11 students can work towards their Sports Leadership Qualification (SLQ), gaining essential leadership skills by mentoring the younger children.
Gareth Wills, Deputy Head Teacher (Welfare & Guidance), highlights the impact of the Community Touch Rugby CCA, saying:
"This programme offers a unique blend of sports coaching, leadership development, and community outreach. It empowers our students to support the growth of grassroots rugby in Vietnam while making a meaningful difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of the HCMC community. It’s a remarkable initiative that not only nurtures sporting skills but also fosters student altruism, creating a ripple effect of positivity and gratitude. Ultimately, it’s a truly worthwhile endeavour for all involved — a project envisioned and launched by François Trinh-Duc in close partnership with BIS."
For community children: The benefits extend far beyond the rugby pitch. Participants develop crucial life skills, including:
Discipline and Commitment: Regular training builds consistency and work ethic.
Resilience and Perseverance: Rugby teaches children to overcome setbacks and push forward — a vital lesson for those facing challenging personal circumstances.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Being part of a team boosts self-belief, especially as children master new skills.
Communication Skills: Practising both English and Vietnamese fosters better interaction and expression.
Respect for Others: Rugby's culture of respect — for teammates, opponents, and coaches — reinforces positive social values.
Inclusion and Friendship: The sense of belonging that comes with being part of a team nurtures strong friendships and a supportive community.
Health and Wellbeing: Physical activity enhances both physical and mental health.
Reflecting on his own growth through the programme, Thai, a Year 12 BIS Student Coach, adds: "The most rewarding part of Community Rugby is seeing the children develop confidence in themselves and in the sport. I've also grown so much, learning to work alongside coaches and deliver the best possible experience for the children."
Looking Ahead
The BIS Community Rugby CCA is more than just a sports initiative — it's a movement. It unites our students and community partners, teaching invaluable skills while reinforcing our belief that sport has the power to transform lives.
We look forward to seeing this programme grow even further, creating lasting impacts for both our students and the wider community. Join us in supporting this incredible journey — together, we are stronger.
Joining BIS HCMC in Foundation Stage 2 (F2) is a fantastic age to begin a lifetime love for learning, encouraged and nurtured by our experienced and committed class and specialist teachers, who personalise learning unique to every child. We look back at what our F2s have experienced in less than one term already at BIS HCMC.
