Supporting students to integrate and develop in an international learning environment

Language barrier is one of the top concerns of students transferring from high school to studying international programs such as IGCSE and A Level. How can they integrate into an environment where learning is mostly in English?

The main language for teaching and communication of international schools is in English. This creates obstacles for many students who have just transferred from the high school program to the international program in absorbing knowledge and integrating in the classroom.

To remove these obstacles, British Vietnamese International School Royal - BVIS Hanoi has built a methodical and comprehensive English learning program throughout all year groups at the high school level.

Immersion programme

At BVIS Hanoi, students who are new to the school and have not yet adapted to the lessons, will be able to participate in the program "Immersive English". Students only take up to 3 months to complete the program and can confidently communicate in English and complete assigned assignments.

Minh Thu, who is currently studying in Year 7 at BVIS Hanoi, shared: "The "English Immersion" program has helped me understand 100% of the lectures and complete the class assignments. gain more confidence to communicate in English outside of the classroom."

Mr. John Hennigan, an expert in Education with more than 10 years of experience in teaching English and currently the Head of EAL for Secondary, said: "The Immersion program is not only focused on helping students make progress in English but also helping them develop cognitive thinking, confidence, relieve stress and encourage learning."

English as an Additional Language

Meanwhile, the 'English as an Additional Language' (EAL) programme designed to help students develop important skills in English from basic to advanced levels. Thereby supporting them to understand and complete various types of exercises in the classroom as well as to take part in international exams.

Mr. John Henigan said, "BVIS Hanoi applies a curriculum developed according to the National Curriculum of the British Ministry of Education, which divides high school classes (ages 12-18) into three learning stages. Exercises corresponding to each different age group:

"At a young age of Middle School (Years 7, 8 and 9) the EAL program will help children build vocabulary for each subject, understand, interpret and communicate English content, enhance their ability to Structure writing skills in English.

In Years 10 and 11, the EAL program is designed to ensure students master all English language skills. Teachers are always helping students who need extra support to keep up with lessons when needed.

In Years 12 and 13, students will practice skills to write in-depth essays such as improving vocabulary by area, analyzing information, practicing academic topics. The aim is for them to get the best scores in the IGCSE and A Level exams."

IELTS Program

For students in Years 12 and 13 who wish to enter international universities that require IELTS test scores, students will receive a special IELTS preparation program that is integrated into the general curriculum as an IELTS test. elective subjects.

Mr. John Hennigan said: "In the IELTS program, in each semester, we will give each student a separate training plan for a skill so that they can clearly see the short-term goals that need to be completed. Fort".

Quang Minh (Year12) shared: "After only 6 months of studying in the special IELTS program, I have improved from 6.0 to 7.5 IELTS in the recent exam. This IELTS score is enough for me to apply for admission at this university. the most prestigious universities in the UK, Australia or the US.

Mr. Tran Dung, a parent of a student in Year13, said: 'When this program was not available, my child had to study IELTS preparation programs at English centers at a cost of tens of millions of dong for each course. . It is convenient that IELTS is designed as an optional subject in the school program, saving time, cost and effort because children do not need to go to other centers outside."