Early Years & Primary Weekly Updates (13/2 - 17/2)

Dear Parents

On Thursday, BVIS hosted the Hanoi Athletic Conference U11 Volleyball Festival and had an enormous turnout of 22 teams from a variety of international schools within the conference. With close to 200 students from year 5 and 6 hosted across 3 venues it was a busy, yet thoroughly enjoyable experience for competitors and spectators alike. What I really enjoy about these competitions is the atmosphere and environment which is really focused on fun, participation and learning. Whilst there is an element of competition, it is moderated and played much more in the spirit of sportsmanship than gamesmanship, with handshakes, modified rules and second chances the norm. Students are coached and helped by referees, coaches from other teams as well as their own coaches.

With each team getting close to an hour and a half of games the improvements in understanding, game play, technique and tactics develops in front of your eyes. There are precious few opportunities out there where students can get to learn and play at the same time, for so long, in one place. Despite playing for close to three hours all students looked like they wanted more as the event came to a close. With a positive end and new friendships forged, schools, students and staff are very much looking forward to the next event in March, hosted this time by a different HAC member.

I am very pleased to see the opportunities for exercise and play that we are creating for our pupils across the school week at BVIS. Due to their powerful impact on physical and mental development, sports are a key part of our curriculum at BVIS, and they are a great leisure activity too. Through sports children get exercise, develop physical skills, make friends, have fun, learn teamwork, learn to play fair, and improve their self-esteem.

I wish you a fun weekend with your family.

Kind regards

Malcolm Wood
Head of Primary