Mai Thao Linh, Year 12 student: "Developing creative thinking with the A Level Art and Design Programme at BVIS"

For Mai Thao Linh, a Year 12 student at BVIS, the subjects in the Performing Arts programme - Art, Drama, and Music - have always held a special attraction and opened up a world of inspiration for her. 

In the academic year 2022-2023, Thao Linh has made many breakthroughs in her studies, especially in the field of Art, when she won First Prize in the Canvas painting category at the Saigon Literary Competition 2022 and First Prize in the Key Stage 5 group (ages 16-18) at the Photography Competition 2023 organized by the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). With excellent results, achieving A*-A in all subjects in the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams in 2022, Thao Linh is now in her first year of the International A Level programme with three subject choices that fit her next direction: Art and Design, Mathematics, and Business Studies. 

Fond of shapes, lines, and colors, simple shaping and decorating exercises since childhood have helped Thao Linh realize her growing passion for Art and Design, especially in Arts. She believes that works of art are a great tool to convey ideas, express emotions, and have strong connections with those around them. Thao Linh shares, "A unique work of art will captivate viewers, make them feel excited, and stimulate their imagination to reflect more on the message that the author wants to convey." 

Always passionate about finding artistic inspiration from the simple moments of life, Thao Linh captured the warm smile of her grandmother to convey a message about happiness from family bonds. This meaningful artwork helped her achieve the highest rank in the Photography Competition 2023 organized by the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA). 

At BVIS, the A Level Art Studio is one of Thao Linh's favorite creative spaces - where she and her friends, along with Ms. Chloe Wyatt, Subject Leader for Art, spend a lot of time learning, experimenting, and using different techniques and materials such as acrylic, powdered paint, watercolor, etc., to complete practical projects in the program. 

"I really enjoy the A Level Art and Design subject at BVIS. In addition to the engaging content and practical work, the program demands active analysis and in-depth evaluation of artworks, which has helped me gain a better understanding of various artistic styles and trends throughout different periods. My teacher, Ms. Chloe Wyatt, is also very enthusiastic and always encourages me and my classmates to freely express our creativity in the learning process, which has helped me develop my own style," Thao Linh said. 

Thao Linh believes that her experiences with Art and Design, and the modern learning environment at BVIS, have helped her cultivate a creative mindset while developing a dynamic personality, confident in tackling challenges both in her studies and in life.  

"Creative thinking is an important skill that helps us solve problems, find new solutions, and quickly adapt to the many changes in life. However, not everyone has this ability naturally. While studying at BVIS, I feel that my creative thinking is constantly stimulated and developed," said Mai Thao Linh. 

The Art and Design subject that Thao Linh loves is one of the diverse ranges of subject choices in the International A Level programme at BVIS. Students in the A Level programme focus on 3 or 4 subjects based on their interests and personal strengths, closely aligned with their future career development direction. In addition to academic knowledge, the A Level learning process supports students in developing important soft skills such as time management, teamwork, and critical thinking to help them build impressive personal portfolios and be accepted into their dream universities. 

Learn more about the International A Level programme at BVIS: A-Level School in HCMC | BVIS HCMC (nordangliaeducation.com)