HCMC People's Council Delegate expressed the opinion that during Tet holiday, English is no longer a compulsory subject.

Ho Chi Minh City People's Council delegate Pham Dang Khoa said that many people want to add more Tet holidays so that students and parents can return home to celebrate Tet.

Delegate Pham Dang Khoa - Head of the Department of Education and Training of District 3 - expressed his opinion at the discussion session - Photo: HUU HANH

On the afternoon of December 9, the 20th session of the 10th term of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council entered the group discussion session. Speaking at group 2, delegate Pham Dang Khoa - head of the Department of Education and Training of District 3 - said that voters currently want to increase Tet holidays for students. Many people believe that summer holidays should be reduced and Tet holidays should be increased.

Previously, the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City also proposed that the People's Committee of the City increase the number of holidays from 9 days to 11 days. Specifically, from January 23, 2025 (ie December 24) to February 2, 2025 (ie January 5). This delegate suggested that Ho Chi Minh City study this proposal to create conditions for students and parents to return home for Tet.

At discussion group 1, delegate Nguyen Van Hieu - director of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City - expressed his opinion on removing English from compulsory high school exam subjects from 2025.

Mr. Hieu said that in his role as head of the city's education and training sector, he firmly advised the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to continue compulsory English exams until the Ministry of Education and Training allows the city to make its own decision. This is to ensure stability in teaching and learning.

Currently, 9th grade students taking the 10th grade entrance exam are very confused, people are also very interested in the 10th grade entrance exam and high school graduation.

According to the draft regulations for the 10th grade exam of the Ministry of Education and Training, which is currently soliciting opinions, there are three subjects. Of which, literature and math are determined and one is an optional subject. The Ministry's direction is that if this subject is chosen this year, it must be dropped next year to avoid lopsided learning. For many years now, Ho Chi Minh City has organized entrance exams for 10th grade with three subjects: math, literature, and foreign language.

Regarding English, the Politburo also concluded to gradually make this subject the second language in schools.

"If we don't have the right decisions and policies, there will be no investment in teaching and learning English in schools," said Mr. Hieu.

Also on this issue, delegate Duong Anh Duc - Secretary of District 1 Party Committee - said that in implementing the Central Government's policies, Ho Chi Minh City must be the first locality to make English a second language. Ho Chi Minh City must have its own project on this issue.

According to Mr. Duc, Ho Chi Minh City should proactively ask the Ministry of Education and Training for autonomy in organizing entrance and final exams in a spirit consistent with the development of the education sector and the city's conditions.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/dai-bieu-hdnd-tp-hcm-neu-y-kien-hoc-sinh-nghi-tet-tieng-anh-khong-con-la-mon-thi-bat-buoc-20241209170946117.htm