Vietnamese education faces a new mission: Inspiring and nurturing talent

GD&TĐ - In many schools in Ho Chi Minh City, the inclusion of music, fine arts and traditional art forms in the curriculum has opened up opportunities for students not only to enjoy but also to directly participate in performances.

These experiences help children unleash their creativity, discover their talents and nurture their passion for art from an early age.

Students play the role of artists

Bringing traditional culture and music to students has been a concern of educational institutions in Ho Chi Minh City for many years. In particular, since the implementation of the 2018 General Education Program (school year 2022 - 2023), many schools have invited traditional opera troupes, amateur music groups, music clubs, etc. to perform for students.

These programs are integrated into the subject of Experiential Activities - Career Guidance and Extracurricular Activities. Students not only enjoy performing arts but also have the opportunity to directly participate in acting and performing as real artists on stage.

In February 2025, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School (Xuan Hoa Ward) organized a report on the interdisciplinary project "Continuing the Quintessence" - a project integrating three subjects: Literature, Local Education and Experiential Activities - Career Guidance. At the program, the performances of Cai Luong, Hat Boi, Ho Ly, and Water Puppetry were performed by 10th grade students and artists from the Ho Chi Minh City Hat Boi Art Theater, the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, etc., which were considered a "live show" imbued with traditional art.

According to Ms. Mai Thi Thuy - Literature teacher at Nguyen Thi Minh Khai High School, the project "Continuing the Essence" is an interdisciplinary activity that helps students connect book knowledge with real life. Through this, students can broaden their understanding of traditional art forms such as Cai Luong, Hat Boi, Water Puppetry, Ho Ly... through practical experiences.

“The project brings students closer to traditional art by meeting and interacting with artists, participating in stage performances and learning about the lives of artists. Thanks to that, students not only gain a deeper understanding of traditional art forms but also develop a love for, and awareness of, preserving and conserving these cultural values.

'Continuing the quintessence' also creates conditions for students to practice important skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, planning, applying information technology and practicing art - in line with the orientation of the 2018 General Education Program. This is also an opportunity for students to discover their talents, pursue their passions and go further on the artistic path," Ms. Thuy emphasized.

In the 2024-2025 school year, Nguyen Thai Binh High School (Tan Hoa Ward) coordinated with Lac Long Quan Theater Club - under Tran Huu Trang Theater to organize the program "School Theater" with the theme of introducing songs with folk melodies. The program brought many special performances for teachers and students, contributing to recalling traditional values, imbued with national cultural identity through familiar music genres.

Within the framework of the program, teachers and students of the school enjoyed diverse performances such as songs with Vietnamese folk melodies, songs and stage excerpts about Vietnamese history, plays with folk melodies, etc. At the same time, students also had the opportunity to interact with performing artists.

Ms. Doan Thi Thu Hoai - Principal of Nguyen Thai Binh High School, said that the 2018 General Education Program aims to diversify experiential activities for students through many forms such as innovating learning hours, teaching methods, approaching and introducing traditional art forms... These experiences help students develop their qualities, form their abilities, and make learning hours more attractive.

“Experiential and career-oriented activities not only impart knowledge but also create conditions for teachers to integrate cultural, historical and social content, thereby expanding students' knowledge. Activities such as the school theater program are evidence of innovation in educational methods according to the orientation of the 2018 General Education Program, and at the same time effectively support the work of local history education,” Ms. Hoai shared.

Photo illustration INT.

The effectiveness of art clubs

In addition to regular classes, extracurricular art activities at high schools in Ho Chi Minh City are increasingly developing strongly. Art and music clubs are not only creative playgrounds but also play an important role in nurturing emotions, discovering talents and orienting careers for students who love art.

At Vo Van Kiet High School (Phu Dinh Ward), students have the opportunity to develop their passion through many extracurricular clubs. Among them, the Art Club is a highlight, attracting a large number of art-loving students to participate. With the slogan "Creativity - Emotion - Connection", the club is a gathering place for students who are passionate about colors, lines and creative arts. Here, students are free to express themselves through every stroke, from portraits, landscapes to comics, poster designs, handmade cards...

Ms. Ha Thi Thu Hoa - Art teacher said that every week, club activities are held in the Art room or school yard. Students draw together, learn techniques from instructors and share experiences with each other. The atmosphere is always bustling, full of creative inspiration. In particular, the Art Club is not only a place to learn drawing but also a starting point for community projects and large and small art events in the school such as: painting propaganda posters for Vietnamese Teachers' Day November 20, Youth Union Founding Day, Gratitude and Coming of Age ceremony...

At Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted (An Khanh Ward), club activities are also taking place vigorously. Vice Principal Pham Thanh Yen said that the school currently has more than 22 clubs, of which music and art clubs attract a large number of students who love painting, singing, playing musical instruments such as guitar, piano, drums or composing music. The Board of Directors always creates the best conditions for the clubs to operate effectively.

“The school highly values ​​the role of clubs in training skills, discovering talents and providing career guidance for students. In particular, attractive music programs performed by students themselves have created a professional art learning environment right in the school, thereby orienting students who wish to study at specialized art schools,” Mr. Yen emphasized.

Joining the school's Art Club helps me satisfy my passion and become more confident. Every time I finish a painting, I feel more mature. In particular, participating in the club helps me make more friends and have beautiful memories during my high school years. - Cao Ngoc Hoai Nhu - Student of class 11A13, Vo Van Kiet High School

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/giao-duc-viet-nam-truoc-su-menh-moi-khoi-nguon-cam-hung-nuoi-lon-tai-nang-post750047.html